Although I love bodybuilding, it's just not the same anymore. In retrospect, after the 2004 Mr. Olympia, just merely competing at the event fulfilled much more than I ever hoped for.
So walking away was really no big deal to me. After all, I walked away with my health and lots of pride for what I had already accomplished and that means more to me than a potential first place award somewhere down the road. I don't and haven't been keeping up with the current events of the whole bodybuilding world due to my other passions and obligations.
But you have heard it from me. I have officially retired from competitive bodybuilding.
Sincerely,
Richard Jones