Shawn Ray: Own It

At the tender age of 22, Ray stepped on the stage at the 1987 National Championships, and with his 196lbs of pure muscle, destroyed the competition, earning his Pro card and proving his potential to the world.

- Darren Nicholhurst

During 1988-2001, Ray participated in as many as 13 Mr Olympias. He would often come close to the top of the podium and bagged second place at the 1994 and 1996 Mr O, where he lost out to Dorian Yates in that infamous era. Arguably Shawn was the favourite to win on many occasions, but he was unlucky and never managed to get hold of the famous Sandow trophy.

In an exclusive interview with FLEX Editor Darren Nicholhurst, Ray reveals exactly how different the bodybuilding world is today.

Bodybuilding is in many ways like a business. If you understand every aspect of your business, from the importance of a great product to supplying your customers with what they want, then it will flourish. So, the beginner bodybuilder is the same. If you know what you need to grow, the stimulus and fuel required to train for maximum response, then you will keep growing and gaining until you reach your genetic potential.