Uncovering the Unfair Politics in Bodybuilding Lee Priest Banned

Discover the unfair politics in bodybuilding that led to Lee Priest being banned from competitions. Dive into the controversial world of bodybuilding with this eye-opening video.

How did this guy get banned from bodybuilding for being too nice? Meet Lee Priest, a 5 foot 4" powerhouse with 210 pounds of muscle and record-breaking biceps. However, Lee uncovered a harsh reality in the IFBB, the top bodybuilding federation, where judges' personal biases and sponsor favorites often decided the winners. True to his sportsmanship, Lee would share his prize money with lower-placed competitors. After switching to another federation, the IFBB banned him for a year. When he spoke out against the unfairness, the ban was extended to two years, and eventually, they banned him for life. Lee's story is one of a man punished not for lacking integrity, but for having too much.

Lee Priest, born Lee Andrew McCutcheon on July 6, 1972, is one of the most iconic figures in the world of bodybuilding. Known for his impressive physique, outspoken personality, and resilience in the sport, Priest carved out a unique place in bodybuilding history. Standing at 5’4” with an exceptionally muscular build, he’s proof that size isn’t the only factor in achieving dominance and respect in a field filled with towering competitors. Priest’s journey, from his early days in Australia to his success on the international stage, reflects both the highs and challenges of a fiercely competitive industry.

### Early Life and Introduction to Bodybuilding
Lee Priest was born and raised in Newcastle, Australia. His introduction to weight training came early, as his mother, who was also a bodybuilder, inspired him to take up the sport. He began lifting weights at age 12, quickly realizing his potential and passion for bodybuilding. With his mother’s support, Priest entered his first bodybuilding competition at 13, where he surprised judges and audiences with his physique and maturity on stage. Despite being significantly younger than most of his competitors, Priest consistently placed well and developed a reputation as a promising young talent in the Australian bodybuilding circuit.

### Rise to Fame and Turning Pro
By the time he was 17, Priest’s physique had progressed to the point where he began competing in adult competitions, consistently taking top honors. At 20, he became the youngest competitor to earn a pro card with the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB), marking a major milestone in his career. Priest’s success was largely due to his intense training, discipline, and unwavering dedication to the sport.

Moving to the United States allowed him to enter competitions at a higher level and gain exposure in the global bodybuilding community. His stature and outspoken personality drew attention, but it was his incredible conditioning, symmetry, and muscle density that set him apart from other competitors. Priest brought a package to the stage that emphasized both muscle size and balance, with his arms, particularly his biceps, often considered some of the best in bodybuilding history.

### Signature Physique and Training Style
Lee Priest’s physique is distinctive for his symmetry and balanced proportions, qualities that many bodybuilders struggle to achieve. Despite being shorter than many of his competitors, his muscularity and proportions made him stand out. His biceps and triceps are legendary in the bodybuilding world, with arm measurements rumored to be over 20 inches at his peak, giving him one of the most remarkable arm developments in the sport.

Despite these controversies, or perhaps because of them, Priest maintained a loyal fan base who respected his honesty and integrity. Many fans saw him as a voice of authenticity in a sport that can sometimes feel overly commercialized and political. His candidness about topics such as steroid use, bodybuilding politics, and mental health resonated with audiences, earning him respect beyond the bodybuilding community.

### Career Highlights and Achievements
Priest’s career is marked by numerous notable achievements and memorable performances. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he competed in high-profile events such as the Mr. Olympia, Night of Champions, and Ironman Pro. Although he never secured a Mr. Olympia title, Priest consistently placed well, often outperforming taller, more conventionally favored competitors. His best Olympia finish was sixth place in 1997, a significant achievement given the competitive field that included legends like Ronnie Coleman and Flex Wheeler.

[chrisweidner]

As Jay Cutler said when he first saw Lee, he was so impressed at his massive size, he wondered how Lee could move. He also said that no one could come close to what Lee looked like in his early 20’s. Lee is a generous truth teller. We need more like him.

[Hamburgler.]

5'4" and 210 is fucking CRAZY

[NasonHajowary]

The man who beat Ronnie Coleman multiple times 🙏🙏

[Mario-obes]

He should have wayyyy more titles. Judges in those days were terrible and bias af against short guys.
He was one of the best in his hayday. Perfect physique

[gemeni]

The Blonde Myth and The Giant Slayer. Absolute Legend!

[BlahMcJones]

True fact:

Lee was used as the model for the CGI Hulk in Ang Lee's film. At the time, he held enough bulk on his frame to double as a freakishly large superhuman. Impressive.

[paulwaters]

As much as Lee did for other bodybuilders it would be nice to see some bodybuilders help him as he's struggling financially

[garyhay]

He might only be 5 ft 4 but he can hold his head higher than most

[CVsnaredevil]

Those picture of young Lee are unreal. Amazing.

[HelloWorld]

That pic with Lee flexing triceps and Tom Platz behind screaming 🔥

[robtruckingbear]

I wished he would be approached to do a documentary. He is a legend. And one the most underrated body builders of all time. Even though he beat the King Ronnie Coleman several times. He was never really known as one the giants of his time. Comparatively speaking. Lee is one of the biggest body builders to ever compete in the sport. Yet still had amazing body symmetry.

I also have respect for him for speaking out on the obvious politics that is involved in the sport. Which they punished him for. He will always be one of my favorite body builders of all time!

[VladimirGitcherocksoff]

Back in the 90's Lee Priest was my favorite bodybuilder. Because he was 5'5" and so was I. Its interesting that now they always say he was (is) 5'4". Weird the way stories change over time. Then again at 5'5" I always said i was 5'6", as if that inch mattered. But I'm sure Lee probably did the same.
The most I've ever weighed was 170 for about a week. And it was hard to eat that much. I never understood (at 23-24-25 years old) just how important the steroids were in the world of bodybuilding. I had the work ethic. I just didn't have the steroids.😂

[garybenade]

one of the best and most inspirational body builders of all time, going strong till this day

[idfofvr]

His mother was a top bodybuilder too. Many don't know that.

[Heavenisaplaceoneartho]

This guy is no bullshit and always fights against this fake system of bodybuilding who explores the image of competitors..Arnold is the best example of that system ..

[shaneburas]

My most respected person in bodybuilding in all categories

[GearShifter]

Punished for " TOO NICE " ..
What a world 🌎 we're Living in. 😢

[DanTheMan]

Lee was about 250 in his prime! He was small in height but had mental genes and genetics!

[Sleepy_spartan]

Lee was a freak in the best possible way and the walking billboard for “don’t judge a book by its cover”.

[IrishTony]

One of few men I looked up to growing up. Keep your head high my friend.