The Mr. Olympia contest is the most prestigious bodybuilding competition in the world, showcasing the pinnacle of physical strength, endurance, and aesthetics. For decades, the sport has attracted some of the most remarkable athletes from around the world, all vying for the coveted title of Mr. Olympia. But have you ever wondered who the oldest winners of this prestigious competition are? These athletes, who have defied age and time to emerge victorious on the Olympia stage, are a testament to the power of dedication, discipline, and hard work.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the oldest Mr. Olympia winners in history, and explore the secrets of their success. From training routines to nutrition plans, we’ll delve into the strategies that have allowed these legendary athletes to achieve greatness well beyond their prime.
14. Lee Haney (November 11, 1959 – present)
Age Won: 32 years old
Year won: 1991
Nationality: American
Height: 180 cm.
Weight: 120 kgs.
photo source: Muscle & Strength
Lee Haney is an American former professional bodybuilder and eight-time Mr. Olympia champion, born on November 11, 1959, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He grew up in a family of athletes, with his father being a former professional football player, and his mother a track and field star.
Haney started bodybuilding when he was 16 years old, and his passion for the sport quickly became apparent. He competed in his first bodybuilding competition at the age of 19 and won the Junior Mr. USA title.
Over the next seven years, Haney went on to win the Mr. Olympia title a total of eight times, tying the record set by Arnold Schwarzenegger. His reign as Mr. Olympia was characterized by his impressive size, symmetry, and conditioning, as well as his professionalism and dedication to the sport.
Did You Know?
In addition to his success in bodybuilding, Haney was also a successful businessman, author, and fitness expert. He founded his own supplement company, Haney Nutrition, and authored several books on fitness and nutrition, including “Ultimate Bodybuilding” and “Fit at Any Age.”
13. Arnold Schwarzenegger (July 30, 1947 – present)
Age Won: 33 years old
Year won: 1974
Nationality: Austrian, American
Height: 188 cm.
Weight: 118 kgs.
photo source: Man of Many
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American former professional bodybuilder and seven-time Mr. Olympia champion, born on July 30, 1947, in Austria. He began weight training as a teenager and quickly became interested in bodybuilding, inspired by his idol, Reg Park.
Schwarzenegger moved to the United States in 1968 to pursue his bodybuilding career, and he won his first Mr. Olympia title in 1970 at the age of 23. He went on to win the title a total of seven times, tying the record set by Lee Haney. His victories were characterized by his impressive size, symmetry, and posing routines, as well as his charismatic personality and showmanship.
Did You Know?
Aside from his success in bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger also pursued a career in acting and became one of the biggest movie stars of the 1980s and 1990s
12. Hadi Choopan (September 26, 1987 – present)
Age Won: 35 years old
Year won: 2022
Nationality: Iranian
Height: 170 cm.
Weight: 100 kgs.
photo source: Breaking Muscle
Hadi began bodybuilding at the age of 17 and quickly made a name for himself in the Iranian bodybuilding scene. Choopan gained attention for his impressive size and proportion, as well as his dedication and work ethic in the gym. He won his first national competition in 2012, and went on to win multiple championships in Iran and other countries in the Middle East.
In 2017, Choopan made his debut on the international stage at the Vancouver Pro show, where he finished in second place. He continued to compete in international shows and quickly gained a following among fans of the sport for his impressive physique.
Did You Know?
Outside of bodybuilding, Choopan is also a successful businessman and entrepreneur, running his own supplement company and fitness brand.
11. Dorian Yates (April 19, 1962 – present)
Age Won: 35 years old
Year won: 1997
Nationality: English
Height: 175 cm.
Weight: 132 kgs.
photo source: DY Nutrition
Dorian Yates is an English former professional bodybuilder and six-time Mr. Olympia champion, born on April 19, 1962, in Birmingham, England. He began lifting weights at the age of 21 and quickly developed a passion for bodybuilding. Yates gained attention in the bodybuilding world for his impressive size and muscularity, as well as his dedication to training and his no-nonsense attitude.
He won his first major competition, the British Championships, in 1986, and quickly rose through the ranks to become a top contender in the Mr. Olympia competition. Yates won his first Mr. Olympia title in 1992, and went on to win the title for the next five years in a row. He was known for his massive size and impressive conditioning, as well as his innovative training techniques and focus on mental preparation.
Did You Know?
He retired from professional bodybuilding in 1997, after a career that saw him become one of the most dominant and respected bodybuilders in history.
10. Brandon Curry (October 19, 1982 – present)
Age Won: 37 years old
Year won: 2019
Nationality: American
Height: 173 cm.
