“Guys Don’t Want To See Women Who Are Too Muscular”: Female Bodybuilding Legend Lenda Murray’s $27,000 Sad Story Finds Mention on Netflix’s “Killer Sally”

Sally McNeil was a professional bodybuilder. She reached the rank of Sergeant while serving in the Marine Corps. In the late 1980s, she was even a recipient of the U.S Armed Services Physique Championship twice. In 1995, Sally was charged with the second-degree murder of her husband, Ray McNeil, a bodybuilding champion, and a 25-year imprisonment. The Netflix documentary series, ‘Killer Sally’ throws light on the history of women in bodybuilding.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, 7 x Mr. Olympia brought on the fitness revolution and everybody wanted to get into shape. It was during that phase that women started hitting the gyms too. Also, women started developing a passion for bodybuilding. Lenda Murray, 8x Ms. Olympia defied the odds to set a benchmark in women’s bodybuilding. In the doc-series, she shared a few facts on the challenges women bodybuilders faced, especially the enormous difference in the pay.

Bodybuilding icon Lenda Murray talks about the pay disparity in Netflix’s ‘Killer Sally’

The 1980s saw the advent of women’s bodybuilding events and about 30 women participated in the U.S Women’s Championship. The one who looked the best and toned emerged as the winner. Lenda, a former bodybuilding champion, recalled that women in the 80s were not that muscular compared to the present-day standards. Gradually, the use of steroids gained momentum, but they hesitated to discuss it openly.

Also, the docu-series discussed the prominence of bodybuilding men. Reportedly, men made more money than women. In the words of eight-time Ms. Olympia winner Lenda Murray, she received $27,000 while her male counterparts received $150,000, which is about five times more than what women received with every title. 

READ MORE: The Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno Was “Ridiculed” by Friends for Pursuing a Shadow Sport Like Bodybuilding in the 60s

Speaking about the poor coverage of the sports, Hugh Malay, a former ESPN sportscaster, commented that the women “didn’t bring the eyeballs to TV.” She continued, “If guys don’t want to see women who are too muscular, look like men, it’s not going to sell.”

Top names in female bodybuilding

Bodybuilding in men is one of the most sought after sport across the world. Although female bodybuilding is not as prominent, a few players have made great strides to popularise the sport among women. Lenda Murray, Kim Chisevsky and Iris Kyle are some of the popular names in the sport. Lenda Murray ruled the sport in the ’90s. She is a recipient of eight Ms Olympia titles, with six consecutive titles between 1990-1995 and two titles in 2002 and 2003. Also, Murray boasted a spectacular physique that was spoken about, even to this date.

Kim Chisevsky dominated the sport with her 16.5 inch biceps, 28” quads and 46” Chest on stage. She won three Ms. Olympia titles between 1996 and 1999. Iris Kyle ( in the picure above), touted as the female version of Ronnie Coleman, is the most successful female bodybuilder ever. Kyle won ten Ms Olympia titles; retired in 2014. Notably, there was a long break after the 2014 Ms Olympia. After a gap of six years, the contest was conducted in 2020. Andrew Shaw won the title, followed by her success in 2021 as well.

Watch This Story – “I Don’t See Nobody Beating Them.” Ronnie Coleman Discusses His Predication for 2022 Mr. Olympia Contest