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“John Wick of Bodybuilding”: 7-Time Olympia Winner Was Compared to Iconic ‘Hitman’ For His Ferocious Approach to Life

Published 08/29/2023, 3:30 PM EDT

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In the bodybuilding world, people often compare bodybuilders to famous characters to show their strong spirit. Recently, many were excited when Phil Heath, a 7 time Mr. Olympia winner, recalled an incident where his trainer called him the “John Wick of Bodybuilding,” capturing the interest of both gym enthusiasts and movie fans.

John Wick, for those who might not be familiar, is a fictional, retired hitman played by actor Keanu Reeves. He is famous for his outstanding combat skills and a passionate desire for revenge. Wick is unique not simply because of his strength but also because of his never-say-die mindset. The journey of Heath’s bodybuilding has been illustrated by this same spirit.

A light-hearted jest with deep implications

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During a podcast with Chris Williamson, Heath touched on this intriguing comparison. He remembered an interview from a year back where his trainer humorously drew a parallel between him and the film’s protagonist. The trainer remarked, “Phil Heath is like John Wick of bodybuilding. Just don’t kill his dog, don’t talk about his wife or something like that.”

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While it was a jest, it encapsulates the passion and intensity Phil Heath brings to the stage and to life. In bodybuilding, what sets winners apart is their willpower. It is undeniable that an athlete’s personal experiences influence how they think and act.

“I Was on a Roll”- Phil Heath Believed He Could Win 10 Mr. Olympia Titles Before the Devastating Injury

In bodybuilding, like in the movie Life of a Hitman, In bodybuilding, just like in any sport, the stakes are high. People are watching your every move. Each flex of your muscle, every bead of sweat, and all the hard work you put in really matters. Champions like Heath rise above, powered by a ‘never back down’ attitude, reminiscent of John Wick’s relentless spirit.

Phil Heath: Beyond the arena

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The “John Wick” analogy isn’t just about the fighter in the ring. Instead, it focuses on the battles you face outside the gym. For Phil Heath, every competition is more than just chasing another win. He is super passionate about his bodybuilding life, and that’s why people respect him. They make this kind of comparisons to help others get it easily.

Some might argue that comparing a real-life athlete to a fictional character is superficial. However, Stories like these help fans relate to athletes and sports heroes. As fans, love hearing these kinds of comparisons that inspire them or give them a new way to look at the people we admire.

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Phil Heath’s comparison with John Wick isn’t merely about the similarities in their relentless pursuits. They both show great determination and courage when facing tough situations, whether in bodybuilding or in a made-up story. Do you agree? Is the comparison legit?

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Written by:

Taha Tariq

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Taha Tariq is a Bodybuilding writer at EssentiallySports. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from a premier University and brings with him prior experience in managing social media campaigns and conducting market research. Bodybuilding and MMA have always been of significant interest to Taha, inspiring him in his professional writing and personal fitness journey.
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Edited by:

Parth Sharma