The Real Reason Shawn Ray Walked Away From Bodybuilding | Bodybuilding Chronicles

The behind-the-scenes story of why Shawn Ray stopped competing.
For every legendary bodybuilder - their career must eventually come to an end. Whether that's by choice or by falling off of the top placing is a different matter. For Shawn Ray - he chose to walk away from the sport on his own and some believe he could have continued with some good placings under his belt. So why did he stop?
It call comes down to one name - and in this tell all behind the scenes story from Shawn Ray himself, we get to find out in exact detail why Shawn Ray decided to step off the stage for good. Could there have been an alternate history where Shawn Ray competed for a few more years? Find out in this episode of Bodybuilding Chronicles above!
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[@JohnnyCage333]

How Shawn Ray never won a Mr. Olympia, not even 1, blows my mind. The man had an incredible awesome physique. One of the best ever. Even Flex Wheeler. Shit...can't believe it.

[@karldavis9847]

Politics was a part of it

[@siddhant1285]

Because he has not muscle mass like mr.O winners

[@odessafile75]

@@siddhant1285 For his height and bone structure he has as much if not more muscle mass than Frank Zane, Chris Dickerson, Samir Bannout and perhaps arguably even Brandon Curry and Shawn Rodden. This is not meant as any criticism of the aforementioned. I think Shawn should have won at least one of the Olympias that Yates won.

[@kurtbarlow5408]

Dorian Yates

[@thegreat1009]

Because the ifbb is corrupt

[@stormking6560]

Haters will hate. But Shawn had one of the best bodies of any elite pro bodybuilder until this day. Its the reputation he had in the industry that suppressed that undeniable fact. He called out B.S. on the industry in that period of time and wouldn't allow himself to be mistreated. Nothing wrong with that.

[@lobosolo5809]

Best ever

[@donquixote...]

Storm King And honestly, sometimes someone has to say something... That takes BALLS because it's done at one's own risk. I never knew much about this guy, just seen lots of negativity about him. I suppose someone might find something bad to say, but he's won me over.

[@sugarshawnray]

13randon 13axter lol! Lee Priest🤪

[@donquixote...]

13randon 13axter Lee is a complete asshole... One might find him likeable initially, then see what he is, after that there's hardly any redeeming qualities. He's quite frankly, a self made POS. Shawn on the other hand is just self made. Seems they both have had some difficulties with the sport, but one went in one direction, and the other shit himself.

[@donquixote...]

Viking Strongman No man, that's just wrong... You'll have your day of reckoning...

[@CHARLTON2015]

He deserved at least one mr Olympia. Arguably had the most balanced physique to ever step on that stage.

[@JustSujC]

The guy is a bodybuilding genius.

[@vivificateurveridique1420]

Because he saw Dexter Jackson coming and he couldn't say anymore that the judge award mass monster so he didn't have choice he left. Cause he placed him ahead Dexter and Dexter wasn't happy and he sais in an intervew tha he paid his due...That he should place higher thant Ray.

[@JohnBowl14690]

Flex Wheeler enters the room

[@ProdigalSonAD70]

Truly underrated and no doubt uncrowned Mr Olympia.Always stayed true to the true Essence of BB!

[@mossimmo1271]

I wouldn`t say underrated not by a long shot, not by the people who know bodybuilding. He is a giant among those who appreciate an outstanding physique and one of the greatest ever.

[@turtleho]

Don't wanna be rude but this channel is slowly getting better since Vlad is staying behind the camera or even behind the cameraman 👍

[@absfile]

turtleho Agreed. I noticed that too

[@KuldeepSingh-uo5ek]

He doesn't have a tongue to speak like a pro.

[@toton1967]

Apples and oranges when it comes to Shawn vs the rest....Shawn possessed beautiful aesthetics...supreme poses....but he was not a mass monster....he was a champion in his own right...always would feature in my own hall of fame ❤️❤️

[@ScarfaceMich]

Hands down the most complete bodybuilder to ever roam this planet. Thank you Shawn for the inspiration and the truth!

