I’m a 63-year-old eight-time bodybuilding champion… I love my medals and trophies but here’s my biggest reward
A BODYBUILDING legend has made a heartfelt revelation that being a father has brought him more joy than anything else – including his eight Mr Olympia wins.
The champion athlete Lee Haney, 63, took to Instagram to tell his loyal followers that some things in life are just so much more important than winning.
The veteran bodybuilder made it clear his priorities lie firmly with his family and posted an adorable painting of him holding his daughter as a small baby.
He wrote: “Out of all that I’ve accomplished, being a father is my greatest reward.
“Far above any worldly riches, the strength of a man is his children. As ordained by God. My daughter, Olympia.”
The US athlete miraculously managed to rule the bodybuilding world despite ensuring the sport came second to his family.
Throughout his decade-long career he held the might Mr Olympia title a whopping eight times between 1984-1991, establishing himself as one of the most decorated athletes in the game.
Haney, known as Hercules, had an incredible streak that rivalled the likes of Ronnie Coleman thanks to his incredible physique and phenomenal work ethic.
He even broke Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s record of seven wins in a row.
He favoured a three-day on, one-day off training routine throughout his career – which allowed him to juggle his responsibilities as a dad.
And yet, even with all his talent and regimented routine the star admits that he suffered with the pressure.
“When you’re on top, there is nowhere to go but down,” Haney revealed in an interview with the founder of Labrada Nutrition, Lee Labrada.
“The pressure of how do I stay here, what can I do differently to bring about a better package than the last time.”
Hercules continued: “All of those things run through your mind – and if you don’t keep it together, that can create a lot of stress.”
The ex-athlete explained that he was only able to “maintain his sanity” due to the unwavering support from his beloved wife Shirley.
“My wife was there with me,” he continued. “I was a husband, I was a father. I had two kids while I was still competing.
“I guess some people could say that was a distraction, but for me, it helped me maintain my sanity.
“It got my mind off of how many sets and how many reps, time and time again.”
The 63-year-old retired at the age of 31, before turning to personal training and working with athletes like boxer Evander Holyfield.
Now, he posts a lot about his family online as well as offering tips and advice to his keen-to-learn followers.
He also promotes clean eating and healthy lifestyle but still kills it at the gym.
His long-time fans showed the recent post a lot of love and support for his family-man approach.
One follower responded: “Instantly became my favorite Mr. Olympia with this post alone.”
Another said: “I love that you placed fatherhood above your Sandow medals.”
“The greatest role model bb has ever had,” a third commented.