“I Just Loved Watching Winning”: 7X Mr. Olympia Phil Heath Unveils How He Almost Made a Career in Pro Basketball Through Sheer Will

Phil Heath has created much buzz in the bodybuilding world after securing as many as seven Mr. Olympia titles. A record that equals that of the mighty Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, bodybuilding was certainly not the only sport he had been eyeing all his life. In fact, Heath, who grew up with the NBA players like Nate Robinson, and Jamal Crawford, wanted to play basketball professionally as well.

Heath was known to be an active basketball player in high school. However, after he got rejected in college, he indulged in alcohol as a coping mechanism. Interestingly, the bodybuilder has always known that even though he is short, his hard work might pay off. Let us look at what Heath’s mindset was about basketball.

Phil Heath read books only related to sports

In one of his latest Instagram clips, Heath shared his personal story with sports and had photos of basketball as the background of his video. He talked about how he always watched TV and read books that were solely based on sports and winning. It truly impacted him in a way that helped him build a winning mentality. He said, “I watched TV and I watched sports and I only liked reading books that had to do with sports because it had to do with achievements. I think it was installed back then that I just loved watching winning.”

However, the bodybuilder who wanted to live his NBA dream realized that he was short, but he did not believe that could be an issue. He understood the requirement for working hard and always had the will to break past limitations. Heath reflected, “I also knew that it required a lot of work and growing up, and being short and saying, okay, I still want to be able to touch the net or touch the backboard or touch the rim or slam, I knew that it required work.” 

Meanwhile, the bodybuilder also realized that children might have a difficult childhood like he had which is not ideal for such dreams. Hence he emphasized an important thing that a child needs..

Phil Heath’s troubled childhood

Heath wrote that he never grew up in a safe environment, neither did he have good company as a child. He recalled, “My parents weren’t rich, my stepfather wasn’t the type to hug on me or ask me how I’m doing, my Dad and I didn’t get close until I was a teen.” 

Heath also asked his fandom to keep in mind that every child deserves a “motivating figure” in their lives. Heath is thankful for all those who made his life a little more bearable and positive. “It’s so important to be a positive and motivating figure in a Child’s life! I am so thankful for the Men who inspired me and spoke life into me. I am most thankful to God for giving me the ability to walk through adversity with relentless focus.”

Do you think Phil Heath would have been made a better NBA player than a bodybuilder? Let us know in the comments below.