[@Njliving22]

He easily had the most sculpted refined physique but the judges had hard ons for mass monsters I don’t blame him for throwing a fit and saying fuck u to everyone

[@whitelion1111]

And it continues, mass monsters

[@danielbianchi3479]

Swag city your absolutely correct!

[@Osiwan960]

Shawn Ray had the best combination of looks, charisma, high pro BB placings, marketable, motivational personna, etc. ever.

[@MR12AMAZING]

More than Arnold himself?😂

[@Sagittariustoo]

You were an uncrowned Mr Olympia, Shawn !

[@michaelmayers3622]

@Cali Surfer Dude kai hell no

[@mattbudesa3038]

No he wasn't.

[@Sagittariustoo]

@@mattbudesa3038What titles have you won, Matt?

[@mattbudesa3038]

@@Sagittariustoo huh? This has nothing to do with me. Fact is Shawn never came close to winning the Olympia. He was too small compared to his competition with just as good condition if not better.

[@Sagittariustoo]

@@mattbudesa3038 Well, since you replied to my post, I made it about you. You have your opinion but you're full of shit. Shawn looked way better than Blocky overrated Dorian Yates with his wide midsection.

[@ketoking9435]

Shawna great and probably saved his body a lot of wear and tear,,,,,,,

[@aran125]

Irfan Khan Absolutely

[@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS]

Looks like he's still juicing to me

[@johnlawrence9848]

@@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS TRT

[@robertkhaev9929]

bassmansoundking99 stupid thing to say

[@KrisBishop78]

Huge fan for years Shawn. Good to see you doing so well. Definitely one of the greatest builds ever!!! Uncrowned Mr Olympia if I’ve ever seen one.

[@themarcusperry]

Wow , I always wondered why Shawn stop competing in bodybuilding. Great job explaining all of this. 👍🏾

[@nagone11]

People can talk shit on Shawn all day long but when he hit that stage he was a bad ass!! The man actually had a physique with almost no weaknesses for his time..he even had perfect coloring on top of everything else he had. The only real issue Shawn Ray had was his birth-date...

[@brianbachmeier34]

He got be interested in bodybuilding in 1999. It changed my entire life.

[@Tokoa144]

Shawn Ray was the most unlucky guy not to win the Mr O title. Probably the most handsome of all the body builders at the time, despite his height, he rose to the top of the ranks and in my mind deserved to win it at least once. The trouble is that he came through the golden era of the sport when they began the push toward becoming mass monsters. Always love this guy no matter what. Great interview & still a fan of the great Shawn Ray!

[@ibanez2010]

Sometimes have to pinch myself when I say this guy does not have a Sandow. One of the biggest errors in BB history.

[@NOTLKU86]

ibanez2010 he was standing next to guys 5’10 -6’0 245-up cut as he was.... he was short an to small unfortunately when you have guys looking super huge an conditioned both aspects overpower what Shawn brought an the years past it got worse cause everybody was big an cut lol ... he should have at least one against the shadow .. when Dorian looked terrible but it is what it is

[@mikevaldez7684]

He didn't earn the Sandow--he was a whimp in the gym & still whinning, periodically he would be slapped down

[@vivificateurveridique1420]

Because he saw Dexter Jackson coming and he couldn't say anymore that the judge award mass monster so he didn't have choice he left. Cause he placed him ahead Dexter and Dexter wasn't happy and he sais in an intervew tha he paid his due...That he should place higher thant Ray.

[@marcb510]

Sean got ripped off atleast a couple of times at Olympia...

[@blackphillip63]

2

[@wizmanballin8498]

+marcb510 - Him and Kevin Levrone. I remember one year Shawn got snubbed to Dorian, and Kevin. Even Dorian was surprised at that win. Shawn was a monster that year. It was a great competition....but Shawn was truly snubbed. I think they have that vid here on YT.

[@fredbennett3549]

marcb510 yep

[@thehobbit59]

you mean he got ""öwned", he never was better then anyone that bet him

[@anttilaakkonen4390]

He got robbed of his win in 1994 and of a top 3 place in 1999. The ifbb hated Shawn because he wasn't their pet and wasn't a Weider boy.

