Lee Priest is one of the most famous IFBB veterans, known for his incredible genetics, especially his incredible arms. He is now retired, but his career has lasted for almost three decades through the 80s, 90s and the early 2000s.
During that time he placed in top 10 at the Mr. Olympia and he has a few IFBB titles under his belt such as the Australian IFBB championships, 2006 IFBB Ironman Pro and 2006 Night of Champions New York, competing against legendary names like Ronnie Coleman, Flex Wheeler and Kevin Levrone.
Over the last few years Priest went through a few health issues, including a neck injury he got in a car accident as well as a heart infection. Although he was trying to stay active, his shape deteriorated over this period.
However, during the last few months it looks like he seriously devoted himself to training and nutrition and has built back, what looks like, a pretty solid shape again.
People started asking questions if he maybe plans on competing again. But Lee Priest shut down any rumors of a return to Masters Olympia anytime soon during an interview he had.
Masters Olympia was created by Joe Weider in 1994 to accommodate older bodybuilders who still wanted to compete in the sport. The show ran from 1994 to 2003, and again in 2012. The latest event in 2012 was won by former Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson.
This year in February, it was made clear that Masters Olympia will surely return by 2023.
When asked about returning to the stage, Lee said that he has never ruled out that decision, but at the moment he has no plans on competing at the Masters Olympia.
“No. Not really. Lee Priest explained. Yeah, but I still have the chest. I never rule it out but at the moment, no. Well, if they made it 50 and over sure, but that’s not at the tune they are talking about.
For some people, because some of the pros now are older, some of them are at the age where they can do the Masters and then still compete in the Mr. Olympia. So, there has to be.
They are talking about maybe 50 and over, and maybe you haven’t competed in maybe the past four or five years.”
Lee Priest continues to explain how may competitors in Pro shows are ages 40-45. If this is the case, it would not make sense for them to compete in Masters Olympia right after placing high in a professional show.
“I don’t know, just being over 45 maybe. Which a lot of guys here in the Olympia and other pro shows are over 45. So, yeah. At least 50 and over and haven’t competed for maybe a certain number of years.
Say you did the Mr. Olympia last year and placed fifth or second, but you’re old enough to do the Masters. Then, what’s the point?”
Lee Priest has not completely decided on his plans long term, but for the next Masters, it looks like he is certain. It would certainly be an interesting sight to see Lee Priest back in top shape on stage.
