Eight-time “Mr. Olympia” Lee Haney is concerned about the rising mortality rate in bodybuilding over the past few years, with athletes dying at a young age. The legend insists that the sport needs to return to old-school standards, where judging was based on symmetry, muscularity, and posing. Reflecting on modern bodybuilding, Haney points out that athletes are stepping on stage too dry and dehydrated, which can lead to kidney failure or even heart attacks.
“Old-school bodybuilding emphasized symmetry, muscularity, and posing. Points were awarded in all three categories. The most shredded glutes or bone-dry physiques were not the deciding factors. The current state of bodybuilding is in jeopardy due to recent events. The number of early deaths in bodybuilding is increasing. It’s sad that young, promising bodybuilders don’t see the difference because judging criteria have changed. The foundations of our sport need to be revisited. This will restore its beauty. We must bring back the old judging rounds and implement rules for safe competition when evaluating athletes,” Haney explained. He noted that old-school bodybuilders are still alive and well, even in their seventies and eighties. “As an 8-time ‘Mr. Olympia,’ I will do everything I can to protect the sport and my Brothers and Sisters of Iron,” he added.
Haney shared a photo of the late Cedric McMillan, saying that McMillan had the potential to become one of the greatest bodybuilders, but unfortunately, the judges saw things differently and gave the green light to mass monsters. Lee stresses that athletes shouldn’t keep dying or damaging their health by abusing stimulants or extreme diets. Bodybuilding should be a healthy sport, not a death sentence.
