Lee Haney Explains Why He Retired Undefeated After 8 Olympia Titles: "There's Nowhere Else To Go However Down"

Haney was on high of the game. He wished to be remembered on high.

Written by Robert Zeglinski Final up to date on March 30, 2023

Lee Haney crafted a dynasty on the high of bodybuilding within the Eighties. To this present day, the famous person’s eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles (1984-1991) are solely matched by fellow health legend Ronnie Coleman (1998-2005). Theoretically, Haney, who retired in his early 30s, might’ve vied for extra Olympia victories. As an alternative, he stepped down after 1991.

On Mar. 29, 2023, throughout a YouTube episode of The Lee Labrada Present, Haney joined the eponymous host to debate the exploits of his profession. Labrada, who was a two-time runner-up to Haney’s title (1989-1990) is probably going a perfect candidate to assist Haney study his profession in hindsight. Essentially the most notable tidbit might need been the icon explaining why he didn’t pursue extra Olympia greatness after establishing himself as unprecedented royalty.

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Like some elite bodybuilders, Haney described the strain of sustaining his grip on the game. From training to a psychological battle, Haney stated he efficiently navigated tough waters for years. He made it clear he didn’t need to proceed making such a sacrifice as he weighed his choices after his 1991 Olympia triumph.

A part of Haney’s rationale was additionally concerning the thought of staying on high and being remembered on high.

“After we’re on high, there’s nowhere else to go however down,” Haney defined of his early resolution to retire from bodybuilding. “So, the strain of how do I keep right here? What can I do totally different to convey a greater bundle? All these issues run by way of your thoughts and, in the event you don’t preserve it collectively, that may actually create plenty of stress.”

On the similar time, whereas Haney was distinctive, he made clear he didn’t love bodybuilding per se. For a short while, he simply had an impeccable dedication to his craft.

“I checked out bodybuilding in such a manner that it’s my job,” Haney continued. “I didn’t worship the craft though I wished to be one of the best at it. It wasn’t the tip of the world as the way in which I checked out it.”

In the end, the 63-year-old Haney clarified that he virtually thought-about retiring after his seventh Olympia victory in 1990. Although, that exit would’ve left the famous person merely tied with Arnold Schwarzenegger for Olympia wins. It took encouragement from Haney’s spouse Shirley to maintain pushing earlier than he hung up his posing trunks.

The remainder was literal bodybuilding historical past, as Haney would take his eighth consecutive win in 1991 for the Olympia file. The file would stay untouched till Ronnie Coleman’s record-tying eighth title in 2005.

“Once I bought to the seventh [Olympia win], I assumed to myself, seven is a file,” Haney began. “Arnold [Schwarzenegger] didn’t do seven [Olympias] in a row however he did do total. I had a dialog with Shirley, and she or he was like, ‘What are you speaking about, stop? You gotta do eight. What’s the matter with you?’”

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Nowadays, Haney seems to be basking in his retirement. Over three many years since he final stepped on stage, the dwelling legen doesn’t appear to have any reservations about his resolution.

Not that he ever did.