Accolades are still piling up for bodybuilding legend Dexter Jackson. In a September 15 post, he announced his induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame. The ceremony takes place on September 26 during the highly anticipated 2026 Mr. Olympia weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jackson made his name in arguably the most competitive era in bodybuilding history. He went up against Men’s Open legends, including Kevin Levrone, Flex Wheeler, Jay Cutler, and Ronnie Coleman. In 2008, Jackson reached the pinnacle of his career and secured the Mr. Olympia title.
His lone Sandow trophy only scratches the surface of what he achieved while competing. “The Blade” brought unparalleled conditioning to the stage, helping him win more Open contests than anyone else in history. He also holds the record for the most Arnold Classic titles earned, with five. Beyond the stage, he continues to serve as a top ambassador for bodybuilding at the highest levels.
Dexter Jackson Will Become 7th Mr. Olympia Inductee in International Sports Hall of Fame
The Instagram post confirmed that he will be honored on September 26 in the Palms Casino Resort Grand Ballroom from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. He joins a group of bodybuilding icons, from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Phil Heath.
“ATTENTION ALL BODYBUILDING FANS. Come see DEXTER JACKSON make bodybuilding history when he gets inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026!”
“Dexter will join former Mr. Olympia greats: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, and Phil Heath to become the 7th Mr. Olympia Inductee!!”
“The Ceremony takes place on Saturday, September 26th, 2026 at the Palms Casino Resort Grand Ballroom from 11:30 – 2pm. The Ceremony is free and Open to the General Public and is held in conjunction with the Olympia Weekend- the most famous fitness event in the world.”
Jackson will share the night with other inductees, all celebrated for their athletic achievements:
“Others joining Dexter in the Class of 2026 will be: Vitomir Maricic – World Champion Free diver, Garry Kasparov- former World Grandmaster Chess Champion, Forrest Griffin- UFC Hall of Famer and the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters Organization- celebrating 100 years of basketball. MARK YOUR CALENDARS BECAUSE THIS WILL BE EPIC,” the statement read.
Bodybuilding veteran Dennis James and fans reacted in the comment section:
“So well deserved. Huge congratulations my brotha. You are truly one of the GOAT 🐐. 💯💪🏽” Dennis James shared.
“Congratulations sir ❤️❤️👏👏👏”
“Awesome and deserved brother”
“The blade so inspirational man 🐐”
Jackson continues to thrive since stepping into retirement. In March, Schwarzenegger honored him with the 2026 Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the sport. The 2026 Mr. Olympia is set for a historic weekend full of entertainment. Don’t miss Jackson’s induction on September 26!
