Bodybuilding icon Phil Heath poured his heart out in a touching tribute to his late father on the solemn occasion of the tenth anniversary of his passing. Heath reminisced about the cherished memories he shared with his father, highlighting their special bond and the profound impact his father had on his life.

In a heart-wrenching Instagram post, Heath wrote a lengthy caption that began with, “10 years since you’ve ascending into Heaven Dad!” Heath recalled the pride his father exuded when he won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title for the first time in 2011.

Despite not seeing each other daily during his upbringing, Heath emphasized the unwavering love and support he always felt from his father. “Those birthday dinners, baseball games, trips to the movies, and even fishing will forever be something I cherish,” Heath reminisced each memory that became a treasured part of his journey.

As Heath navigates the pain of his loss, he finds solace in the memories and the legacy his father left behind. “I am grateful for everything you have done for me and know that Brandon & I love you so so much. We will continue to honor you along with Versia (my Stepmom) as I’m sure she’s up there with you dancing and watching you be the most dapper, charming, handsome man around haha,” said Heath.

Continuing to express his feelings, he wrote further, “I love you and miss you daily and I cannot lie, this day hurts, however is a reminder of why I push myself so much…because YOU DID until you last dying breath!!!”

Expressing gratitude for his father’s influence, Heath acknowledged the profound impact his father had on shaping his competitive spirit. Heath’s relentless drive and determination stem from his father‘s example of resilience and tenacity, evident even in his final days when he defied expectations with strength and courage.

Phil Heath finds courage and determination from his father

However, it wasn’t just the past that Heath held dear; he also found solace in the signs of his father’s presence in his dreams and fleeting moments that resembled his father. The ‘Gift’ saw these occurrences not as strange but as divine reminders of his father’s enduring love—a gift that transcended the boundaries of life and death.

The 43-year-old reaffirmed his love and longing for his father, acknowledging the bittersweet reminder of why he pushes himself so relentlessly. With James Brown’s iconic anthem “Watch me!!! I got it!!!!” as his soundtrack for the day, Heath pays homage to his father’s indomitable spirit and unwavering belief in the power of perseverance.

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