Weight: 120 kgs.
photo source: Men’s Health
Brandon Curry is an American professional bodybuilder and the reigning Mr. Olympia champion, born on October 19, 1982, in Nashville, Tennessee. He began lifting weights at the age of 14 and quickly developed a passion for bodybuilding. He competed in his first Mr. Olympia competition in 2011, where he placed 8th in the competition.
Over the next several years, Curry continued to compete in the Mr. Olympia, consistently placing in the top ten. In 2018, Curry made significant improvements to his physique, adding mass and improving his conditioning. He won the Arnold Classic Australia competition that year, solidifying his place as one of the top contenders in the sport.
In 2019, Curry competed in the Mr. Olympia competition and emerged victorious, defeating defending champion Shawn Rhoden to win the title. He was praised for his impressive size, conditioning, and symmetry, as well as his charismatic personality and positive attitude.
Did You Know?
Curry’s career as a professional bodybuilder began in 2008, when he won his IFBB pro card at the NPC USA Championships.
9. Mamdouh Elssbiay (September 16, 1984 – present)
Age Won: 37 years old
Year won: 2021
Nationality: Egyptian
Height: 175 cm.
Weight: 141 kgs.
photo source: The National
Mamdouh Elssbiay, better known as Big Ramy, is an Egyptian professional bodybuilder and former Mr. Olympia winner. Big Ramy began his bodybuilding career in Egypt in the early 2010s, and quickly rose to prominence in the sport due to his massive size and impressive proportions.
He won his first professional bodybuilding competition, the New York Pro, in 2013, and soon after, he made his first appearance at the Mr. Olympia competition, where he placed eighth. Over the next few years, Big Ramy continued to compete in bodybuilding competitions and improve his physique, winning several titles including the Arnold Classic Europe and the Arnold Classic Brazil.
Did You Know?
Big Ramy is known for his massive size and impressive muscularity, particularly in his legs and back. He is one of the heaviest competitors in the sport, with a competition weight of over 300 pounds.
8. Jay Cutler (August 3, 1973 – present)
Age Won: 37 years old
Year won: 2010
Nationality: American
Height: 178 cm.
Weight: 132 kgs.
photo source: Podbean
Jay Cutler is an American former professional bodybuilder who is best known for his impressive physique and success in the sport of bodybuilding. Born on August 3, 1973, in Sterling, Massachusetts, Cutler started lifting weights when he was just 18 years old and quickly became passionate about bodybuilding.
In 1993, Cutler competed in his first bodybuilding competition, the Iron Bodies Invitational, and placed second in the heavyweight division. Over the next few years, he continued to compete and improve his physique, winning numerous titles including the NPC Nationals in 1999, earning his professional status.
He quickly became known as a formidable competitor, and in 2006, he achieved his ultimate goal by winning the Mr. Olympia title, defeating the reigning champion, Ronnie Coleman. Cutler went on to win the Mr. Olympia title again in 2007, 2009, and 2010, cementing his place as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
Did You Know?
After retiring from bodybuilding, Cutler became a trainer, motivational speaker, and established Cutler Nutrition, a well-known supplement brand among fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders.
7. Frank Zane (June 28,1942 – present)
Age Won: 37 years old
Year won: 1979
Nationality: American
Height: 175 cm.
Weight: 100 kgs.
photo source: Men’s Health
Frank Zane is an American bodybuilder, born on June 28, 1942, in Kingston, Pennsylvania. He is known for his successful career as a professional bodybuilder and his impressive achievements as a three-time Mr. Olympia winner.
Zane began his career in bodybuilding in the early 1960s and quickly rose to prominence in the sport. He competed in his first Mr. Olympia contest in 1972 and over the next few years, he continued to compete in bodybuilding competitions and improve his physique, winning several titles including the IFBB Mr. Universe in 1970.
Throughout his career, Zane inspired countless bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts with his dedication, discipline, and passion for the sport. He was a true pioneer in the world of bodybuilding, and his legacy continues to influence the sport to this day.
Did You Know?
After retiring from competitive bodybuilding, Zane continued to work as a fitness coach and author. He published several books on bodybuilding, fitness, and nutrition, including “The Zane Body Training Manual”.
6. Phil Heath (December 18, 1979 – present)
Age Won: 38 years old
Year won: 2016
Nationality: American
Height: 175 cm.
Weight: 120 kgs.
photo source: Wikipedia
Phil Heath is an American professional bodybuilder who is best known for his impressive physique and success in the sport of bodybuilding. Born on December 18, 1979, in Seattle, Washington, Heath developed a passion for bodybuilding at a young age and began competing in the early 2000s.
In 2011, Heath achieved his ultimate goal by winning the Mr. Olympia title, defeating the reigning champion, Jay Cutler. He went on to win the Mr. Olympia title for the next five years, cementing his place as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. He was also renowned for his work ethic and dedication to the sport, which included training for several hours a day and following a strict diet.
