Heath out of Olympia

**YM123** · 07-16-2007, 11:32 AM

After months of speculation, Phil Heath officially withdrew from the 2007 Mr. Olympia on Thursday, June 28.

“I will not be competing in the Olympia this year,” Heath said. “I noticed that there are a lot of improvements that need to be made in order to place within the top 6 of the Olympia, if not even the top 10.”

“There are a lot of great guys [competing in the Olympia]. I’m definitely upset that I’m not doing it because I do feel like I belong. I feel like I’ve proven myself. By no means am I afraid of any guy that has placed ahead of me. I just feel like there are certain things that are necessary for me to make a big splash next time I step on stage.”

It is the second year in a row that Heath, who got married this past Saturday, has decided to sit out the Olympia after qualifying. The 27-year-old Heath - nicknamed “The Gift” - has been under immense pressure since turning pro. After winning the overall at the 2005 NPC USA Championships. Heath won the first two professional shows of his career, the Colorado Pro and New York Pro, in 2006. After his win in New York, Heath sat out the remainder of 2006 before competing in this year’s Arnold Classic. Heath entered that show with expectations of keeping his undefeated streak intact, but could manage to finish no higher that fifth amid the ultra-competitive field.

“I felt like I was in the mix this year,” Heath said. “My package there was good, obviously not good enough.”

Heath is pointing to the 2007 Ironman as his next competition. “Like last year, I feel like I did good, but I’m not going to be able to make the improvements within a three-month time period and then get ready for the Ironman and the Arnold Classic next year. But there is no doubt in my mind that I’m doing the Olympia in 2008. Mark it down.”

**Sparky_dustin** · 07-16-2007, 11:51 AM

Thats too bad I was really looking forward to seeing him at the O

cmart315 · 07-16-2007, 12:00 PM

So was I. Thats upsetting. Ah well, I'm sure by the time he comes into the Arnold next year, he will be doing some serious damage.

**Teamorbit** · 07-16-2007, 12:40 PM

Yeah that sucks. He probably couldnt dial in for as far as conditioning. This is his second time. I hope theres not a third because people will start to get tired of the hype. He has good support from a l lot of body builders including Jay Cutler. No matter how good he looks, hes not going to come in right away and place in the top three. Even though he might deserve it theres a lot of politics in this game.

**heydespo5269** · 07-16-2007, 02:01 PM

Would have been nice to see Heath compete

**Kirk** · 07-16-2007, 02:41 PM

agreed ^^

**Sparky_dustin** · 07-16-2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teamorbit

Yeah that sucks. He probably couldnt dial in for as far as conditioning. This is his second time. I hope theres not a third because people will start to get tired of the hype. He has good support from a l lot of body builders including Jay Cutler. No matter how good he looks, hes not going to come in right away and place in the top three. Even though he might deserve it theres a lot of politics in this game.

I dont think it has to do with conditioning because the O is still 2 months away, he's probably worried that he will get lost among the mass monsters and he's right. Yes he has great definition and flawless asthetics but until he brings a perfect package he will just get overlooked.

**GG1** · 07-16-2007, 02:48 PM

i was really dissapointed to hear that heath wasnt going to compete at this years o. i would have placed him somewhere in the 6-10 range for placing..

i guess its understandable though..he just wants to make better improvements until next years shows so he can make a bigger impact...i guess the 5th place at the arnold made him think he needed to get back in the lab and improve a bit more until the next show.

**Sparky_dustin** · 07-16-2007, 03:53 PM

Even then, finishing 5th at the Arnold in front of some pretty big guys is nothing to be ashamed of. For his first Arnold he did pretty damn good.

**YM123** · 07-16-2007, 04:09 PM

i dont know if he is right to sit out the olympia, but im sure next year he'l come back looking better than ever

Gunny704 · 07-16-2007, 04:52 PM

ahhh! I was looking forward to seein him at the O
hopefully next year he'll have everything right