Mr. Olympia 2014: Top Competitors Who Will Threaten Phil Heath's Title
Bodybuilding superstar Phil Heath is well on his way to building a Mr. Olympia dynasty after winning the title in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The three-time defending champion is clearly the main storyline for the 2014 edition, as the rest of the field looks to finally emerge on top.
Parity is not something that happens often at Mr. Olympia since there have only been 13 champions in 50 years. Among those multi-time winners is Arnold Schwarzenegger, who took the title in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975 and 1980.
Will Heath add another Mr. Olympia to his sterling resume, or will someone else take the crown? With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top challengers.
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Kai Greene
Kai Greene is the top threat for Heath and almost captured the 2013 crown.
Greene comes into the 2014 event with plenty of momentum on his side after finishing in second place in the 2013 IFBB Arnold Classic Europe, 2013 IFBB Olympia Weekend, 2012 IFBB Sheru Classic and 2012 IFBB Olympia Weekend.
David Robson of bodybuilding.com pointed out just why Greene is someone to watch:
"The legendary Kai Greene is always in contention for an Olympia win. With superior back and leg development, as well as a side chest shot that can't be touched, Greene's only limitation appears to be his conditioning. Though supremely on point for most of his outings, Kai has not yet captured that grainy, hard look that Heath has so magnificently displayed for each of his Olympia wins. Wider, rounder, and more muscular than Heath, Greene also possesses great proportion and symmetry.
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If you are betting on someone besides Heath, Greene is the pick.
Dennis Wolf
Dennis Wolf is a study in consistency, which makes him a real threat to Heath.
In fact, Wolf has placed in the top seven at 23 of his 25 pro shows since he made his debut in 2006 at the Europa Supershow. Wolf almost won the 2013 Mr. Olympia event and is worth watching because of his size alone.
Like Greene, Wolf comes into the competition with some momentum after winning the Arnold Classic earlier this year.
Shawn Rhoden
Speaking of competitors with some momentum, Shawn Rhoden finished in second place at that Arnold Classic and won the 2014 Australian Pro Grand Prix. He also finished in third and fourth at the last two Olympias and appears ready to make another leap.
Rhoden’s conditioning makes him a threat at the 2014 Mr. Olympia competition, but don’t overlook his desire to knock off Heath. In fact, Rhoden made some comments about Heath before the 2013 Mr. Olympia that may come up again this year, via Dave Lee of flexonline.com:
"When I think of Mr. Olympia, I think of Lee Haney, Dorian Yates, Ronnie Coleman, and Jay Cutler. Those guys were ambassadors for the sport, which is what a Mr. Olympia should be. Phil is working his way toward that, but right now, I just don’t see it.
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Despite these challengers, look for Heath to once again take home the title.
He understands what it takes to win at this event, as evidenced by his status as three-time defending champ, and he simply has one of the best physiques in all of bodybuilding. He has the size and experience needed to win yet again.
Maybe the rest of the field will finally beat him in 2015.
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