If there is one thing you should know about bodybuilding, it is that Phil Heath is one of the greatest to ever do it. However things were not always that easy for him, as he showed recently by looking back on his incredible transformation.
With a whopping seven Mr. Olympia titles under his belt, Heath is undoubtedly one of the best bodybuilders of all time. His reign over the sport is massively iconic, and has been the subject of more than one documentary.
While the future of Phil’s career is a little uncertain right now, it is clear that he is still a big fan of the sport. Even though he did not accomplish what he wanted from his return last year, he did receive the respect and admiration of those watching around the world.
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However, this was not always the life that Phil Heath had. He had to work hard to build the enormous physique that would earn him multiple titles and the status as one of the greatest of all time.
Recently, he decided to look back on this transformation, with an inspirational post to his Instagram. Here, he reminisced about going from an 18-year old kid in high school, all the way until his first defense of the Mr. Olympia title.
The left pic:
Age 18.
Location – The Kingdome in Seattle, Wa
Date: March 1998
Event: HS State Championship
Weight 155lbs
Pic on the right.
Age: 32
Location: Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Date: September 2012
Event: Mr Olympia
Weight: 236lbs” Heath explained.“These two images share a ton of meaning. The first pic shows a kid, full of ambition, desire and passion! He was the kid who could hit the open 3, but loved defense so much that he took a charge leading to 5 stitches over his right eye during the last minutes of the game. He did come back after swapping jerseys due to the blood spewing out, hitting a free throw and grabbed a key rebound to help win. Final score, Rainier Beach 44 and OLYMPIA high school 40!
“The pic on the right was a Man who just filmed his first documentary, nervous as all hell as he was defending his title for the 1st time. He was fueled with energy, yet some heavy anxiety due to not being in that champion position before. He managed to use the grit, the passion and aggressiveness shown on the bball court into a sport that didnt really understand but knew that he was in his perfect place. Hearing the roar from the crowd, has always made him happy but it was until he was at peace with himself that he accepted his role as a champion. He won that show, which provided him more confidence yet humility knowing that he competed against some of the most talented men on earth who gave it their all,” Heath continued.
“Two pics, two different worlds. The boy on the left created the man on the right. They both share the same DNA, always wanting to perform at the highest level possible.
I am proud of this particular #fbf because I can now appreciate after all these years just who these two people are. Reflecting on their journeys filled with many ups and downs but also celebrating their triumphant moments. I hope you all can reflect on your journey and celebrate even the smallest victories as they can provide you some great encouragement while dealing with new levels of adversity. The obstacles give you an opportunity to explore a new version of self, a person full of perseverance and appreciation for life. Enjoy your weekend.
Love to All!
It is insane to see the product of all the hard work that Phil Heath put in over the years. Even if we never saw him compete again, there is no way to downplay the inspiration that he has been in the sport.
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