8-time IFBB Olympian and Hall of Famer Lee Haney*Photo courtesy of Front Page Photography"TotaLee Awesome" is the phrase that best describes the magnitude of Lee Haney. Lee Haney is Mr. Olympia! Having captured bodybuilding’s most coveted prize for eight consecutive contests, he was the youngest at age 24 to win the title and earn himself a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. He scored two perfect scores in 1986, the first in the sport!Lee has authored two exercise books — Total Lee Awesome and Ultimate Bodybuilding. He has an extensive and impressive list of awards and recognitions — awards from the United States Sports Academy, the International Federation of Bodybuilders, Bellsouth and Coca Cola (Atlanta) Centennial Award (for his work with Haney’s Harvest House) and the prestigious award as Chair of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (during the Clinton Administration). He has most recently received a Lifetime Achievement award from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for his contributions to society as a whole.
Revered among his peers in the fitness and sport arena, Lee has trained and worked with such athletes as Evander Holyfield, Shawn Bradley, Gary Sheffield and Shannon Sharpe, giving him the reputation of “trainer of champions.”
Lee’s latest endeavors include the introduction of his very own nutritional supplement line, “Lee Haney’s Nutritional Support System.” He also holds the title of Director of Bodybuilding Sciences for the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), hosts a top rated television show airing on Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN) station – “TotaLee Fit” (a health and fitness program); and has a recently published book (autobiography of his life) called “Beyond the Pump: A Personal Testimony.”
Lee earned an undergraduate degree in Youth Counseling from Spartanburg Methodist College. He is married to his second-grade sweetheart, Shirley Draper Haney, and they have two children – Joshua and Olympia Haney.
In 1992, Lee and his wife began a non-profit organization called Haney’s Harvest House. The Harvest House serves as a year-round mentoring program for young men; its mission is to help save a generation at risk by teaching character, respect for society and love for oneself.
Lee has been esteemed throughout the world of fitness and sport, but most importantly, he is a man of God –witnessing of God’s power. Lee shares his personal testimony at churches across the United States. Says Lee, "Out of all the things I’ve achieved, this by far is the greatest reward."
IFBBPRO.com: When and where were you born?
Lee: I was born on November 11, 1959 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.
What is your educational background?
I graduated from Broome High School. I then went on to graduate from Spartanburg Methodist College. Both educational institutions are located in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
What is your athletic background?
I played high school football and competed in track and field.
LEE HANEY, Mr. Olympia 1984
*Photo courtesy of Weider Publications
How did you get involved in weight training and competitive bodybuilding?
As a youngster, I fantasized about being Hercules and Samson. When I was 12 years old, my parents bought me a set of weights. At 16, I competed in my first contest. Even though I didn’t place, I was told by several judges that I had great potential. I had fallen in love with the sport of bodybuilding.
Were your parents supportive of your bodybuilding aspirations?
My parents were always supportive of my dream to become a competitive bodybuilder although they didn’t understand how a person could earn a living showing off their muscles. They gave me the freedom to choose for myself what I wanted to be. I think they were as surprised as I when I became a professional bodybuilder and was able to make a living doing what I liked.
Before we get into the specifics of your competitive history, who were your mentors, heroes, individuals you looked up to or people who supported you during your bodybuilding career?
Over the years, I’ve had many mentors in the sport of bodybuilding. There was something about all of them that was unique and special. I can name three that had a direct impact on my success — Robby Robinson (for his physique); Arnold Schwarzenegger (for his charisma and business savvy); and Tom Platz (for his presence on and off the stage). As far as heroes are concerned, I’d have to mention two very special people who played a major role in my career — Jim Manion and Joe Weider. Jim was there guiding me, almost from day one. He helped me chose the right path to the pro ranks and remains a very good friend. Joe Weider gave me the opportunity to live my dream. When I first moved to California to pursue my bodybuilding goals, Joe would spend countless hours helping me work on my poses. Joe also made sure that I made sound decisions, both career-wise and in life.
