Flex Lewis has decided to “hang up his posing trunks” after a legendary career.
Flex Lewis launched the first episode of his Straight Outta The Lair podcast on Friday morning. Joined by his wife, Ali, Lewis discussed many topics including bodybuilding and his family’s move to Las Vegas. The seven-time Olympia champion proceeded to make a major announcement. Lewis revealed that he has decided to retire from bodybuilding.
Around the 22-minute mark of the podcast, which was shared on his YouTube page, Lewis begins talking about the future and explains how it is time for him to make this decision.
“I’ve kind of thought about many ways on how I want to deliver this because it is something I have done since I was 19. There’s no real easy way to say this but it’s time.
Bodybuilding has served me very well. It has opened some amazing doors for me but it is time for me to hang up my posing trunks. It has been an amazing road. One I am very blessed to say that I have accomplished more, more things than I ever thought imagined.”
“Without getting emotional, you kind of know. I know. This is a decision that I made myself…It was my decision and everybody has supported it. There are multiple reasons why I’m at this place.”
Flex Lewis continues to discuss his decision and says he wants to be present for his family. Flex and Ali welcomed their second child to the world last week. Lewis wants to be around his family more moving forward.
“My son is on the way and I really want to be present. I really want to be present. My daughter is six years old right now. I’ve lost a lot of years of her life being on the road, traveling, and putting bodybuilding first. There’s no way around it. Bodybuilding was first on many, many occasions. I just want to be there for the birth and I just don’t want to have to look at the clock and eat meals and run off to the gym.”
Flex Lewis’ Career
Flex Lewis began training at a young age and developed a passion for fitness. At 16 years old, Lewis entered the Junior Mr. Wales competition and placed first. In 2007, he turned pro after winning the NPC British Nationals. He began his career with nine consecutive victories before joining the IFBB league.
In his fourth show, Lewis picked up his first victory at the 2009 Atlanta City Pro. From this moment on, Lewis finished outside of the top three in a competition just one time. He began his stretch of seven consecutive Olympia victories in 2012. Lewis sprinkled in other wins during this time at big shows like the 2014 Arnold Classic and 2014 Korea Grand Prix.
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Flex Lewis’ return to the Olympia was up in the air to this point. In 2020, Lewis received a special invitation but was unable to compete due to an injury. In 2021, Lewis did not compete which means he might have needed to qualify if he was going to return this year. Many believed that he deserved a special invitation but it seemed as though he would not get one in Men’s Open.
Now, Flex Lewis has decided to call it a career and leave a long, legendary legacy in bodybuilding. Lewis will now focus on his family, his gym, and sharing wisdom as one of the best, if not the best, 212 bodybuilders of all time.
Flex Lewis Competition History
- 2018 Olympia – 1st Place
- 2017 Olympia – 1st Place
- 2016 Olympia – 1st Place
- 2015 Olympia – 1st Place
- 2014 IFBB San Marino Pro – 1st Place
- 2014 EVL’s Prague Pro 212 Bodybuilding – 1st Place
- 2014 IFBB Korea Grand Prix 212 – 1st Place
- 2014. Olympia – 1st Place
- 2014 IFBB Arnold Sports Festival – 1st Place
- 2013 EVL’s Prague Pro 212 Bodybuilding – 1st Place
- 2013 Olympia – 1st Place
- 2012 EVL’s Prague Pro 212 Bodybuilding – 1st Place
- 2012 British Grand Prix 212 Bodybuilding – 1st Place
- 2012 Olympia – 1st Place
- 2011 Arnold Classic Europe Men’s Bodybuilding – 5th Place
- 2011 Olympia Men’s Bodybuilding – 2nd Place
- 2011 New York Pro Championships Men’s 202 – 2nd Place
- 2011 Mr. Europe Grand Prix Men’s Bodybuilding – 3rd Place
- 2011 IFBB British Grand Prix Men’s 202 – 1st Place
- 2009 IFBB Atlantic City Pro 202 Division – 1st Place
- 2009 IFBB Mr. Olympia 202 Challenge – 5th Place
- 2008 Europa Pro Overall Division – 7th Place
- 2008 Europa Pro 202 Division – 1st Place
- 2008 Tampa Pro Open Division – 7th Place
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