LOOKING BACK: Lee Haney dominates the 1982 IFBB World Championships.
Today, we go way back to 1982, when Lee Haney dominated the heavyweight class at the 1982 IFBB World Amateur Championships (Mr. Universe).
After Lee Haney became the first-ever NPC National champion in 1982, he traveled to Europe to compete at the World Championships and win the heavyweight class, sending the message that he was a true world champion.
This is something that’s not done today. And similar to boxing… Haney unified his world championship status, and earned his IFBB Pro card.
Lee Haney would make his pro debut at the 1983 IFBB World Pro Championships, where he would finish third.
Just a few weeks later, Haney would win his first professional event at the 1983 Night of Champions, defeating the best bodybuilders in the world.
Lee Haney would finish third at his Mr. Olympia debut in 1983, to the Lion of Lebanon, Samir Bannout.
Leading up to the 1983 Mr. Olympia, Lee Haney was the young star that the bodybuilding world was buzzing about, but after his third-place finish, Lee Haney said that he lost 10 pounds, and that was one of the main reasons he was not at his best.
Just two years later, Lee Haney would dominate the 1984 Mr. Olympia, to win the title for eight consecutive years and retire unbeaten.
It was one of the best and most successful careers in bodybuilding history.
Till today, Lee Haney is one of the most respected athletes in the bodybuilding world. Haney has grasped his popularity and used it to give back to the community, inspiring millions and helping whoever was around him.
After his retirement, Lee Haney has coached several high-profile athletes, such as World Boxing Champion Evander Holyfield, he has organized several training camps and contributed back to society.
Haney is a perfect example of what an athlete should be on and off the stage.
1982 IFBB World Amateur Championships – Heavy Weight Top 6
1. Lee Haney (United States)
2. Gunnar Rosbo (Norway)
3 Ralf Moeller (West Germany)
4. Alois Pek (Czechoslovakia)
5. Andre’ Maille (Canada)
6. Bill Tierney (United Kingdom)
Full Results – Click HERE
Official Website – leehaney.com
Lee Haney’s Competition History
1978
Mr Coastal USA – AAU, Teen, 4th
1979
Mr Coastal USA – AAU, Teen, 4th
Teen Mr America – AAU, Overall Winner
Teen Mr America – AAU, Tall, 1st
1980
Mr USA – AAU, HeavyWeight, 4th
1982
Junior Nationals – NPC, Overall Winner
Junior Nationals – NPC, HeavyWeight, 1st
Nationals – NPC, Overall Winner
Nationals – NPC, HeavyWeight, 1st
World Amateur Championships – IFBB, HeavyWeight, 1st
1983
Grand Prix England – IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Las Vegas – IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix Sweden – IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Switzerland – IFBB, 3rd
Night of Champions – IFBB, Winner
Olympia – IFBB, 3rd
World Pro Championships – IFBB, 3rd
1984
Olympia – IFBB, Winner
1985
Olympia – IFBB, Winner
1986
Olympia – IFBB, Winner
1987
Grand Prix Germany – IFBB, Winner
Olympia – IFBB, Winner
1988
Olympia – IFBB, Winner
1989
Olympia – IFBB, Winner
1990
Olympia – IFBB, Winner
1991
Olympia – IFBB, Winner
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