Do you remember your first bodybuilding contest?
Yes, it was the 1978 AAU Teen Mr. Coastal USA. I placed 4th. This was actually my third bodybuilding contest. I thought I could have placed higher but the posing presentations given by the guys ahead of me were more polished. However, 4th place did motivate me to work harder.
Do you remember how you felt winning your first contest?
That was the 1979 AAU Teen Mr. America. I won the Tall Class and the Overall … a dream come true. Suddenly, I found myself the best teen bodybuilder in the USA. This victory really opened my eyes to the possibilities of what the future might hold in store for me. It was also especially sweet for another reason … I defeated the winner of the 1978 AAU Teen Mr. Coastal USA at which I’d placed 4th.
LEE HANEY, Mr. Olympia 1985
*Photo courtesy of Weider Publications
Over a 14-year period [1978-1991], you competed every year accept 1981. Why?
I had to have surgery on my left wrist. I developed what is known as a Ganglion Cyst. It was also the same year that I opened my first fitness center.
Why did you switch to the NPC in 1982?
In 1982, there was a lot of confusion over the differences between the AAU and the newly formed NPC (National Physique Committee); specifically, over which organization would grant a pro card. I wanted to make sure I was with the right bodybuilding organization. After doing some research, and after speaking with the new NPC president, Mr. Jim Manion, I made the decision to join the NPC. I’m glad I did.
What were your thoughts on winning your class and the overall at the NPC Junior Nationals and then, at the NPC Nationals in ‘82?
Winning the Heavyweight and Overall at the NPC Junior Nationals and also, the Heavyweight and Overall at the NPC Nationals, introduced me to the bodybuilding world in the biggest way possible. These wins propelled the name "Lee Haney" to the top of the amateur ranks in the USA. I felt as though my moment had finally arrived. To be chosen as the best physique in America was quite an achievement and I was elated yet humbled by the experience.
Why did you compete in the World Championships in ‘82 [Brugge, Belgium] instead of taking an IFBB pro card?
As an amateur athlete competing in the IFBB at that time, you could only turn pro through the World Championships. Apart from this, I wanted the experience of standing onstage with the best physiques in the world. I had the time of my life. I had a chance to battle the likes of Gunnar Rosbo and Rolf Moeller [2nd and 3rd respectively in the over 90Kg Heavyweight class].
What are your thoughts on winning the Heavyweight title at the 1982 Worlds? [note: there was no overall from 1976-1995]
To win in any category at this event, the most prestigious amateur bodybuilding contest in the world, meant that you had been judged among the most elite bodybuilders in the world. I recall standing onstage in complete awe; thinking of where I had come from and thanking God for the privilege of just being there.
LEE HANEY, Mr. Olympia 1986
*Photo courtesy of Weider Publications
What was it like winning your first IFBB pro show in 1983? [Grand Prix Las Vegas]
Winning my first professional show so soon after winning the amateur Worlds was very encouraging. I had no doubt made a big impact in the world of amateur bodybuilding. But, the question was, could I do the same in the professional ranks. This was especially true as I found myself standing onstage with legends like John Terilli, Albert Beckles, Greg DeFerro, Bob Birdsong, Tony Pearson, Bill Grant, Mohamed Makkawy, Johnny Fuller and Tim Belknap. After winning the ‘83 Grand Prix in Vegas, I felt I was on my way.
How important to you was winning the 1983 Night of Champions?
This win was very special to me for two reasons. First, it took place a week after Shirley and I were married. Second, the IFBB’s "Night of Champions" was extremely popular; all the bodybuilding legends that I had watched compete over the years had won the NOC.
You placed 3rd in the 1983 Mr. Olympia, behind Samir Bannout and Mohamed Makkawy. How did you feel about your first Olympia?
