There is no question that Phil Heath will be back next year to defend his title. He wants that 5th one.
Afterwards, it is anyone's guess. But Phil will not let anyone beat him next year either.
I have a theory that Phil Heath is quietly planning to RETIRE following a WIN at the 2015 Mr. Olympia Contest.
Let me lay out why I think this is the case:
Company change) Phil took a nice payday and walked away from a steady contract. The move shocked many, but would make sense if he only planned to compete for one more year. The steady check would go away anyway - but locking in a nice % of your own company would be a smart move if you planned on doing that full-time, starting in a year.
Aging physique)His body is showing signs of age/expansion in the BBing era now... it's just science, not a knock on Phil. Midsection growing, arms shrinking a bit. It happens. 2011 may have been the best Phil we'll see.
Legacy)Phil is a huge Michael Jordan fan... No doubt, he reveled in the TWO times Jordan went out on top... then came back past his time for dismal Wizards career. Most huge MJ fans wish he had left on top. Phil will never go on that stage if he's getting bested by 5 or 6 guys. He'll retire first. And comparing 2014 to 2011, he has declined, that's not a knock, that's just the effects of BBing lifestyle.
Health)Phil's a smart guy. He knows BBing is a dangerous sport at the top levels, and he's almost 35 and a family man. He's not a single rock star, willing to ride his body til the wheels fall off. A decade at the highest level of BBing "supp" use - smart man starts to back off soon.
They caught him)Kai's right there. others are close. If Phil drops off 2%, he can easily lose on any night now. Phil isn't unbeatable. You can ask Iris Kyle if they'll give a retiring multi-champion a parting gift title. They will. Phil knows he will win in 2015 if he's off yet retiring on top. Does anyone here think, after seeing the 2014 show, that Phil is unbeatable in 2 years?
Forward-thinking)Phil was a computer major in college. He's been on the right side of everything he's done in Bodybuilding. He arrived, did the right shows, crashed with Jay to learn the top level ropes, entered and won the right hows every year. Phil doesn't make mistakes. Phil doesn't do 'trial and error'. He's a bright dude, and in a sport as competitive and potentially dangerous as BBing, I think Phil's had his eyes on the Exit door, of what's next, since he entered bodybuilding. Winning the 5th title, retiring to lead his company to the top, it's the right move.
FIVE sounds right)Strive for five. Five-time winner. Phil's Five Titles. 5X Olympia winner. Nice round number that puts him in the upper echelon of the sport, but also lets him retire at age 35 and able to keep his health, run a company for a decade or two, and maintain sustained income. Five time winner just
sounds right.
So anyway, that's my guess. I have no 'inside information'. Just as a fan, looking at Phil's situation, legacy, position and trying to predict his mindset... and of course, Ron's sly comment above, seeing as Phil would give insiders like Ron the wink and the nod...
I think Phil Heath goes out on top and retires after winning the 2015 Mr. Olympia contest.
