Bodybuilding has a long history. Joe Weider held the first Mr. Olympia competition in 1965. Since then, the titular bodybuilding contest has become the most prestigious contest in the sport. Bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger brought the sport to the mainstream. However, with the increase in competition, bodybuilders have constantly pushed their physical limits.

Today, Big Ramy competes on stage at over 320 lbs while standing under 6 Ft tall, the heaviest Mr. Olympia in history. However, intense competition has also challenged the mental resilience of competitors. Like elite Olympic athletes Michael Phelps and Simone Biles, legendary bodybuilders are discussing the mental strain of competing and feeling depressed.

Bodybuilding legends pitch in on the depression issue

During the latest podcast of Old School Labs, bodybuilding legends and co-hosts Samir Bannout and John Hansen gave their views on bodybuilders facing depression. Host Nick Trigili said that many young bodybuilders, and other athletes, have spoken up about going through depression. “After they’re done competing... They have no motivation, they’re depressed,” said Nick.

Nick asked for his co-hosts’ opinions, and John Hansen weighed in. “You put so much effort into one day, and then that day is over with. It’s anti-climatic and after it’s over you have a feeling of depression,” said the Natural Mr. Olympia winner. “Even if you win, it’s just boom, it’s over.” said the three-time Natural Mr. Universe. However, Hansen said bodybuilders in the past also felt depressed.

“I think even Mike Mentzer mentioned… like after he won the Mr. America, it was so anti-climactic. I think he talked to Boyer Coe. Coe said the same thing. So guys were feeling the same way back then too,” said Hansen. 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout weighed in too. While he didn’t feel depressed after winning Mr. Olympia, he said hormones could play a role too.

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However, the former Mr. Olympia mentioned the necessity of understanding “how to withdraw” from the competition mindset after a show. Samir said that the “rebound” phase after a competition could affect someone mentally. The former champion also recalled he drank 20 bottles of wine after a show when he hadn’t learned how to handle the rebound.

Mental health issues plaguing young Olympians

Today Olympic gold medalists are speaking out about the pressures of competing at the pinnacle of their sport. 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps has spoken about the issue since 2016. Recently, elite gymnasts like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and others have also revealed battling with anxiety after winning gold at the Olympics.

Some athletes like Biles and snowboarder Chloe Kim have taken a break from their sport for mental health issues.

Watch this story – Arnold Schwarzenegger and Other Athletes Who Suffered From Depression and Anxiety

While mental health issues are receiving more attention, many athletes like Michael Phelps feel it’s not enough.