[@spicyoctopus]

Shawn's my favorite body-builder of all time. True artistic representation of the sport.

[@IzzoWingChun]

Politics run and ruin everything.

[@iktomi5]

Great Video I enjoy Shawn's style of presenting & story telling.

[@Mdaddarioe]

I agree. He is well-spoken and a legendary figure in his era.

[@vjulianv]

One of the most aesthetics bodybuilders ever. Great shape always, even on off-season

[@breign72]

Shawn's physique was a monument to symmetry. He was INCREDIBLE. I never understood how he didn't win a Sandow. Just a travesty. Some of the guys who've won looked like giant refrigerators, just boxes of muscle. Shawn had a clean physique that literally had no flaws. If you wanna say he was too short, I still don't think that should have been a factor, his body was shaped with size and clean lines.

[@chasingaesthetics7394]

1999 physique of Shawn ray , most complete and greatest of all time , Period .

[@hernantuquero5969]

ExcelsiorBF52 But lee priest was younger.

[@johnlawrence9848]

@ExcelsiorBF52 Shawn was more complete, & thats not an opinion that's fact.

[@deputysheriff5994]

My favorite body builder! Just looking at him posing motivates me to train!

[@Mattkayina]

he had an amazing physique. massive but still super lean

[@Killthebatman87]

mynamesmatty def a lot of illusion cause his waist was so small and tiny joints that made the muscles pop...you’d be surprised how much he weighed contest time

[@benkuhns230]

BeerDrinkinGod I don't care about size, I care about perfection of that size

[@emmanuelsilvera8032]

Great bodybuilder, great poser as well! One of my favorites for sure, he was in one of the best decades for the sport as well.

[@terrencemustipher3022]

An iconic figure in bodybuilding. Shawn Ray has inspired me for many years ❤

[@digi051669]

Always thought Shawn was one of the most aesthetic bodybuilders ever!

[@ed2win37]

Glad you made it out safely. As long as you have your family, you have more strength than you ever had as a bodybuilder. Blessings.

[@kpurohit2000]

Shawn Ray is probably the greatest representation of the sport till date! Today's bodybuilding is spoilt no one has the aesthetics!

[@vivificateurveridique1420]

Because he saw Dexter Jackson coming and he couldn't say anymore that the judge award mass monster so he didn't have choice he left. Cause he placed him ahead Dexter and Dexter wasn't happy and he sais in an intervew tha he paid his due...That he should place higher thant Ray.

[@amandamcgruder5074]

Thank you for clearing that up, cus a lot of us didn't know why you vanished!!!

[@4um360]

shawn Ray was my favorite from his era.

[@cliftontorres2478]

And look at you now!!!! The#1 promoter in Hawaii...Congratulations!!! A decision well made! Now I know what happened...I would've done the same, but I don't have thecredentials like you do....thank you for your inspiration and mentorship to all the new up and coming competitors.

[@daveyboy_]

Holy crap. Ur legs are Jacked at 3:03. Anyway Shawn ? Good on you , its great to hear about a BB thats NOT all messed up ! Too many BB'S are defined by BB. Not you. For that i commend you sir

[@carlosbernalism]

Shawn you have always been my favorite bodybuilder....since your pro career began!

[@r.s.1599]

Your a fantastic professional bodybuilder and to true gentleman. I trained at Golds Venice from 1988 thru 2002 and were around most of the Pros and out of all of them , you were in the top 5 as nicest , and I'm sure most people who meet him will like him

[@edwint4567]

Well said Shawn .

[@edubb7027]

Hes a very good speaker

[@juanitagallardo4736]

Shawn Ray has become a great advocate for professional bodybuilding. A big voice for bodybuilding. He has proven himself as the greatest winner after he stopped competing.

[@XxDanny80xX]

Two Reasons why & I can’t blame the guy He was stuck between competing against Dorian Yates 6x Mr.O. & Ronnie Coleman 8x Mr.O. If Shawn Ray had stayed little bit longer after 2001.

[@Invictus_Veteran]

Danny Rosario Kevin levrone would have taken it next after Ronnie Coleman

[@XxDanny80xX]

Freedom Isn't Free Kevin wasn’t even close to Ronnie or flex. Kevin had his shot when he came second to Dorian.

