http://labrada.com/blog/labrada-news/lee-labrada-does-he-take-steroids/#more-4098Straight Talk from Lee Labrada: Controversy — Does He or Doesn’t He?
by Lee Labrada
Recently, I shared some photos from my bodybuilding competition shape “comeback” on Facebook to inspire my fans. After physically being out of the bodybuilding limelight for over 15 years, I decided to get into the best condition I could, at the age of 51. Not for the posing podium, this time, but for the lens of physique photography greats Mike Neveux of Ironman magazine and Alex Ardenti of Muscle Mag/REPS magazines.
I posted a sneak preview (picture shown on the right) of what you’ll soon see in the pages of these magazines. My goal was to hit a personal best and being over 50, to see if I still measured up to my former competition shape from my 30’s. What I didn’t count on when I posted the pics was the controversial buzz it created on some bodybuilding forums.
All but a few of the comments on Facebook were positive. I want to thank all of my fans who rushed to my defense when certain disgruntled individuals made inferences about whether I am a “natural” bodybuilder or not. Here are some facts that I will share with you guys.
1) I’ve never hidden the fact that back in my bodybuilding competition days I used anabolics; the irony is that they actually made me look more bloated. My competition weight then was 185-190 pounds. Today I weigh 175, so the question is, did they really help that much?
2) In 1990, I passed an IOC drug test to compete in the IFBB Mr.Olympia. Incidentally, that also was the year that I beat then-Mr.Olympia Lee Haney in the pre-judging, the only man to ever do so since Haney’s first O win in 1984. I placed 2nd that year, narrowly missing winning the title. My bodyweight? 180 pounds.
3) Currently, my testosterone levels are within normal physiological levels; I do not use GH, insulin, anti-estrogens or any other drugs. Just good nutrition, supplementation, and hard training. This is what you are seeing in my current photos– and to my few detractors, sorry, you’re just going to have to live with that. I say this in humility, but to the point: Sometimes it’s difficult for certain individuals to see someone throw a 100 mph fastball or run a 4.3s 40 yd sprint, and realize that no matter how many performance enhancing drugs they take, they’ll never measure up. I thank God for my great genetics, as I have been blessed.
4) I am a big proponent of drug testing in bodybuilding, and am crusading to bring IOC testing back to the IFBB Professional ranks. It will be an uphill battle, but it will be good for our sport in the long run. It will create a more positive view of bodybuilding, and give more young men and women the motivation to compete.
5) Lastly, I am always honest with people. You can count on me to provide accurate, truthful information along with sports nutrition products that can be trusted. My mission in life now is to help others get into the best shape they can, and to achieve good health.
I hope that clears everything up and we can get on with pumping iron and improving our bodies! As always, I am here to help those that come to me with genuine hearts and open minds. It is an honor to be your Lean Body Coach.
Lee Labrada
