Lee Priest Height, Age, Net Worth, Age, Wiki [2024]

Vital Stats

First things first, let’s talk numbers.

Here’s a quick rundown of Lee’s key stats:

As you can see, Lee is a pretty compact dude at just 5’4″. But don’t let his height fool you – this guy is pure muscle! He typically competes in the 202-212 lb weight class, but he’s been known to bulk up to 235 lbs in the off-season. Talk about mass monster status!

Early Years

Lee’s love for pumping iron started at a super young age. Get this – he began training when he was just 12 years old! His grandpa played a big role in getting him into the bodybuilding scene.

“My grandfather ran a gym, so I started training there,” Lee has said. “He taught me the basics and encouraged me to pursue bodybuilding seriously.”

Grandpa Priest knew his stuff because Lee took to weight training like a duck to water.

By the time he was a teenager, he was already building an impressive physique and dreaming of bodybuilding glory.

Amateur Success

Lee wasted no time making a name for himself in the Aussie bodybuilding world. In 1989, at the ripe old age of 17, he won the IFBB Australian Championships. Talk about starting strong!

He followed that up with another win at the Australian Championships in 1990, plus a 4th place finish in the lightweight class at the IFBB World Amateur Championships that same year.

Lee was putting the bodybuilding world on notice – this kid from Newcastle was the real deal.

Turning Pro

After dominating the amateur ranks, Lee was ready to swim with the big fish. He earned his IFBB Pro Card in 1992 and made his pro debut at the 1993 Night of Champions, where he placed 12th.

Now, 12th place might not sound too impressive. But you gotta remember, Lee was only 21 years old and going up against seasoned vets. He was just getting started!

Over the next few years, Lee steadily climbed the pro ranks. He notched top 5 finishes at prestigious shows like the Arnold Classic and the Ironman Pro.

His best placing was a 3rd at the 1995 Ironman – not too shabby for a dude in his early 20s!

The Gear Controversy

Alright, time to address the elephant in the room. As Lee’s career progressed, he started to become known as much for his crazy conditioning as for his…let’s call it “liberal” use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Now, we’re not here to pass judgment. The fact is, PED use was (and still is) rampant in professional bodybuilding. But Lee was pushing the envelope, even by pro standards.

There were rumors of Lee using insane cocktails of steroids, growth hormone, insulin – you name it.

His “stacks” were the stuff of legend. Some people speculated that his heavy PED use was taking a toll on his health.

“Yeah, I pushed things pretty far,” Lee has admitted. “But that’s what it took to compete at the highest level. I don’t regret it.”

Falling Out with the IFBB

Things took a turn in the late 90s when Lee had a major falling out with the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness). The details are a bit murky, but basically, Lee felt like the IFBB was screwing him over in terms of judging and invitations to big shows.

In 1997, Lee was invited to compete in the Mr. Olympia – the Super Bowl of bodybuilding. But then, just a few weeks before the contest, the IFBB rescinded his invitation. Lee was furious and accused the federation of playing politics.

“They didn’t want me up there on that Olympia stage,” Lee said. “I was too outspoken, too controversial. They wanted to control me, but I wouldn’t play their games.”

The bad blood between Lee and the IFBB continued for years. In 2000 and 2001, Lee competed in the WPF (World Pro Fitness) Grand Prix, a rival organization to the IFBB.

This didn’t sit well with the IFBB brass, and they eventually kicked Lee out of the federation altogether.

The Comebacks

After his exile from the IFBB, Lee took a break from competitive bodybuilding. But you can’t keep a good meathead down for long! In 2006, at age 34, Lee made a triumphant return to the stage.

He won the NABBA Mr. Universe title that year, proving that he could still hang with the best of ’em. He followed that up with a PDI Night of Champions win in 2013.

These comeback victories cemented Lee’s status as a bodybuilding legend. Even after all the drama and controversies, he was still a force to be reckoned with.

Training and Nutrition

Okay, enough about the gossip and politics. Let’s talk about how Lee built one of the most impressive physiques in bodybuilding history.

Like most pro bodybuilders, Lee is a big believer in high-volume, high-intensity training. He’s known for his grueling workouts, which often include giant sets, drop sets, and forced reps.

“I train balls to the wall, every single time,” Lee says. “I don’t believe in holding back or saving energy for later. I leave it all in the gym.”

As for nutrition, Lee keeps it pretty basic. He eats a ton of lean protein (think chicken, fish, eggs), complex carbs (oats, sweet potatoes, rice), and healthy fats (nuts, avocado, olive oil). He’s not afraid to throw in the occasional cheat meal, though.

“I’ll crush a whole pizza or a big burger once in a while,” Lee admits. “But for the most part, I keep it clean and consistent. That’s the key to getting shredded.”

Personal Life

So what’s Lee like outside the gym? Well, he’s a bit of a wild man, to be honest. He’s got a rebellious streak a mile wide and he’s never been afraid to speak his mind, even if it gets him in trouble.

Lee was married to fellow bodybuilder Cathy LeFrancois from 2000 to 2005. The couple had a tumultuous relationship and their split was pretty messy.

These days, Lee keeps his personal life more private. He’s focused on his training, his business ventures (he owns a supplement company called Assassin Nutrition), and enjoying life on his terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is Lee Priest natural?

A: Hahaha, good one! Seriously though, Lee has been pretty open about his use of performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career. He’s never claimed to be natural.

• Q: What happened between Lee Priest and the IFBB?

A: Long story short, Lee and the IFBB had a falling out in the late 90s/early 2000s. Lee felt like the federation was treating him unfairly and he competed in a rival organization. The IFBB eventually kicked him out altogether.

• Q: How tall is Lee Priest?

A: Lee is 5’4″ (163 cm), which is pretty short for a pro bodybuilder. But what he lacks in height, he makes up for in muscle!

• Q: What titles has Lee Priest won?

A: Some of Lee’s biggest wins include the 1989 and 1990 IFBB Australian Championships, the 2006 NABBA Mr. Universe, and the 2013 PDI Night of Champions.

Conclusion:

Phew, that was a lot of info! But hey, when you’re talking about a larger-than-life figure like Lee Priest, there’s never a dull moment.

Love him or hate him, you gotta respect Lee’s passion, work ethic, and longevity in the sport of bodybuilding. The guy has been through ups and downs, but he’s always stayed true to himself and his love for the iron.

As Lee himself puts it: “Bodybuilding is my life, man. It’s not just something I do – it’s who I am. I’ll keep training and competing until the day I die.”

And you know what? We believe him. So here’s to you, Lee – keep pumping, keep inspiring, and keep being the crazy, hardcore mofo we all know and love!