[@alexisvnc1]

@@XxDanny80xX yeah Kevin never stood a chance against coleman in the early 00s. And the sport was going in a direction of mass monsters with the champion being the one with the best 2 back poses, 2 poses that Kevin was not even close to win against everybody ever in his career.

[@johnguillen68]

To me, Shawn Ray is the best. Love his consistency of looking in tip-top shape for all competitions. Never has he ever looked flat or lacked anything. It's a shame that all this happened to him. I wish I could've seen him compete one more time.

[@feyoudisaacs9853]

Thanks Shawn for staying in the industry, just can't figure out when size outshone symmetry, but you were amazing and inspirational.

[@vivificateurveridique1420]

Because he saw Dexter Jackson coming and he couldn't say anymore that the judge award mass monster so he didn't have choice he left. Cause he placed him ahead Dexter and Dexter wasn't happy and he sais in an intervew tha he paid his due...That he should place higher thant Ray.

[@richspizzaparty]

Shawn was one of the best as were Lee Priest, Bob Paris, Lee Labrada and many more. The mass monsters were on the way and the outspoken aesthetic bodybuilders were basically blacklisted.

[@BLACK7MA]

Shawn Ray will always be my # 1 Body Builder.

[@oxrjbizzle1984y]

same here, easily too!

[@eghazoul]

One of the best physiques of all-time.

[@asb1619]

Shawn Ray’s feat of being in the top 5 for 12 consecutive years in the Mr Olympia contest has never been duplicated and probably never will. He was Mr consistent with a beautiful body; it’s a complete disgrace he never won it once. However, he will always be regarded as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time and probably one of the most intelligent.

[@MrPowerlyte]

This Man is not one to mince words. He gets straight to the point!!! Go Shawn!!!!

[@bjtucker5]

Shawn, you're one of the G.O.A.T.'s. Your legacy lives on, brother.

[@aaronharper7388]

Thank you for your service 🙏

[@bearskifitness6939]

Class act ! One of my all time favorites and probly most eloquent, well spoken bodybuilder ever, just nailed this self-interview...

[@evilelf5967]

shawn had what a whole bunch of bb's didnt't have,perfect symmetry.the guy was perfect in almost every aspect,he's not bitter about walking away,he just saw how corrupt it could be and wouldn't tag along.respect for doing that,stay safe out there.

[@mikeLisle]

Sean Ray had one of the best physics hands down. All year he had amazing conditioning..respect to this icon of bodybuilding..

[@terryallen4883]

That might have been a blessing in disguise for you Ray! You saved your body and soul by not taking all the stuff that goes with professional bodybuilding! You look great for your age! Hell, you look great for any age! Great looking family! I was living in Germany from 1981 to 1995, so I was around when you were in full effect!

[@Elfrontu_1972]

Shawn Ray should’ve won one, maybe two Olympias. Many in the industry didn’t like him, but the guy brought it, he backed it up with his physic, always in shape even when he put a little bit of poundage…he was still a factor. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@gerrysaba1892]

Very clear and honest feedback thank you.

[@Icemin2024]

Shawn, you were and are an inspiration to those whom you have inspired by your example! Thank you!

[@djpickleballplayer]

I was following things at that time. Shawn did not retire in 2001! He actually retired in 2003! After the 2001 O, he was planning to compete in the show the next year but wound up not doing it because he had gotten busy being a rep for the athletes. He said he would be back for the 2003 O. When 2003 came he instead decided to retire. Shawn never had a final show.

[@8kilosunderyep877]

Everything well balanced perfect symmetry you won't see that anymore 🤘

[@edithcallaway4316]

Shawn is a legend and he doesn't know it, if anyone deserves to be called a legend then that man is Shawn.

[@rdallas81]

Awesome job! Great video and insight into his career....thanks MD and especially to this awesome man who still looks terrific. A true rep for the sport.

