lee haney greatest bb ever
lets get a lee thread goin he was and still is the greatest bb ever, won more Mr.O than anybody can anybody say 8!!!!!
alittle something from Shawn Ray good read.
Once in a blue moon, do we have the opportunity to witness Greatness?
I did. Back in 1984, I was graduating high school in Placentia, California. I was barely one year into my bodybuilding “hobby” when a young man from Atlanta Georgia via South Carolina was on his way to capturing his 1st Mr. Olympia title. He was married, grounded, save by the Lord Jesus and on the brink of challenging the “Austrian Oak” Arnold Schwarzenegger’s world record of 7 career Mr. Olympia titles! His name, “Totalee Awesome” Lee Haney!
Lee won the NPC National title in 1982 over a formidable young up-start named Matt Mendenhall to earn his pro card. Next he would go on in his rookie season of 83’ to capture 3rd place in his first ever Mr. Olympia contest. After 1984 would never lose that contest again for 8 consecutive years, to become the Greatest Mr. Olympia EVER! What made his accomplishment so much more impressive than the great Arnold is the fact that he was married to his lovely wife Shirley the entire time and raised 2 kids in the process! Simply amazing was the fact that after his 7th record tying Mr. Olympia, he left the only major sponsor he ever had the Master Blaster himself, Mr. Joe Weider.
Lee, probably one of the least publicized Mr. Olympia Champions ever, would move on the “Greener Pastures $$” with the help of a rival supplement company Twin Labs to fuel his reign as the Greatest, ensuring his 8th Mr. Olympia Title and financial security to boot in 1991 his last contest!
Lee, a good ole southern gentleman, would give you the shirt off his back if you were in his camp. IFBB judge, the famous “Dragon Slayer” Richie Gaspari can attest to that, one of Lee’s old training partners and arch rivals on stage. Ever the consummate professional, Lee built a name and a following for himself not merely by the beauty of his physique but by the kindness of his heart. He inspired me as a 22-year-old rookie in my 1st Olympia in 1988 to do my homework and stay the course. He told my parents that night in Los Angeles, if I hunkered down I had the tools to pick up where he would be leaving off. His compliments not only spurred a new found hunger to get back in the gym and come correct at my next Olympia but he ignited a flame to be better than he was! I came barreling into the 1990 Mr. Olympia drug tested contest in Chicago after I had won and was later stripped of the Arnold Classic title earlier in the year for failing a drug test. I had pressure on me to be sure but I was determined to clear my name, set the record straight and serve notice to the KING that I had arrived!
By the time the dust settled, there were 3 men left and I was one of them. 24 years young and there I stood with the great Lee Haney and “MR. Mass with Class” Lee Labrada. King Lee was slightly off his best, down a few pounds in weight and stood wondering if he could continue the magic, as Labrada and myself pushed him to his limits. Ultimately Haney would continue his reign, hold onto his title and break Arnolds record in the process the following year in Orlando Florida. I would wind up in 3rd place in the Windy City of Chicago, while climbing 10 places from my first appearance in LA. Later in Orlando while witnessing history next to Lee on stage, I was receiving my 5th place medal after a busy year and another Arnold Classic Victory!
I guess in the grand scheme of things, I feel Lee Haney as great as he was, has never been given his due publicity wise. What he accomplished is nothing short of Mark Spitz Olympic Record of Gold Medals, Carl Lewis’ Olympic Domination, 9 Gold plus one Silver for his efforts. Similarities between Rocky Marciano’s 40-0 record as Heavy Weight Champion of the world! What about Edwin Moses winning 109 consecutive 440 Meter Races? Lee is the Michael Jordan of Bodybuilding!
Lee is definitely greater than what our sport has published; I for one recognize what he has accomplished 11 years ago and how important he was to the game.
I salute the Totalee Awsome Lee Haney, for all he has done and for whom he is. Every sport should be so lucky to have such a true warrior and gentleman representing the best qualities that we all strive for. Your efforts have left a lasting impression on all of us, as we can truly appreciate what you accomplished now that the iron game has changed its landscape you are missed even more!
Thank you for your commitment to the sport, as well as to the soldiers you inspired all those years, including me.
