“I would have been a 3-time Mr. Olympia”- Arnold Classic champ Rich Gaspari reflects on rivalry with 8-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney

Bodybuilding icon Rich Gaspari recently reflected on his rivalry with eight-time Mr. Olympia winner Lee Haney on his social media. Gaspari has had an illustrious career. Winning a ton of IFBB Pro shows during his prime years, the only feather left in Gaspari’s cap was to win a Mr. Olympia title. Despite his astounding physique, Gaspari could never capture the prestigious title, finishing second thrice.

Making his Mr. Olympia debut in 1985, Gaspari secured the third position while Lee Haney won. In the next three years, Gaspari finished second while Lee Haney retained his title.

Talking about his rivalry with the eight-time Mr. Olympia winner, Rich Gaspari stated that he would have had three titles if it wasn't for Haney. He took to social media to share his thoughts, posting a picture alongside the eight-time champion.

Gaspari wrote:

“The biggest battles of my career was going against 8 Time Mr. Olympia @lee_haney_official One of the greatest bodybuilders of all times. Three 2nd places that if he was not competing I would have been a 3 time Mr. Olympia but of course that did not happen and I'm still proud of my accomplishments in bodybuilding.”

Rich Gaspari defied the odds with his never-say-die attitude

Gaspari also stated that despite the heartbreak of finishing second three times, he never let the naysayers decide his fate. Many from the bodybuilding community believed it was useless to fight against a phenomenal talent like Lee Haney.

But Gaspari was not one to give up easily. Being the first bodybuilder ever to present striated glutes on a bodybuilding stage, Gaspari wrote further on his Instagram post:

“I was told I didn't have the genetics to compete in Bodybuilding let alone being a Top Olympian. The winning attitude had to do with my mindset. I believed in myself and knew deep down I had what it took but had to work harder and smarter than any other competitor of that time to be the best.”

Motivating his fans to do the same, Gaspari advised them to ignore the noise and keep working hard in silence. The key to success, according to Gaspari, is to believe in one's self and work hard.

“I didn't listen to the negative people but used it as fuel to work even harder to be the best. Don't listen to the white noise and believe in yourself. You need to do the work and have passion,” said Rich Gaspari.

Despite his retirement from the sport decades ago, Gaspari still maintains a healthy lifestyle and trains daily at the age of 61.