NORMLESS

#20 Lee Priest: The Giant Killer

Episode Summary

As the youngest athlete ever to attain their IFBB pro card, Priests involvement in bodybuilding began in his early teens - a career that would span 2 decades. Renowned for his longevity in the sport, Lee won the IFBB Mr Australia title at the age of 16, 17, 18 and 19. Priest was too young and repeatedly denied his pro card in Australia, and so set his sights on the Niagara Falls championships where he was handed a pro card so he could compete in his first pro show. 6 time Mr Olympia competitor, winner of the IFBB Ironman pro in 2006 and 2013 NABBA Mr Universe. Not only was Lee the youngest, but also the most prolific Australian bodybuilder in history. Edging out Ronnie Coleman in his second year at the Ironman pro coming in 2nd place, some of the biggest names in bodybuilding were in awe of Lee at the age of 21. Taking down some of the bigger men in his division he garnered the title 'the giant killer'. Priest gained plenty of notoriety for his outspoken controversial nature. Lee was banned from the IFBB for speaking his truth and being a polarising figure in the sport. Despite this he holds a strong online presence through his social media platforms. After successful bodybuilding and drag racing careers, along with featuring in a variety of television shows Lee shares all in this episode of the podcast. From his vivid memories of Arnold Schwarzenegger at Golds Gym and training legs with the quad father Tom Platz!

Episode Notes

As the youngest athlete ever to attain their IFBB pro card, Priests involvement in bodybuilding began in his early teens - a career that would span 2 decades. Renowned for his longevity in the sport, Lee won the IFBB Mr Australia title at the age of 16, 17, 18 and 19. Priest was too young and repeatedly denied his pro card in Australia, and so set his sights on the Niagara Falls championships where he was handed a pro card so he could compete in his first pro show.

6 time Mr Olympia competitor, winner of the IFBB Ironman pro in 2006 and 2013 NABBA Mr Universe. Not only was Lee the youngest, but also the most prolific Australian bodybuilder in history. Edging out Ronnie Coleman in his second year at the Ironman pro coming in 2nd place, some of the biggest names in bodybuilding were in awe of Lee at the age of 21. Taking down some of the bigger men in his division he garnered the title 'the giant killer'.

Priest gained plenty of notoriety for his outspoken controversial nature. Lee was banned from the IFBB for speaking his truth and being a polarising figure in the sport. Despite this he holds a strong online presence through his social media platforms. After successful bodybuilding and drag racing careers, along with featuring in a variety of television shows Lee shares all in this episode of the podcast. From his vivid memories of Arnold Schwarzenegger at Golds Gym and training legs with the quad father Tom Platz!

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Time Stamps

0:18 Intro

10:40 the haters

13:30 Offseason dieting

22:51 peak week

28:00 Couples with mum

30:03 There should only be open bodybuilding

32:28 Drug dosages

41:40 Politics in bodybuilding

48:57 Adversity early in his career

52:36 Drag racing career

54:51 Lee shows his memorabilia and awards

58:13 Recollections of Arnold

59:45 Acting roles

1:07:30 Newcastle Euro Motor Fest

1:08:47 Training with Tom Platz

1:13:50 Training split

1:17:20 Bodybuilding while drag racing

1:20:30 Which bodybuilding era was best?

1:22:10 If there was a 212 class in Lee’s era

1:29:50 2023 Olympia prediction

1:31:46 Arnold vs. Bumstead

1:33:10 Drug use in professional sport

1:44:20 Side effects from drug use

1:46:44 What led Lee’s family into bodybuilding?

1:47:55 Pro’s and con’s of the fitness industry

1:54:18 Magazine shoots

1:56:36 Does race impact potential in bodybuilding?

2:04:01 Childbirth pain vs. training pain

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Sponsor Discounts

Use the code 'HAYDEN10' for 10% Off VPA Australia Supplements

Discount also available at: www.vpa.com.au/HAYDEN10

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Lee's Links

Instagram: @leepriestofficial72

Website: www.leepriest.co

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Hayden Kelly, ESSAM, AES, AEP, MHPS

Host of the NORMLESS podcast

Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn 

Website: www.haydenkelly.com.au

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