Bodybuilders of diverse backgrounds have played a crucial role in shaping their respective sports and the wider lifting culture for many years. During Black History Month, it is a fitting time to reflect and honor the achievements of some remarkable African American physique athletes, spanning from the Golden Age of bodybuilding to the present.
It is important to note that our selections are organized in an approximate historical sequence, rather than based on their relative importance or accomplishments. While there are numerous impressive and significant bodybuilders and physique athletes of color from various parts of the world, our focus for this list is specifically on African Americans. As a result, certain deserving individuals like Serge Nubret and Sergio Oliva are not included.
Of course, there may be disagreements about the exclusions, and we encourage discussions on the matter. However, it cannot be denied that these extraordinary athletes, who have served as a source of inspiration, are among the greatest ever to grace the world of bodybuilding and weightlifting.
Leroy Colbert:
Born in 1933, Leroy Colbert participated in various major amateur competitions during the early 1950s, earning titles such as Mr. New York City in 1952 and 1953's Mr. Eastern America. However, it is not his achievements on stage that he is primarily remembered for today. Colbert was one of the earliest men of color to appear on the covers of bodybuilding and strength publications, a notable feat during a time when the Civil Rights movement had yet to emerge in the 1960s. Additionally, he is recognized as the first person to have developed 21-inch muscular arms.
Following a devastating motorcycle accident that nearly cost him his foot, Colbert decided to retire from bodybuilding. In the later years of his life, he shifted his focus to managing supplement stores. Unfortunately, Colbert passed away in 2015 at the age of 82.
Robby Robinson:
Robinson, renowned for his unmatched stomach vacuum technique and impeccably shaped afro, holds a significant place in the history of bodybuilding's Golden Age. While you might recognize him from the film "Pumping Iron," "The Black Prince" left a lasting impact on bodybuilding that extends far beyond his portrayal in the movie. He earned the nickname "Mr. Lifestyle" due to his unwavering dedication to the sport, and he has consistently embodied that title for several decades.
In 1975, Robinson achieved an extraordinary feat by winning the prestigious titles of Mr. America, Mr. World, and Mr. Universe in the same season, showcasing his exceptional talent. Additionally, in 1979, he made history as the inaugural champion of the Night of Champions competition, now recognized as the New York Pro. Remarkably, 15 years later, Robinson demonstrated his enduring prowess by defeating the heavily favored Lou Ferrigno and emerging victorious at the first-ever Masters Olympia in 1994. Footage of this memorable event can still be found on platforms like YouTube.
Even after five decades of involvement in the sport, Robinson remains remarkably muscular and fit. Prior to the gym closures in 2020, he could be spotted at Gold's Gym Venice, where he diligently trained every day, demonstrating his commitment to bodybuilding even at the age of nearly 75.
Chris Dickerson:
Mr. Olympia champions have come from diverse backgrounds worldwide, including Sergio Oliva from Cuba, Arnold Schwarzenegger from Austria, and Samir Bannout from Lebanon.
The historic 1982 Mr. Olympia winner, Chris Dickerson, became the first African American champion, accomplishing this feat just shy of his 43rd birthday after an impressive 16-year competitive career. In addition, he broke new ground by being the first openly gay man to claim the title, further pushing boundaries within the sport.
Lee Haney:
Lee Haney emerged as the preeminent force in the post-Arnold era of Mr. Olympia, showcasing his dominance by dethroning Samir Bannout and securing the first of his remarkable eight consecutive Sandow trophies in 1984. Hailing from South Carolina, Haney became a prominent figure in bodybuilding throughout the remainder of the 1980s, gaining widespread recognition through the release of VHS training tapes and even receiving coverage in mainstream media outlets like ESPN.
After her retirement in 2004, Lenda Murray remained involved in bodybuilding and fitness as a promoter and media figure, adding to her enduring contributions to the industry.
