Skip to main content

Lee Haney Explains Why He Retired Undefeated After 8 Olympia Titles: “There’s Nowhere Else To Go But Down”

Lee Haney crafted a dynasty at the top of bodybuilding in the 1980s. To this day, the superstar’s eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles (1984-1991) are only matched by fellow fitness legend Ronnie Coleman (1998-2005). Theoretically, Haney, who retired in his early 30s, could’ve vied for more Olympia victories. Instead, he stepped down after 1991.

On Mar. 29, 2023, during a YouTube episode of The Lee Labrada Show, Haney joined the eponymous host to discuss the exploits of his career. Labrada, who was a two-time runner-up to Haney’s title (1989-1990) is likely an ideal candidate to help Haney examine his career in hindsight. The most notable tidbit might have been the icon explaining why he didn’t pursue more Olympia greatness after establishing himself as unprecedented royalty.

YouTube Video

More from Breaking Muscle:

Like some elite bodybuilders, Haney described the pressure of maintaining his grip on the sport. From training to a mental battle, Haney said he successfully navigated rough waters for years. He made it clear he didn’t want to continue making such a sacrifice as he weighed his options after his 1991 Olympia triumph.

Part of Haney’s rationale was also about the idea of staying on top and being remembered on top.

“When we’re on top, there’s nowhere else to go but down,” Haney explained of his early decision to retire from bodybuilding. “So, the pressure of how do I stay here? What can I do different to bring a better package? All those things run through your mind and, if you don’t keep it together, that can really create a lot of stress.”

At the same time, while Haney was exceptional, he made clear he didn’t love bodybuilding per se. For a little while, he just had an impeccable dedication to his craft.

“I looked at bodybuilding in such a way that it’s my job,” Haney continued. “I didn’t worship the craft although I wanted to be the best at it. It wasn’t the end of the world as the way I looked at it.”

Ultimately, the 63-year-old Haney clarified that he almost considered retiring after his seventh Olympia victory in 1990. Though, that exit would’ve left the superstar merely tied with Arnold Schwarzenegger for Olympia wins. It took encouragement from Haney’s wife Shirley to keep pushing before he hung up his posing trunks.

The rest was literal bodybuilding history, as Haney would take his eighth consecutive win in 1991 for the Olympia record. The record would remain untouched until Ronnie Coleman’s record-tying eighth title in 2005.

“When I got to the seventh [Olympia win], I thought to myself, seven is a record,” Haney started. “Arnold [Schwarzenegger] didn’t do seven [Olympias] in a row but he did do overall. I had a conversation with Shirley, and she was like, ‘What are you talking about, quit? You gotta do eight. What’s the matter with you?’”

More from Breaking Muscle:

These days, Haney appears to be basking in his retirement. Over three decades since he last stepped on stage, the living legen doesn’t seem to have any reservations about his decision.

Not that he ever did.

“I never regretted having not competed again. As a matter of fact, I never gave it another thought.”

Featured image: @lee_haney_official on Instagram

The post Lee Haney Explains Why He Retired Undefeated After 8 Olympia Titles: “There’s Nowhere Else To Go But Down” appeared first on Breaking Muscle.



from Breaking Muscle https://ift.tt/mYjMcUL
via IFTTT
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mitchell Hooper Squats 525 Pounds for 24 Reps, Surpasses Tom Platz’s Previous “Record”

Mitchell Hooper is likely best known for his recent run of strongman dominance, culminating with his first-ever World’s Strongest Man (WSM) victory during the 2023 iteration in April. However, the Canadian athlete prides himself as an all-around strength dynamo, working on his conditioning and dispensing some of his first-hand training knowledge seemingly whenever he can. The superstar’s latest feat in the gym is a lesser-known but legendary milestone to capture. On May 23, 2023, Hooper shared an Instagram clip of himself squatting 238.1 kilograms (525 pounds) for 24 reps . The strength mark was an AMRAP (As Many Reps As Possible) performance and officially surpasses the legendary 1980 Mr. Universe Tom Platz — who set the initial standard with this achievement with 23 reps of 525 pounds in 1992 during the “Great American Squat-Off.” Hooper notches a good depth into “the hole” on each of his repetitions and donned a lifting belt and knee sleeves during the squat set. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Do the Inverted Row — Benefits, Variations, and More

Bodyweight exercises are often shunned by “hardcore” gym-goers who only deem worthy exercises when you lift heaps of hard-cast iron. Yet they forget that bodyweight movements can be very beneficial, and even humbling. Some would argue that being able to lift a proverbial ton isn’t very worthy if you can’t lift yourself and master your own body weight. When it comes to training your back, pull-ups aren’t your only option. The inverted row — sometimes jokingly called the Australian pull-up because your body is “down under” the bar — targets your back, shoulders, and biceps. Credit: MDV Edwards / Shutterstock The inverted row is highly effective because it provides benefits to beginners and experienced lifters alike, improving pulling strength, back muscle size, and whole-body stability and coordination. Here’s how to perform a perfect inverted row, along with everything you need to know about this powerful and overlooked exercise. How to Do the Inverted Row Inverted Row Mistakes ...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Do the Incline Dumbbell Bench Press for Upper Pec Muscle and Pressing Strength

Developing a strong pressing movement is pretty standard advice for any lifter looking to make big gains in upper body development. The incline dumbbell bench press, in particular, will add some spice to your chest workout by using a new angle of attack to bring some unique perks. Credit: MDV Edwards / Shutterstock Between the dumbbells, inclined body position, and some clever programming choices, you’ll set the stage for some long-term progress in size and strength. Here’s why this chest exercise should be a staple for sculpting your upper body. Incline Dumbbell Bench Press How to Do the Incline Dumbbell Bench Press Incline Dumbbell Bench Press Mistakes to Avoid How to Progress the Incline Dumbbell Bench Press Benefits of the Incline Dumbbell Bench Press Muscles Worked by the Incline Dumbbell Bench Press How to Program the Incline Dumbbell Bench Press Incline Dumbbell Bench Press Variations Frequently Asked Questions How to Do the Incline Dumbbell Bench Press St...
Post a Comment
Read more