Heath’s stacked look and reflection might raise interesting questions.
Phil Heath stopped competing after his third-place finish on the 2020 Mr. Olympia. The seven-time champion (2011-2017) hasn’t been seen on a stage in over two years, but he never retired. At the same time as he stays energetic in other endeavors at age 43, the door for a possible comeback stays open.
On Feb. 24, 2023, Heath posted a video to his Instagram where he walks through just a few biceps and shoulder movements in front of a dumbbell rack at an undisclosed gym. A mixture of the icon’s jacked look and a heartfelt reflection a few positive mental attitude while overcoming adversity could paint the image of somebody planning to don their posing trunks again.
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To rise to the highest of a rigorous sport like bodybuilding, an athlete has to sacrifice loads when it comes to nutrition and training on their respective journey. After making those sorts of sacrifices for years, it seems Heath is specializing in recalibrating himself regularly.
“Considered one of the things which I needed to fight throughout my life was my very own reflection within the mirror,” Heath wrote. “I wasn’t staring into the mirrors in admiration of my exertions, however the work which is left to be done. Not only in my muscles but more importantly in my mind and spirit.”
It’s not clear what Heath is referring to exactly when he mentions his “fight,” but those are an intriguing selection of words. While characterizing where he’s previously put his energies — a few of it elite bodybuilding — it’s almost as if Heath is setting the stage for a possible return.
“… My reason to fight will probably be my future version of self that achieves the whole lot I’ve put my heart and soul into.”
As a former Olympia champion, Heath has a lifetime invitation to compete within the annual Mr. Olympia contest. Were he to make a comeback in 2023, this yr’s iteration will happen in early November in Orlando, FL. A field featuring competitors like defending champion Hadi Choopan, Nick Walker, and two-time winner (2020-2021) Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay would await Heath.
While the 2023 Masters Olympia recently announced a $229,000 overall prize purse, Heath shouldn’t be yet eligible for the Men’s Open portion of the returning contest. The competition starts its age guidelines for that division at 45. With a Dec. 18, 1979 birthday, Heath can’t feature there until late 2024 on the earliest. That doesn’t consider potential prep time and when future iterations of the Masters competition would happen.
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Heath shouldn’t be competing within the 2023 Arnold Classic but will probably be readily available to interact with the athletes and spectators. If he does indeed have a comeback planned within the works, it seems the legend is taking his time dipping his toes back into the water. He’s undoubtedly earned the proper to bide his time and weigh all options as considered one of the faces of the game.
Featured image: @philheath on Instagram