“I Just Don’t See It’s Fair”: The Day Legend Lee Priest Went Against Mr. Olympia Prizing Criteria to Support Fellow Bodybuilders

Lee Priest is one of those bodybuilders who is known for his splendid physique but is equally popular for his bold statements. In the 2003 Mr. Olympia Press Conference, the Australian bodybuilder did something similar. In a resurfaced YouTube video, Priest was seen standing against the prizing criteria of Mr. Olympia. Moreover, he even offered his help for the same, if needed.

Many will be surprised to know that Priest’s opinions then and now have remained pretty much constant. The IFBB Ironman Pro winner has a thing or two to say about the fairness of the competition. And he reasons it well. 

Lee Priest stood against the unfair prizing distribution among the competitors

Mr. Olympia is the biggest bodybuilding competition in the world. However, if someone like Lee Priest zooms into the competition’s rule book, he can certainly bring out some issues with it. The Australian bodybuilder felt the prizing system of the world’s best bodybuilding competition wasn’t fair. Henceforth, he decided to stand against it and revealed his opinion at the 2003 Mr. Olympia conference.

In the conference, when he was asked about his animosity towards the IFBB and his plans on sharing the prize money. Priest answered, “I don’t have any animosity towards the IFBB at all, but you know this is the Mr. Olympia.” He continued, “The biggest shows obviously in the bodybuilding and the Arnold Classic giving out every prize money to all the competitors and the Jean CD shows he was giving out prize money (to) every competitor.”

Priest added, “So when you have a show like the Olympia where people have to qualify to be here and you have the guy who came 15th-16th training just as hard as me and I get money and he doesn’t, I just don’t see it’s fair. So, if I’m placing in the money, yes, I will give them some of my prize money, sir.”

However, even after two decades since then, Lee Priest continues to stand up to his argument and still asks for the same. What did he say now? Let’s find out.

Lee Priest continues to argue for the bodybuilders who stay out of the prize zones

Earlier this year, Lee Priest was in an interview with Dave Palumbo in an episode of Iron Rage on YouTube. While talking in the video, Priest reiterated his views on the matter. However, this time he had a source from where the organizers can take out money for the bodybuilders who couldn’t secure a place. Priest advised to get rid of the 212 category and instead put money into open bodybuilding. 

In the interview, Priest said, “I say get rid of the 212 class and use that money for the Open, so you can distribute more money in the Open. Get rid of 212, if you’re a good enough bodybuilder, you should be able to stand with the best of the best.” 

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Lee Priest’s argument for the bodybuilding community stays the same even after decades. Whether it is 2003 or 2023, Priest’s nature to stand up for what he believes remains unparalleled. What do you think of Lee Priest’s thought? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

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