Did You Know?
Heath’s Heath started competing in bodybuilding in 2002, and won his first professional competition in 2007.
5. Dexter Jackson (November 25, 1969 – present)
Age Won: 39 years old
Year won: 2008
Nationality: American
Height: 168 cm.
Weight: 107 kgs.
photo source: Fitness Volt
Dexter Jackson is an American retired professional bodybuilder who is best known for his impressive physique and success in the sport of bodybuilding. In 1992, Jackson competed in his first bodybuilding competition, the NPC Southern States Championship, and placed first in the lightweight division.
Over the next few years, he continued to compete and improve his physique, winning numerous titles including the NPC Nationals in 1998, earning his professional status. In 2008, Jackson achieved his ultimate goal by winning the Mr. Olympia title, defeating the reigning champion, Jay Cutler.
Did You Know?
After retiring from competitive bodybuilding in 2020, Jackson continued to work in the fitness industry as a trainer and motivational speaker.
4. Franco Columbu (August 7, 1941- August 30, 2019)
Age Won: 40 years old
Year won: 1981
Nationality: Italian- American
Height: 165 cm.
Weight: 84 kgs.
photo source: The Barbell
Franco Columbu was an Italian professional bodybuilder and powerlifter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. Born on August 7, 1941, in Ollolai, Sardinia, Italy, Columbu developed a passion for bodybuilding at a young age and began competing in the 1960s.
After retiring from competitive bodybuilding, Columbu continued to work in the fitness industry as a trainer and consultant. He also appeared in several films, including “Pumping Iron” and “The Terminator,” and was a close friend and training partner of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Did You Know?
He was known for his impressive muscle size and definition, as well as his incredible strength, which he demonstrated by winning the World’s Strongest Man competition in 1977 and 1978.
3. Ronnie Coleman (May 13, 1964 – present)
Age Won: 41 years old
Year won: 2005
Nationality: American
Height: 180 cm.
Weight: 150 kgs.
photo source: Built for Athletes
Ronnie Coleman is a retired American professional bodybuilder and police officer who is widely considered to be one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. Born on May 13, 1964, in Bastrop, Louisiana, Coleman grew up playing football and began lifting weights in college.
Coleman began competing in bodybuilding in the early 1990s and quickly made a name for himself as a formidable competitor. In 1998, he won his first Mr. Olympia title, defeating the reigning champion, Dorian Yates. He went on to win the Mr. Olympia title for the next eight years in a row, earning his place as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
Did You Know?
Coleman was known for his massive size and incredible muscularity, and his signature pose, the “Ronnie Coleman pose,” became famous in the bodybuilding world.
2. Chris Dickerson (August 25, 1939 – December 23, 2021)
Age Won: 43 years old
Year won: 1982
Nationality: American
Height: 167 cm.
Weight: 88.5 kgs.
photo source: The New York Times
Chris Dickerson was an American professional bodybuilder who is widely regarded as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. Born on August 25, 1939, in Montgomery, Alabama, Dickerson began his bodybuilding career in the early 1960s and quickly became a dominant force in the sport. He also won numerous other bodybuilding titles throughout his career, including the IFBB Mr. America, Mr. Universe, and Mr. World.
Dickerson was known for his incredible muscularity and symmetry, as well as his graceful posing style. He was also renowned for his dedication to the sport, which included training for several hours a day and following a strict diet. He was also known for his willingness to help other athletes and was always happy to share his knowledge and experience with others.
Did You Know?
In addition to his bodybuilding career, Dickerson worked as an actor, appearing in several films and television shows.
1. Shawn Rhoden (April 2, 1975 – November 6, 2021)
Age Won: 43 years old
Year won: 2018
Nationality: Jamaican-American
Height: 178 cm.
Weight: 116 kgs.
photo source: Generation Iron
Shawn Rhoden is a Jamaican-American professional bodybuilder who made history in 2018 when he became the oldest Mr. Olympia champion at the age of 43. After several years of competing in professional bodybuilding, Rhoden broke through in 2018, winning the Mr. Olympia title and defeating the reigning champion, Phil Heath. Rhoden’s victory was historic not only because he defeated a seven-time champion, but also because he was the oldest competitor to ever win the title.
Despite facing challenges in his personal life, Rhoden has continued to train and compete at the highest level of professional bodybuilding. He remains a respected figure in the sport and an inspiration to aspiring bodybuilders around the world. He has shown that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and that anything is possible with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude.
Did You Know?
Rhoden’s victory in 2018 is a reminder that age is just a number, and that with hard work and dedication, it is possible to achieve great things in the sport of bodybuilding.
