The former Mr. Olympia’s family has shared an update and request on social media
By Roger “Rock” Lockridge, Managing Editor
Eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney has been serving as an ambassador and contributor to the fitness community for decades since he last walked offstage in 1991 with his eighth Sandow Trophy. Now, his family hopes that someone in or out of the industry can help in his time of need.
Haney’s son Joshua shared an Instagram post that revealed that Haney is in need of a kidney transplant, and he revealed they are actively searching for a potential donor. The Instagram post can be seen below along with a QR code for interested potential donors to scan.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DWNIpMbjn-o/
“First time sharing this—my dad needs a kidney donor. Please keep him in your prayers and share if you can.” Joshua Haney wrote in the caption. His father, 66, included in the post that he was first told that he needed a transplant 26 years ago but managed to delay it due to living the healthy lifestyle he endorsed for so many years. He was present in Columbus, OH for the 2026 Arnold Sports Festival as a representative of Panatta gym equipment.
Many members of the fitness community have shared Haney’s post with hopes that a donor could be found. More have also offered prayers of support and well wishes for a man that is considered one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
About Lee Haney
Haney was the inaugural NPC National Champion, having won the first contest in 1982. In that era, he then had to go on to win the world championships before turning pro, which he did. He finished his first Mr. Olympia contest in 1983 with the bronze medal. He returned in 1984 to claim his first of what would be eight consecutive Olympia titles, breaking the record once held by Arnold Schwarzenegger for the most ever.
Following his retirement in 1991, he followed in Schwarzenegger’s footsteps once again by being named Chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (now President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition) in 1999 under then U.S. President Bill Clinton. He held that position until 2002.
Haney was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. Since 2015, he has been the promoter of the Lee Haney Games, which has been held in his current home state of Georgia. The 2026 Lee Haney Games are set for July 18, 2026, in College Park, GA.
Muscle Insider will continue to provide updates on Haney’s health as they are shared. For more information, follow Haney on Instagram @lee_haney_official.
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