Bodybuilding icon Phil Heath dominated the Men’s Open stage during his run at the top from 2011-2017. The seven-time Mr. Olympia champion stepped away from professional competition years ago but remains in love with fitness and training. In a recent Instagram post, Heath shut down rumors of his anticipated comeback this year and revealed he’s tipping the scales at 255 pounds.
Phil Heath grew up playing sports at a young age. He explored his interest in basketball before switching over to professional bodybuilding in the mid-2000s. He made waves across the community after placing runner-up to fellow legend Dexter Jackson at the 2008 Arnold Classic and took third in his Olympia debut the same year. In 2011, Heath dethroned four-time winner Jay Cutler to secure his maiden Sandow trophy. He established himself as a commanding champion, defending the title successfully six times in a row.
Earlier this year, Heath hinted at the possibility of making a comeback. He seemed interested in the prospect but added the caveat that he would need to test his body in a prep before committing to anything concrete. ‘The Gift’ teamed up with bodybuilder Regan Grimes for a training session a few months ago. Heath looked massive in the workout update, which led fans to wonder again about a possible comeback.
Heath possessed some of the best shoulders of all time with 3D muscularity. He opened up about his experiences using steroids as a competitor as well. Heath managed to win shows without pushing gear too hard and focused on maximizing muscle stimulation instead of focusing on heavy weights.
As of late, Phil Heath showed off his significantly leaner midsection in an update. He started incorporating cold plunge routines and laid out the benefits he reaped from the new practice. Three months ago, Heath gave fans a look into one of his favorite injectable stacks that he utilized with TRT.
As one of the most recognizable names in the industry, Heath indicated that prize money of $1 million could potentially lure him out of retirement. Jay Cutler has also mentioned the idea of returning to a competition for $1 million.
Phil Heath won’t make a comeback in 2023
Phil Heath ruled out a return to competition this year. He revealed he weighed 255 pounds and feels more confident than ever about his physique post-retirement.
“Everyone’s dying to know if yours truly will grace the bodybuilding stage,” said Heath. “Once again, not this year. But this summer I do plan on looking as if I am doing one if that makes anyone happy, just going to let nature takes its course. I’m sitting around 255 pounds right now. I’ve been a lot leaner and I feel like everything has been working really well.” shared Heath.
Phil Heath gave his breakdown of the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia last month. He picked reigning champion Hadi Choopan to retain the title while recognizing the danger presented by top contenders Nick Walker, Derek Lunsford, and Samson Dauda.
RELATED: Jay Cutler ‘Pushing’ Phil Heath to Return at 2023 Mr. Olympia: ‘He Could Do Some Damage’
Some fans might be disappointed by Heath’s latest update but it’s important to note that he did not shut the door on his return completely and could change his mind at a later date.