[@patrikroyale179]

Shawn Ray was and is inspiring and a prolific bodybuilder. He is and was one of my all-time favorites. He was one of the bodybuilders that got me to subscribe to flex mag. and a few others.....I hate that the politics have such a handicapping effect on not just body building but also..other sports. I know that because of the competition being stacked, it contributed to him possibly not winning a Mr. Olympia, also the mass monsters was taking over, but I often thought he'd win at least one because he was just that impressive.

[@motorart4670]

Uncrowned Mr. Olympia! You just don't see the definition, feathering and muscle striations on today's body builders that you saw in Shawn. He was huge but also had muscle detail and symertry. He would hands down beat anyone on stage today.

[@wahidwaheed3024]

You made the right decision, Shawn!

[@Lagaloggie]

Bodybuilding took a direction towards the grotesque after aesthetics were ignored, bypassed or shrugged off in favor of bulk. Could imagine how the sport could've been steered towards a more aesthetic path if Shawn Ray and Flex Wheeler, heck even the bigger but streamlined Levrone were rewarded. Shawn resisted the usual pursuit of heavier bodyweight and stayed in the 205-215 range, striking a balance between full shape, ripped condition, and details. His posing is always a flowing masterclass that is very much like his physique, the lines flowing, harmonizing. I may not always like his blabber but as bodybuilder and champion of aesthetics and posing, he is up there with the greatest. Personally, he is a symbol of the many things bodybuilding have lost.

[@jc30005]

People saying it was right that Shawn lost against Dorian and Ronnie are probably the same people saying that classic physique should take over and open should be phased out. Shawn is the best.

[@CaseyKCRichards]

Just a great athlete that as so overlooked ... too educated, to smart for the industry and he couldn’t be manipulated. Shaun should have done something even more outside of bodybuilding. He says it how it is . Spot on Shaun and wow what a physique you had in your prime which today would out do William Bonac and at least be on contention of the big O

[@davidnewman8719]

Even though you didn't actually win the Olympia you are a winner in every way! Fighting for justice and what is fair. Especially an injured Dorian.... please that was ridiculous.

[@jimsmith9981]

Didn’t know! Thanks for the info...

[@kenseitz1253]

Shawn ray came in the best condition. His symmetry was on point.i counted atleast 2 or 3 years where he was clear winner.

[@svenamundsen4879]

Watching this for the first time today, July 6, 2021. You have your life and your family. Aside from your relationship with God, those are the highest priorities. As for you "failing" a drug test...I know a great many professional bodybuilders. One of which was a 2 time Mr. Olympia. He helped me with getting a "program" established and it worked very well. From my perspective as a former competitive bodybuilder, it's a level playing field with respect to "enhanced" programs for gaining size and strength. You're a pro. You're a grown man and you know the risks. I would absolutely love to see you back in there at the Olympia level of competition. Can't stand all the politics involved with a sport like bodybuilding. Of course, that's entirely up to you. I wish you nothing but the absolute in success for your life and your family.

[@cefimssoas9830]

I didnt know you before this video, but it s the best decision you ve made

[@donna-mariedacosta6789]

To me one of the most balanced bodies of all times. He was denied Mr. Olympia why. That man's body and is posing was simply exceptional. My uncrowned Mr. Olympia.

[@sidjones_46]

Shawn was the best aesthetic bodybuilder of the 90s. No doubt about that. Every age has a joe weider though! Anyway brother, continue the good work. It is important that you are happy and successful in what you do now.

[@oxrjbizzle1984y]

shawn ray may never have won an olympia but he is rightfully regarded as one of the best bodybuilders in history by so many of us, i mean his balance and aesthetics are off the charts. he didnt have any weaknesses aside from the fact that he was 5'7 and i guess relatively narrow, but body part for body part he looked absolutely amazing. not only that, but he was also one of the best posers in bodybuilding history and clearly one of the most intelligent as well. at least we get some justice these days as people now realize how special of a bodybuilder he really was.....

[@dustyrolls1983]

Never paid much attention to Shawn Ray, cause I didn't Know too much about bodybuilder that age when I was around 9years old. But I watched it alot and knew bodybuilders. Anyway at 3:05 is the best shape I ever seen him and his legs there are amazing. He really did give people a run for there money. Legs better than Levrone on any day. Good fckin pose that's badasss

[@timjones7336]

Dusty Roads Shawn was great. But that video at 3:05 has had its original aspect ratio stretched.. so it’s looks a bit too wide.

