Lee Priest Discusses Competing Against Flex Wheeler and IFBB Ban: “That Was All Made Up, But Technically Yes”
Lee Priest took some time to reflect on certain topics around his bodybuilding career.
Lee Priest did not hold back his thoughts over the course of his bodybuilding career. He remains open to discuss certain topics and recently did an interview where he talked about all things bodybuilding — from his competition against Flex Wheeler to his IFBB Pro League ban.
Priest joined the Muscle and Fitness YouTube page for an interview where he was able to provide updates and experiences. After some discussion on bodybuilding today, Priest began with his competition days.
Lee Priest on IFBB Pro League Ban
Lee Priest received a one-yer ban from the IFBB Pro League after competing in a bodybuilding show for Wayne DeMilia. After more developments, it ended up being a lifetime ban. Since this decision was made, the league has been restricted. Because of this, Priest does not believe that he is banned.
“Well, Bob Chicarello, the athletes rep, says I’m not, that was all made up. But if we go technically, yes I was but now, of course, the IFBB and them have gone different ways. The new organization I’m technically not suspended from.”
“I had no choice, after Wayne’s show, they suspended me for one year. They said, ‘oh, we see you going to England, don’t go and we will only make it for one year’. I said I have to go, and sell tickets, I’m on the poster. I said just make it a two-year suspension and they said okay.”
Just because he might not be suspended, does not mean that Priest is going to return to do a show. However, it is still possible given the physique that he has built recently. For Priest to do so, there might have to be some amends made with the league.
Lee Priest on Facing Flex Wheeler and the 2003 Olympia
Lee Priest began bodybuilding in the 1980s and enjoyed a career that spanned over 20 years. Priest was extremely active early on and built a championship physique. He was able to secure victories in many shows, such as the 2006 Iron Man Pro and 2013 NABBA Mr. Universe competition.
In 1997, Priest competed against Wheeler at the Iron Man and shared a story about the experience.
“The ’97 Iron Man was funny when I got second to Flex because Shawn was helping Flex backstage. So, Shawn comes over and says ‘you’re looking great Lee, it’s going to be close between you and my boy Flex.’”
“Flex heard him say it and walks over and goes, ‘yeah I’ll give you credit, you’re looking good, but you’re not going to beat me because of who I am.”
The interview continued on with Lee Priest discussing the 2003 Olympia, where he finished 15th. This was not a competition that he wanted to appear in but ended up on stage.
“Back in 2003, I didn’t want to do the Olympia. If you’re not 100%, okay I’m going to do it, I dieted for a week. McDonald’s for a week. Diet for a week, McDonald’s. So, I put online, I tell my fans, I think it was don’t get big at the time, that was the site. I’m sorry, look, I’m just not in it. I’ll be at the expo. I got abused,” Priest said.
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