Heath’s stacked gaze and reflection may raise interesting questions.
Phil Heath is the 2020 Mr. He stopped competing after finishing third at Olympia. The seven-time champion (2011-2017) has not appeared on the podium for two years, but he never retired. Even if he’s active in other endeavors at age 43, the door remains open for a potential comeback.
On February 24, 2023, Heath posted a video to his Instagram There he walks through some biceps and shoulder movements in front of a dumbbell rack at an undisclosed gym. The combination of the icon’s jacked-up look and heartfelt reflection on a positive mental attitude while overcoming adversity may paint a picture of anyone planning to wear their pose trunks again.
To rise to the top in a grueling sport like bodybuilding, athletes have to make a lot of sacrifices in terms of nutrition and training along the way. After years of making those kinds of sacrifices, Heath seems to be gradually focusing on reinventing himself.
“My own reflection in the mirror is the thing I have had to struggle with all my life,” Heath wrote. “I did not look at the mirrors appreciating my hard work, but at the work to be done. Not only in my muscles but more importantly in my mind and spirit. “
It’s unclear exactly what Heath is referring to when he refers to his “struggle,” but it’s an intriguing choice of words. While outlining where he’s placed his strengths in the past — some of it elite bodybuilding — Heath seems to be setting the stage for potential gains.
“…My cause to fight for is to be the future version of myself that achieves everything I put my heart and soul into.”
As a former Olympia champion, Heath is the annual Mr. They have a lifetime invitation to compete in the Olympia competition. If they are repeating in 2023, this year’s repeat will be held in Orlando, FL in early November. A field awaits Heath that includes the likes of defending champion Hadi Chopan, Nick Walker and two-time winner (2020-2021) Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elsbia.
While the 2023 Masters Olympia recently announced an overall prize purse of $229,000, Heath has yet to qualify for the men’s open portion of the returning competition. The competition starts its age guidelines at 45 for that category. With a birthday of December 18, 1979, Heath won’t appear there until late 2024. That doesn’t take into account potential prep time and when future iterations of the Masters tournament will take place.
Heath is not competing in the 2023 Arnold Classic but is on hand to interact with athletes and spectators. If he does indeed have a planned comeback in the works, it seems the legend is taking time to dip his toes back into the water. He has undoubtedly earned the right to bide his time and weigh all options as one of the faces of the sport.
Featured image: @philheath on Instagram
