“Entire Career Making Excuses”: 7-Time Mr. Olympia Winner Phil Heath Destroyed Another Bodybuilding Icon Kai Greene in Public During Their Ugly Rivalry in 2014

Kai Greene and Phil Heath had one of the most iconic bodybuilding rivalries in recent memory. Seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath had dethroned Jay Cutler and looked unstoppable ever since. However, Kai was determined to take the Mr. Olympia title for himself and gave Phil a run for his money. After finishing second twice in a row, Kai Greene believed that in 2014, the title of Mr. Olympia would be his.

During the pre-contest press conference, a war of words broke out between the rivals. As Kai kicked it off, Phil came back with an epic response.

Kai Greene and Phil Heath were in a war of words

Things turned ugly between Kai Greene and Phil Heath during the 2014 Mr. Olympia press conference. While speaking to the press, Phil said, “I told my dad before he passed away that, you know, I’ll take one home for him. And that is what I intend to do. It would be foolish to go up here like I said before.

However, Kai interrupted him and said: “That’s what the first three should have been!” He also added, “I respect your father. I respect anyone who has had a father.” And he said he didn’t want to sound negative, “But it’s 2014. 2013 is in the past.”

Kai’s statement stirred Phil. “You have talked about the past throughout your career, making excuses,” Phil snapped back. Kai has always talked about his troubled childhood and how bodybuilding saved him. However, things did not calm down and the tug-of-war continued. The host then asked Kai to give three reasons why Phil would lose on stage.

Kai said that he would outweigh Phil by 40 pounds, be wider than Phil onstage, and also bring a much more developed back. Nevertheless, Heather disagreed When the host asked him the same question, Phil said: “2011, 2012 and 2013”.

Phil Heath’s response drew a huge cheer from the crowd and finally Kai closed. The rivalry between Greene and Heath had been going on since 2011 and neither was ready to back down. However, 2014 would be the last time Heath and Greene squared off on stage. Kai Greene did not participate in the 2015 Mr. Olympia and has not competed since he won the 2016 Arnold Classic.

Things got physical on stage

The long rivalry, trash talk, and arguments finally reached a boiling point during the competition. like the rivals raised Side by side, Kai kept shaking Phil with his hair. Soon Phil and Kai were elbowing each other while posing and Kai lost his cool. Both bodybuilders even squared off and looked ready to take down on the Olympia stage. However, officials intervened in time.

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Phil Heath vs. Kai Greene ranks near the top when one thinks of iconic bodybuilding rivalries. While Kai never beat Phil, his rivalry was good for the sport. He kept bodybuilding relevant at a time when few could challenge the seven-time Mr. Olympia. domain. Greene also became very popular with fans.