http://erix.tv/xweb/magazine/magazine.php?article=24
February 3, 2004
Xtreme-USA
Stats
Ht 5'4
Off Season weight 270-285lbs
Competition weight 200-230lbs
QUESTION: During this past year there have been consistent rumors concerning you having serious health problems. Even though it is no ones business, your fans have been very concerned about you. Is there anything you will share about all of this?
Lee: I have not heard of any rumors about my health this year or last.In this sport, people always talk and as always, if I do have a problem I will be the first to let anyone know as I have always shared everything .
QUESTION: What advice would you give others that are married to a bodybuilding competitor? It is hard enough when there is one competitor in a household but two would have to be very difficult.
Lee: Actually two is very easy because you know what each is going through and you both love the same thing.Now, if it's just you then it is sometimes hard for the other to understand.You have to be a little selfish come contest time but don't go too crazy like some people do.It's just all about doing what you must do at contest time but also not being an ******* to family and friends who support you.
QUESTION: Toward the end of last year, there was talk of your retirement then you decided to compete in the Mr. Olympia contest but came in softer condition then you usually do. What was behind this talk and also your softer condition?
Lee: I never was going to retire again another rumor which I did start just for fun. As for conditioning, I never wanted to do the show but I was just honoring my contract and did it for the fans even though they wished I was in better shape. I look at it like 10 years competing 1 bad showing isn't too bad.
QUESTION: You are one of the few professional bodybuilders who has openly spoken about using anabolic steroids and related drugs during your career. First, why did you decide to come forward with this information? Secondly, do you feel it has helped or hurt you in your career and with obtaining sponsorship?
Lee: I didn't decide to come forward someone just asked a question and I answered it. I am not going to lie. I don't care what people think of me. It's in all sports so why not. If your going to give information give the positive and negative and if they wish to choose let them make up their own mind. But only if they are realistic and have the ability to turn pro and genetics as well,if not I would not even consider it.Sposorship I don't think so,if that was the case no one in this sport would have one.We know we all use I am just honest about it. I think my fans like me that way. No bull**** approach.
QUESTION: Lee, if you had to do it all over again would you choose the same career path?
Lee: Maybe, I am not sure, problably would and also do drag racing and car racing as well.But this sport is what made me who I am in some ways so who knows.
QUESTION: I know you possibly may not wish to discuss the „R‰ word but how long do you feel you will still compete? Following competion, what professional and personal goals have you set for yourself?
Lee: I will compete as long as I feel like I am having fun and fans want to see me and my health is good.I am doing some drag racing now so I would probaly see how far I can take it as well. I normally just take it day by day.
QUESTION: Tell me something about yourself you have never been asked in an interview, but you find very interesting.
Lee:I really find nothing interesting about myself,I am not all into myself or bodybuilding like some .I am just Lee and do what I do,it's that simple.
QUESTION: What do you like and dislike the most about being an IFBB Professional Bodybuilder?
Lee:Like meeting fans, I dislike all the negativity in the sport from comptetiors and even people who say they are fans.You just need to read some boards on the net. Everyone is so quick to judge.
QUESTION: In 2003, the athletes, including yourself I believe, voted Shawn Ray as the athlete‚s representative. What changes would you like to see implemented in the sport?
Lee: Too big a question to go into.Lets just say I would like to see alot of changes not all at once but just little by little would be good.
QUESTION: What are your feelings on women‚s bodybuilding? How do you feel concerning the direction the IFBB is heading with the new judging criteria and other recent changes?
Lee: What criteria? There is none for the women. One time they say they want this then next time they vote for that. So I have no clue. I just feel sorry for the women who train their asses off only not to get contracts or photos.They go for a girl who looks like she just stepped off the beach and has a big rack. Figure to me is a joke when they get more money then the bodybuilders.Yes, they sell tickets so they say.But its bodybuilding you want to see, figure go to a strip bar.
QUESTION: Would you support the decision to implement weight classes in professional men‚s bodybuilding?
Lee:Yes I would like to see it, or even height classes.
QUESTION: I attended a bodybuilding competition in Orlando a few years ago. You were the guest poser. Lets just say, you give the off-season a whole new meaning (laughing). Why do you feel that it is necessary to put on almost 100lbs in the off-season?
Lee: Did I say it was necessary? No, I just enjoy myself when I am not competing. I do not aim for a certain weight to put on. I just train and eat and if I have 5-8 months between shows, guess what,I get fat. Big deal I enjoy life. I am not one of those people going around worried about how they look 24/7. I could care less. Contest time is when it counts.As for guest posing,I like to get fat so I don't have to do it. I will do it sometimes near a show.
Question: I also read somewhere that you would not be bulking up as much, prior to the 2004 contest season, why is that?
Lee: Becuase the Mr O was in October and the Ironman is in Feb. I have no time to get ready it's pretty easy math.And as I said I don't bulk up I just eat normal when I like and what I like. I am still human.
QUESTION: Who do you admire and respect in your personal life and also in the sport of bodybuilding and why?
Lee: Personal life problably my grandfather. He can find the good in anyone. I have never heard him say a bad word about anyone in his whole life.Even when my grandmother is going off at the IFBB, he will find something good to say.In bodybuilding, it has always been Tom Platz. He has always told the truth and is very respectful and down to earth, always finding time for the fans as well.
Lee again, thank you very much for your time and your support of the Xtreme-usa.com web site. I hope to see you in May for the Orlando Pro Show, either on stage or in the audience.
Competitions
1989 Mr. Universe 2nd
1989 Mr. Australia overall winner
1990 Mr. Australia overall winner
1990 World Amateur Championships 4th
1990 World Amateur Championships lightweight 4th
1991 Mr. Australia overall winner
1993 Niagara Falls Pro Invitational 9th
1994 Arnold Classic 7th
1994 Ironman Pro Invitational 4th
1994 Night of Champions 12th
1994 San Jose Pro Invitational 7th
1995 Arnold Classic 9th
1995 Florida Pro Invitational 4th
1995 Ironman Pro Invitational 3rd
1995 South Beach Pro Invitational 4th
1996 Ironman Pro Invitational 4th
1996 San Jose Pro Invitational 6th
1997 Arnold Classic 7th
1997 Grand Prix Czech Republic 5th
1997 Grand Prix England 6th
1997 Grand Prix Finland 9th
1997 Grand Prix Germany 3rd
1997 Grand Prix Hungary 3rd
1997 Grand Prix Russia 9th
1997 Grand Prix Spain 3rd
1997 Ironman Pro Invitational 2nd
1997 Olympia 6th
1997 San Jose Pro Invitational 4th
1998 Olympia 7th
1999 Ironman Pro Invitational 6th
1999 Olympia 9th
2000 Night of Champions 5th
2000 Mr. Olympia 6th
2001 Ironman 7th
2002 Ironman 2nd
2002 Arnold Classic 4th
2002 San Francisco Grand Prix 1st
2003 Mr.Olympia 15th
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