Lee Priest is perhaps one of the most veteran bodybuilding champions, just after the golden era. Competing for the first time at the age of 13 as a bodybuilding champion and winning established his name. But as Priest went on to win several other competitions, leading up to his winning the IFBB Mr. Australia at the ages of 16, 17, 18, and 19, it was his stiff competition with Flex Wheeler that attracted the most attention.
Priest’s long career has not been free of controversy. Even though he defeated Flex Wheeler and Ronnie Coleman, IFBB banned him from playing in the pro league. But what brought an early end to The Blond Myth’s career?
Lee Priest barred from the industry
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Lee Priest recently joined the Muscle and Fitness YouTube page for a short interview where he provided updates about his life and career. After discussing the present scenario of bodybuilding, Priest went on to discuss his one-year ban from the IFBB pro league after competing in a bodybuilding show for Wayne DeMilia. Unfortunately, the time did not last for one year and instead became a lifetime.
After the decision was made, this league became restricted. Because of this, Priest did not believe that he was banned anymore. However, since he has retired from bodybuilding, he does not want to return to do a show, but it is still possible, given his physique that he might make an appearance for guest posing.
Let?s get to know how this ban came about and what he was doing before this incident.
Lee Priest on facing Flex Wheeler and the 2003 Olympia
He started bodybuilding in the 1980s and enjoyed a huge career span of 20 years. Priest was always very active and built a championship physique with amazing conditioning and chiseled muscles. Just at the age of 19 he became a pro and secured several victories, like the 2006 Iron Man Pro and the 2013 NABBA Mr. Universe competition.
The first time Priest competed with Wheeler was in 1997 in Iron Man, and he shared an experience regarding that incident. He said, ?The ?97 Iron Man was funny when I got second to Flex because Shawn was helping Flex backstage. So, Shawn comes over and says ?You?re looking great lee, it?s going to be close between you and my boy Flex.’?
Priest also discussed the 2003 Olympia where he ended up being in the 15th position. This Competition was not on his list, but fortunately, he did end up on stage, and he also shared a story about the same competition in the podcast. However, even after the glorious stages of his career, he did come back once after the ban from the pro league.
Why was Lee Priest banned?
Even when he had a shorter height, Lee Priest could win against big guys, thereby earning the nickname Giant Killer. Before Ronnie Coleman had secured the name of being the best bodybuilder in the world, Lee Priest was the one who beat him. He had started training at a very young age and was already showing signs of having an amazing physique by being a Natural at the time.
Before?he had used any steroids, Priest was already strong and showed incredible discipline in his career and his genetics. However, his honest nature also got him into a lot of trouble with organizations, making him a hot topic in the media.
On a podcast, Priest explained how he believes that there is a lot of production going on in the bodybuilding world. He narrated, “Back then, I had judges who would know competitors personally, you know they train at their gym and stuff, it?s disheartening too if you give your 100% and you know you look your best and the guy who is 80% beach ready, what can I do to be any better because this guy is out of shape and he still wins.”
He also explained that when he gave interviews to magazines and spoke about politics, he would often get suspended and labeled a troublemaker. Priest also gave an example of how favoritism was a part of his career. He said, “Say it was the Iron Man pro show and it?s sponsored by MuscleTech, if there is a Muscle Tech athlete in there who is highly paid, he certainly wins the show.”
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The rise and fall of the Blonde Myth
Since he has retired, the Australian has admitted to having used steroids throughout his 20-year career. However, he has also defended his actions claiming that steroids are painted in a bad way, and they are not as harmful as many might think. This has also garnered criticism from several commentators, as well as Bob Chick.
Winning several shows, using steroids, as well as his reputation of being brutal, honest, and being banned from a pro league has earned him a reputation. But he is also a negative character to many, still appreciated by the bodybuilding industry.
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Watch This Story: 5 WWE Stars who have a bodybuilding Past
There is no doubt about the contribution that Priest has made to the bodybuilding world, joining new fans and generating more conversation. He has aged his name in the industry, both for good and bad reasons, so his legacy will not easily be wiped out.