In addition to his accomplishments in bodybuilding, Lee Haney was known for his training sessions with professional wrestlers from the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), and video footage of these collaborations can still be found online. After securing his eighth victory in 1991, surpassing Arnold Schwarzenegger's record of seven titles, Haney chose to retire. Presently residing in Atlanta, Georgia, he remains involved in the bodybuilding community, promoting contests and maintaining an active role in the sport.
Lenda Murray:
Lenda Murray established herself as a counterpart to Lee Haney in the realm of women's bodybuilding. With her unparalleled accomplishments, she became an eight-time Ms. Olympia champion, elevating the standards of muscular development in the sport. Remarkably, Murray's initial victory in the contest occurred in her very first appearance, setting a unique record as no other competitor has achieved a debut win in the Olympia since then. Her reign solidified her legacy as an exceptional force in women's bodybuilding.
Jim Morris:
Morris exemplified true longevity in bodybuilding, spanning from 1959 to 1996, with his final victory at the Masters Olympia in the 60-plus division. Along the way, he amassed numerous prestigious titles such as Mr. America, Mr. USA, and Mr. Universe. Renowned as the "Nice Guy of Bodybuilding," he spent 14 years as Elton John's personal bodyguard while adopting a vegetarian lifestyle, which ultimately powered his success at the Masters Olympia. Transitioning to a strict vegan diet later in life, Morris posed nude for a PETA advertisement at the age of 78, resembling Rodin's iconic sculpture "The Thinker." A documentary highlighting his lifestyle, training, and philosophy was also released in the same year. Sadly, Morris passed away at the age of 80 in 2016, leaving behind an inspiring legacy.
Shawn Ray:
Shawn Ray, initially a remarkable teenage sensation, emerged as one of the prominent contenders during the highly competitive 1990s, widely regarded as the sport's most fiercely contested decade. As the champion of the 1991 Arnold Classic, Ray showcased his exceptional skills. While he secured second place at the Olympia on two occasions, his consistency was truly extraordinary, finishing in the top 5 an incredible 12 times—a feat unparalleled before or since in the history of the competition.
Shawn Ray's 1996 runner-up finish to Dorian Yates remains a controversial result, and he was only unable to defeat Lee Haney and Yates during his career as a top contender in the Olympia.
Flex Wheeler:
Flex Wheeler, a prominent figure in the 1990s, is often recognized as one of the greatest posing masters of all time. Throughout his career, he secured four Arnold Classic titles and achieved second place in the Olympia three times, earning him the nickname "The Uncrowned Mr. Olympia." Wheeler's exceptional posing abilities and his consistent high placements cemented his status as a formidable contender in the bodybuilding world.
In recent years, Flex Wheeler has remained an inspirational figure in the sport of bodybuilding. His comeback in the Classic Physique division in 2017, at the age of 50 and above, showcased his determination and resilience. Furthermore, Wheeler's ongoing recovery journey from losing his foot due to nerve damage in 2020 has served as a testament to his unwavering spirit and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Ronnie Coleman:
Ronnie Coleman's status as an all-time great in bodybuilding is undisputed, but his rise to stardom was a gradual process. Making his professional debut in 1991, he steadily climbed the ranks until he shocked the world by dethroning Flex Wheeler and claiming the Mr. Olympia title in 1998 at Madison Square Garden. Despite being at the pinnacle of the sport, Coleman maintained his full-time job as a police officer in Texas. His incredible displays of strength, such as bench pressing 500 pounds for 6 reps and squatting 800 pounds for a double, continue to be legendary, and his signature catchphrases have become integral to the vocabulary of dedicated lifters.
In the 2004 Olympia, Ronnie Coleman made a remarkable appearance on stage, weighing an astounding 296 pounds, which is widely regarded as the most awe-inspiring display of size in the history of the competition. He maintained his dominance as the Mr. Olympia champion until 2006 when Jay Cutler emerged victorious. In 2011, Coleman provided Bodybuilding.com with an exclusive glimpse into his lifestyle and training, offering a unique insight into his approach to bodybuilding.
