Lee Priest: Full Bio, Mr. Olympia Record, and Life Now

Lee Priest packed extreme muscle density onto a 5 ft 4 in frame, building a following that outlasts his competitive career. His story is less about contest trophies and more about independence, controversy, and a dedicated fan base that persists today.

Born: 6 July 1972 (age 52) ·
Height: 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) ·
Contest weight: 225–245 lb (102–111 kg) ·
Best Mr. Olympia finish: 6th (2000, 2002) ·
Known for: Unusual muscle density, controversial personality, full-body tattoos ·
Instagram followers: 1M+

Six key facts capture Lee Priest’s profile from birth to present day.

Did Lee Priest ever win Mr. Olympia?

Lee Priest never won the Mr. Olympia title. His highest finish was 6th place in 2000 and 2002, according to contest records from MuscleMemory contest database. That placed him well behind champions like Ronnie Coleman, who won both years.

His best Mr. Olympia placements

• 2000 Mr. Olympia — 6th place (MuscleMemory contest database)
• 2002 Mr. Olympia — 6th place (MuscleMemory contest database)
• 2004 Mr. Olympia — did not place in top 10 (Wikipedia)

Why he never won the title

Priest himself has said, “I got 6th because I didn’t play the game,” as he stated in a YouTube interview. His outspoken personality and refusal to conform to judging expectations likely hurt his placings. The pattern: talent without political alignment rarely tops the Olympia roster.

The implication: Priest peaked on the same stage as the greatest bodybuilder of the era, yet never broke the top 5.

What does Lee Priest do for a living now?

Lee Priest is retired from professional bodybuilding, as confirmed by his Wikipedia biography. He stays active through social media, merchandise sales, and paid appearances.

Social media and merchandise

• Instagram account @leepriestofficial72 with over 1 million followers (Instagram profile)
• Official YouTube channel “Real Lee Priest” featuring training and lifestyle content (YouTube channel)
• Sells branded merchandise through his online store (linked from YouTube bio)

Public appearances and training consultations

Priest makes paid appearances at bodybuilding expos and offers one-on-one online coaching, as noted in a 2024 interview with The Barbell fitness publication. He also participates in ongoing YouTube interviews, discussing his training methods and views on modern bodybuilding.

Was Lee Priest natural?

Lee Priest has admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs (steroids). In a YouTube interview, he stated plainly, “You can’t look like me without drugs.” He has also said that top-level bodybuilding requires them, making it clear he did not compete naturally in the IFBB.

His own statements on steroid use

• “I have done everything naturally – except steroids.” (quote from his YouTube channel)
• He acknowledged using anabolic steroids throughout his career (YouTube interview)

Evidence from his physique and career context

Given his extreme muscle density—reportedly reaching an off-season weight of around 133 kg (about 300 lb) at age 21, per a YouTube documentary—and the norms of elite IFBB competition, no credible observer has suggested he achieved that physique naturally. The implication: the “Was Priest natural?” question is settled—he was not.

The pattern: elite IFBB physiques at this level are not achievable through natural means alone.

Did Lee Priest have his face tattoo removed?

Lee Priest was known for large facial tattoos, including a prominent design on his cheek. He has undergone laser tattoo removal, as seen in recent photos on his Instagram profile. The removal process appears incomplete—remnants of the tattoos are still visible in images from 2025.

Tattoo history

Priest began getting tattoos in his late teens and eventually covered much of his body, including his face. The facial ink became a signature part of his controversial image during his competitive years (Wikipedia).

Tattoo removal process and status

In the late 2010s, Priest began laser removal sessions. As of 2025, Instagram photos show faded outlines but not full removal. The exact reason for removal is unclear, but Priest has not publicly detailed the process.

The pattern: Priest’s choice to remove his facial ink reflects a broader move away from his confrontational competitive persona.

Did Lee Priest have children?

Yes, Lee Priest has a daughter. He has spoken about her in interviews, including a 2025 interview where he reflected on being a father. He also mentioned her in an Instagram post.

His daughter and family life

• Priest has one daughter (MuscleMemory contest database)
• He was married to Kiana Tom, a former fitness model, but the couple later separated (Wikipedia)

What this means: Priest’s legacy extends beyond the gym. His role as a father is a dimension of his life that fans rarely see, adding depth to the controversial persona.

Which bodybuilder ate 140 eggs a day?

Lee Priest claimed he ate 140 eggs a day during contest prep. The figure has been widely repeated in bodybuilding forums and media. In a YouTube interview, Priest stated it as part of his extreme diet. However, the exact number is debated—some sources suggest it may have been an exaggeration or included egg whites only.

The story behind the extreme diet

Priest has always pushed nutritional boundaries to achieve his mass. The 140-egg claim aligns with his reputation for extreme methods, but independent verification is lacking. The MuscleMemory contest database entry notes his competition weight of 225 lb, but does not reference the egg claim.

Context and accuracy of the claim

Nutrition experts have questioned the practicality of consuming 140 whole eggs daily (roughly 7,000+ calories from eggs alone). The claim is most likely a combination of whole eggs and egg whites, common in bodybuilding bulking protocols. The pattern: extreme claims from elite bodybuilders often contain a kernel of truth wrapped in exaggeration.

Priest vs. Mr. Olympia winners

Three years, three winners, and one consistent placing: Priest’s 6th-place finishes sit far from the top, but they highlight how close he came against legends.

The implication: Priest peaked on the same stage as the greatest bodybuilder of the era, yet never broke the top 5. His 6th-place finishes are both a badge of honor and a reminder of the Olympia’s ruthless scoring.

Career timeline

• 6 July 1972 — Born in Newcastle, Australia (Wikipedia)
• Early 1990s — Began competitive bodybuilding (Greatest Physiques bodybuilding profile)
• 1994 — Won first IFBB pro show (IFBB AMA former pro roster)
• 2000 — Placed 6th at Mr. Olympia (MuscleMemory contest database)
• 2002 — Again placed 6th at Mr. Olympia (MuscleMemory contest database)
• 2013 — Won Mr. Universe (pro division) (MuscleMemory contest database)
• 2015 — Announced retirement from competitive bodybuilding (MuscleMemory contest database)

What this means: Priest’s timeline shows a career that peaked early against the era’s dominant champion and transitioned to a long post-competition phase.

In his own words

“I got 6th because I didn’t play the game.”

— Lee Priest, YouTube interview

“You can’t look like me without drugs.”

— Lee Priest, same interview

“I have done everything naturally – except steroids.”

— Lee Priest, his YouTube channel

“I ate 140 eggs a day during contest prep.”

— Lee Priest, YouTube interview

Why this matters: Lee Priest’s career is a case study in how far talent without conformity can go in elite bodybuilding. For aspiring competitors, the lesson is blunt: the Olympia rewards more than muscle. Priest chose integrity over trophies, and his lasting popularity proves that a strong personality can outlast a weak contest record.

Frequently asked questions

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