[@lewevans1450]

Good story. All the best for the future.

[@pierreklee7490]

Much respect to you.

[@scottbivens3101]

Been wondering shawn .ty .hope you're thriving

[@roscomichael1340]

Shawn Ray in 92,93,94 . Was imo the best physique in bodybuilding in all the world. With flex and Dorian and dillet . OMG . Kevin .

[@brankosrdic6057]

must give him credit for all the shows he compeated in not once was he even a little off...IN PEAK COND EVERY SINGLE SHOW HE DID, THAT IS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL.

[@khines2994]

Shawn you are one of the greatest of all time. PERIOD! Keep doing what you're doing.

[@MattGaetzOnAWhiteFordBronco]

I didn't know that in 2001 Levrone nor Cutler hadn't "signed" their Olympia contracts or whatever. It would have been a loss because I loved how they both looked. That being said, Shawn Ray should have won once in 1994 over Dorian Yates. Shawn was spectacular.

[@questinfinity]

SEAN HAD ONE, IF NOT THE BEST PHYSIQUES IN THE HISTORY OF BODYBUILDING. IN MY BOOK, HE WAS/IS WELL DESERVENT OF THE MR.O TITLE AND A LEGEND TIL INFINITY.

[@prometheusall6804]

Shawn you were and still is OUTSTANDING💪💪💪💪💪

[@perrywarren6579]

Shawn Ray, what can I say I remember looking at a muscle& Fitness, and thinking to myself, this brother has the same body I have. The same weight , same height , and yet he has gotten his body looking like this Everything in its place, just chizzled body in the world at that time. I've always said if his body is like that, I can get mind looking like his . No doubt the man should have been Mr Olympia champion several times over But it's really ashame he never was But to a lot of fans like myself, he will always be Mr Olympia SHAWN RAY P.warren, North Carolina

[@llg3pe]

Shawn Ray was the last Golden-Era classic bodybuilder competing in the new mass monster era.

[@bigandyt-man3010]

My question would be to Shawn is had Wayne been fired or not been in charge how long or how far would you have gone/wanted to go? It's interesting to speculate in the "what ifs" of life.

[@zoraidacatherinenavarromd8261]

I was there for all of this and I can testify that everything he is saying here is true. I love Robin Chang who allowed me to at least for three years do a token little gift to all these athletes who has been paid anything they didn't win and I'm glad to see that he was Manion are now treating the athletes the way they should've been treated from day one so things do change. Shpawn Ray has always been A true gentleman and a star athlete

[@matteobitetti3810]

Shawn you are a true champion! Thanks for the great story.

[@mjsfan8028]

He is a lot less cocky now that he is with GI , I like this version of Shawn Ray

[@jamesbryant3627]

Definitely should have had at least 1. Always consistent and in great shape. Ask yourself, who would you rather look like???? Shawn Ray more often than not.....

[@captainfalcon8615]

Probably the best physique ever. The most aesthetic. The mosr peeled. With the size to compete and place higher than people like Kevin Levrone (my favorite bodybuilder ever)

[@MrRamy30]

Really we want to know how did you used anabolic steroids and didn't had so much negative side effects .!! I love your journey and u are inspiration to young bodybuilders nowday. Salute Bye.

[@sooweeq123]

Shawn was one of my favorites... top 5. You were my inspiration to lift hard. I was ostracized by non lifters.. lol

[@leir2005]

If the man that was giving Shawn Ray so much trouble was eventually ousted from the Olympia Committee why not make a comeback? Especially when it was only a few years after he retired. He was still south of 40.

[@shivammahajankill71]

Now in present to watch this video i can say that he is not one of the best bodybuilder but he always will be the one who talks the most

[@brucehalstead7171]

Brother iron keep up the good work

[@300deebo]

Keep doing what you're doing, Shawn.

[@cefimssoas9830]

We just love shawn ray and his aura