Thank U, Next!

Seven-time 212 Mr. Olympia Flex Lewis is leaving the smaller division behind and gearing up to battle the big boys in the open class. We visited with his world-class trainer, Neil Hill, to find out how the perennial Olympia stand out plans to conquer the biggest stage in bodybuilding.

- Jim Schmaltz

THERE’S AN OLD Welsh saying: “Deuparth gwaith yw ei ddechrau,” which means, “Starting the work is two-thirds of it.” James “Flex” Lewis, a proud son of Wales, is taking the wisdom of his homeland to heart as he begins his most challenging work yet: moving up from the 212 Olympia division to the Mr. Olympia open class.

Lewis, 35, stunned the bodybuilding world last July when he announced that the 2018 212 Olympia contest was going to be his final performance in that division. Having won that contest six straight times and becoming one of the most popular athletes in the sport, the hardworking Welsh native found the announcement to be difficult.

“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” he said at the time. “It’s finally time to say this 212-pound chapter is over.”

Few would argue that Lewis doesn’t already belong at the main event after dominating the lighter class with seven Olympia titles. Standing 5’5” with mind-boggling thickness, he’s one of the best pound-forpound bodybuilders in IFBB history. He looks like he’s ready for the labours of Hercules, but he’s more than comfortable on a posing dais. He carries his bulging, Brobdingnagian limbs with an easy grace, his powerful movements sublimated by an intelligent artistry. His expansive mass never comes at the expense of symmetry or balance, and he has a talent for attaining peak condition at every performance. His trophy case is evidence of that.

Despite his spectacular success, Lewis believes he has more to give. The sacrifices required to make the 212 weight restriction have prevented him from displaying his full potential.