Dexter Jackson:
When Dexter Jackson, nicknamed "The Blade," participated in the 2020 Mr. Olympia contest at the age of 51, it marked his remarkable 21st and final appearance on the biggest stage of bodybuilding. Notably, Jackson holds the distinction of being the sole competitor to have competed at the Olympia in four different decades, showcasing his enduring dedication and longevity in the sport.
Dexter Jackson's first Olympia appearance in 1999 resulted in a ninth-place finish, but he went on to secure the title in 2008, accumulating a record-breaking 29 professional victories throughout his career, the highest number in bodybuilding history.
Iris Kyle:
Iris Kyle stands unrivaled in the world of bodybuilding, boasting the most Olympia wins by any competitor, male or female. Her unparalleled dominance in women's bodybuilding parallels the achievements of iconic athletes like Tiger Woods in golf or Serena Williams in tennis, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats.
Iris Kyle's remarkable career includes an astounding ten victories in the prestigious Ms. Olympia competition, with her final win in 2014 leading to her retirement as the reigning champion. With a total of seventeen professional titles, she holds the distinction of being the most successful female professional bodybuilder in history. Despite reaching the age of 47, Kyle has not entirely ruled out the possibility of making a comeback to the Olympia stage, showcasing her enduring passion and dedication to the sport.
Phil Heath:
Phil Heath emerged as the undisputed dominant force in bodybuilding during the 2010s, surpassing his predecessors by making significant strides in mainstream markets. As the first Olympia champion of the social media era, he utilized platforms like ESPN, WWE, Bloomberg News, and the documentary film "Generation Iron" to expand awareness of bodybuilding and fitness, solidifying his impact and bringing the sport to broader audiences.
Phil Heath placed third in the 2020 Olympia, and with his multiple wins, he is tied with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the second-most victories in the history of the competition, trailing only Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman.
Kai Greene:
Kai Greene, known as "Mr. Getting it Done," may not have competed since 2016, but his impact and influence in bodybuilding are enduring. Overcoming a troubled childhood, Greene found solace in bodybuilding, viewing it as an art form and excelling as a top professional. As a three-time Arnold Classic Champion, he stood as Phil Heath's primary rival during his Mr. Olympia reign. However, it is Greene's philosophical outlook and positive attitude that have earned him a devoted following, solidifying his place as one of the most revered and inspirational bodybuilders of all time.
Candice Lewis-Carter:
Candice Lewis-Carter has established herself as a consistent and formidable competitor in the figure division, earning a reputation as a favorite in every contest she participates in. With an impressive collection of 13 professional titles to her name, including consecutive Figure International wins in 2017 and 2018, Lewis-Carter has solidified her status as one of the top figures in the sport. Her consistent presence and remarkable achievements have garnered well-deserved recognition throughout her career.
After her remarkable second-place finish at the Olympia in 2018, Candice Lewis-Carter decided to retire from competition to embark on a new chapter in her life, starting a family. She has also dedicated her time and expertise to empower and guide other women in their fitness journeys through her business venture, Next-Level Lifting, where she serves as a mentor and trainer, helping aspiring athletes achieve success in the sport. Lewis-Carter's commitment to supporting and uplifting others showcases her continued impact beyond her own competitive career.
Cydney Gillon:
Cydney Gillon is a prominent figure in women's competitive bodybuilding, currently excelling with a streak of dominance. With four Figure Olympia wins, including her latest victory in 2020, she shares the record for the most wins in that division alongside Nicole Wilkins. Gillon's success extends beyond the Olympia stage, as she is also a former winner of the Ms. International at the esteemed Arnold Sports Weekend. Her consistent achievements showcase her exceptional talent and position her as one of the top contenders in the sport.
Alongside her bodybuilding success, Cydney Gillon's versatility was showcased on the reality TV show "Survivor" and her athletic background as a former college track star. Off the stage, Gillon's commitment to education led her to establish the Cydney Gillon Scholarship, aimed at aiding high school students in their transition to college. Through her philanthropic efforts and diverse pursuits, Gillon continues to make an impact beyond the realm of fitness, inspiring others both in and outside of the bodybuilding community.