Speaking to Muscle & Strength, Mr. Universe Lee Labrada revealed the reality of bodybuilding during his era, when the sport was still gaining traction compared to giants like combat sports and the NFL.

“It was challenging, you know, in terms of making money. Fortunately, I was one of these guys who was good enough to be at the top of their sport, because this is something that's true even to this day — that unless you're one of the top five or 10 in the world, it is hand-to-mouth,” said Labrada.

After winning the Mr. Universe title in 1985, Lee Labrada entered his professional bodybuilding career at the top. However, despite repeated attempts, he was never able to break past a top-four finish at Mr. Olympia.

“Okay, it is not something that pays like being a superstar in the NFL or the NBA, or another major professional sport. It's tough,” said Labrada.

While the late 1980s era was dominated by Dorian Yates and Kevin Levrone, Labrada still cemented his legacy by winning 22 professional titles over the course of his career, claiming 22 wins out of 34 pro shows, which is one of the highest ratios in bodybuilding history.

Later in the conversation, Labrada explains that things have changed drastically in this era, where social media now dictates the financial side of the game.

Lee Labrada on new-age bodybuilding

“Today we've got social media, you know, and of course, you know, you have the eyes of the world on you at all times,” said Lee Labrada.

Well, if we break the numbers down, the average NBA athlete earns $3.2 million per year, and the average NFL athlete earns a staggering $11.9 million per year. In contrast, bodybuilding athlete earnings drop sharply.

He further added, “You know, that goes not just for the bodybuilding champions and the superstars, but for the up-and-comers, and even those that haven't competed. You know, some have a tremendous social media following because there's something that's interesting to their followers.”

Social media has eased the financial burden for new-age bodybuilders, but the pay gap remains significant. Given that, what are your thoughts on Labrada’s words?

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu