Mike Mentzer began bodybuilding when he was 12. The pictures in a bodybuilding magazine inspired Mentzer to work out when he weighed only around 95 lbs. 16 years later, at 28, Mentzer became the heavyweight champion at the 1979 Mr. Olympia contest. The American dominated his class and scored a perfect 300. However, in 1980, Mike retired from bodybuilding.

The heavyweight champion transitioned from competing to coaching. Mike had a firm grasp of language, writing, and bodybuilding principles. By 1990, Mike had written three books. During a 1991 interview, the former Mr. Olympia busted a prevalent myth surrounding steroids and their effects.

The bodybuilding legend separated fact from fiction

In a rare interview from 1991, Mike Mentzer discussed bodybuilding and steroid use with the hosts. While discussing the common misconceptions about the effects of steroids, a host asked Mentzer about fertility issues arising from steroid use. “Has there been any proven studies because another thing you hear from a negative side amongst the public is, a male won’t to be able to have kids 10 years from now?” asked an interviewer.

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Mentzer dismissed the myth. “Yes, steroids can be dangerous in certain ways, but not that particular way. (it) does not affect fertility,” said Mike. He also explained why such myths gain prevalence. “As is the case with the media very often, when there’s something that’s possibly dangerous, they tend to get all kinds of things confused and they bring other issues into it,” said Mike.

Mentzer also said he knew many professional bodybuilders who use steroids. “(They) have been training and taking steroids for up to 20-30 years,” said Mentzer.

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The former Mr. Olympia also mentioned steroid use in bodybuilding was common. “Local, national, international, or professional level. Without a doubt, steroids are a part of it,” said Mentzer.

The redemption of Mike Mentzer

After the 1980 Mr. Olympia contest, Mike Mentzer abruptly retired from bodybuilding. Mentzer was among the favorites in 1980. However, following Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s controversial victory, Mentzer didn’t return to the Mr. Olympia stage. While Mike never became the overall winner of the Mr. Olympia contest, Dorian Yates fulfilled Mike’s dream.

Dorian followed Mentzer’s training philosophy of high-intensity training (HIT). Mike also coached and inspired Yates, who won Mr. Olympia six times.

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