I was a bit disappointed at not having won. Nonetheless, I was encouraged by my 3rd-place finish. I was also given some valuable tips by Arnold Schwarzenegger at the after-party, which had a big impact on my winning the following year. Arnold said that my physique was very good. However, my posing presentation needed polishing. A few weeks later, he introduced me to his ballet coach. From that point on, I made sure my posing was well-crafted, especially when competing against such legends like Bannout and Makkawy. The ‘83 Olympia was definitely an eye-opener for me and a growth period.
LEE HANEY, Mr. Olympia 1987
*Photo courtesy of Weider Publications
In 1984, you won your first of eight Mr. Olympia contests, beating out Bannout (6th) and Makkawy (2nd).
I was totally blown away by the fact that I had arrived so soon at the pinnacle of our sport. To defeat the same legends I had read about in Muscle & Fitness and FLEX magazines was a miracle. To win the greatest bodybuilding title in the world, on my second attempt, was incredible. As I stood onstage, having my hands raised in victory, I knelt down to give thanks to God for answering a prayer that I had prayed when I was 17 years old. It went like this, "Lord, if you see fit to make me the best at this sport that I love so much, I’ll go before the world and give you all the praise and glory for it." This is the reason why I try to show love to all of my fans around the world by using my gift of bodybuilding to impact the lives of people everywhere. It’s amazing what God can do with a prayer prayed earnestly.
From ‘84 to ‘88, you dominated the Olympia. In ‘89, many said you fought off a tough challenge from Lee Labrada and Vince Taylor. What are your thoughts on this?
I’ve never taken any of my competition for granted. I felt that either of these champions could dethrone me on any given day. However, I also felt that my combination of height, symmetry, size and presentation was enough to keep me ahead. It did, although it was perhaps a little too close for comfort at times.
The 1990 Mr. O appeared even tougher, as you were behind after the first two rounds, rallying at the posing and posedown and narrowly defeating challengers Lee Labrada and Shawn Ray. Your thoughts on this?
Being on top for so long and trying to present a better package from year to year is a hard thing to do. The science of training and nutrition is forever evolving and so was the level of competition. Labrada and Ray were awesome competitors and were hungry for my title. However, I still maintained that the combination of size, symmetry and presentation would always win. There hasn’t been anyone that could match the size and stage presence as well as Arnold did. I felt I had, in some way, accomplished that while also having a family at the same time.
LEE HANEY, Mr. Olympia 1988
*Photo courtesy of Weider Publications
You beat Dorian Yates in 1991 to break Arnold’s record and capture your 8th Sandow. How did this feel?
Prior to the ‘91 Olympia, there had been a lot of talk about this monstrous guy from Great Britain named Dorian Yates who possessed size and height. I used this as a catalyst to take my physique to new heights. My training and nutritional approach was re-evaluated time and time again for any flaws or miscalculations. I knew that Dorian was different that any other competitor whom I had faced in the past. He had size, height and good symmetry.
You retired after this. Why?
There is such a thing as staying too long. I felt it was time to market my success in other areas of business.
How did you handle your retirement from competitive bodybuilding?
I immediately got busy with the rest of my life; setting new goals and establishing another career. I became a motivational speaker, operated four fitness centers, hosted my own exercise show on ESPN, Sports South and Trinity Broadcast Network. I also became a trainer to elite pro athletes such as Evander Holyfield, Gary Sheffield and Shannon Sharpe, to name a few.
In 1992, you started Harvest House. Why, and what were your goals?
I had a desire to create a place where other "men of substance" could mentor young men. There was such a void in minority communities, particularly in single-parent homes without a father figure. The goal was to teach young men life skill principals that would take them into adulthood.
How has Harvest House progressed over these past 16 years?
Harvest House and its mentoring programs have set the standard for other similar programs and is a model for like-minded organizations the world over.
LEE HANEY, Mr. Olympia 1989*Photo courtesy of Weider Publications
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