Bodybuilding legend Frank Zane carved out a wildly successful career in the IFBB and witnessed the sport change throughout his life. In a recent interview, the three-time Olympia discussed Mike O’Hearn, the recent wave of bodybuilding deaths, and the role of steroids in the sport today.
Zane was a three-time Mr. Olympia winner (1977,1978,1979) and made a career out of blending symmetry, proportions, and balance. His aesthetic physique led him to success countless times, and he’s shared the stage with iconic names such as seven-time Olympia winner Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbo.
At 80 years old, Zane’s love for bodybuilding hasn’t gone anywhere. Through the years, he’s imparted workout knowledge to the world and has even been spotted helping Mike O’Hearn out with some useful albeit unconventional training techniques.
In the last two years, there have been a frightening number of deaths shaking the sport’s foundation. Former Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden and George Peterson both died before 2021 Mr. Olympia could take place. And as of this year, that trend continued. In March, steroid enthusiast Bostin Loyd died at 29, and Cedric McMillan passed away at 44.
As a result of so many deaths, notable figures in the sport like Kali Muscle and Seth Feroce, are calling attention to the lethality of steroids. In fact, they’ve mentioned that any bodybuilder using gear is risking their life and playing with fire. One of the latest retired pros to give their thoughts on the matter is Zane, who also discussed Mike O’Hearn’s claim of being natural in a follow-up segment.
Frank Zane Reflects on How Steroid Use Has Changed, Says Implants and Synthol Are Forms of Cheating
‘The Chemist’ says a lot has changed in regard to steroid use since his bodybuilding days, which took place mainly from the 1960s-1980s.
“I really didn’t do a lot of that [blood work], more towards the end. Yeah, they’re [bodybuilders today] are on the upper end of the spectrum, it makes sense to do it if you’re going to go to those extremes,” says Zane. “In my day, there really wasn’t much around. There was oral steroids like Dianabol and Anavar. Then, there were injectable steroids like Primobolan Deca Dubabolan, or even straight testosterone.”
He said hormone replacement clinics existed back when he competed.
“There were doctors around that specialized in hormone replacement — that’s what it’s called today, hormone replacement.”
In retirement, Zane stated he stays away from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) because testosterone is ‘feeding cancer’.
“I take medication to keep my testosterone low because cancer feeds on testosterone so, if you’re taking testosterone, you’re feeding cancer. So that is a concern,” said Zane.
While some competitors have used Synthol and/or implants in the past, Zane believes that’s a form of cheating.
“Basically, if they take steroids [female competitors] won’t look that feminine after a while. [Synthol] is cheating. Any implants are cheating,” Zane shared. “[Synthol] is not a good idea. How crazy do you have to be to do that. It can’t be good for you.”
Zane’s Reasons For Bodybuilding Deaths: They Are ‘Overdoing It’ and Rushing to ‘Pile On Muscle’
Zane encouraged bodybuilders to take their time building physiques instead of dangerously rushing the process.
“I think they’re [bodybuilders today] getting bad advice from somebody and they’re overdoing it. Their blood pressure goes through the roof, and something happens. My motto has always been take your time and do a good job.
Let your bodybuilding career last over time and improve incrementally. Not all at once.
If you take a lot of drugs, you can get big real fast, but it’s not quality. It’s just piling muscle on without any kind of plan — bad idea,” Frank Zane said. “I agree, I think it’s dumb but they’re going to do what they’re going to do.I guess, it seems to be that way [that the sport looks the other way regarding drugs].”
Related: Bodybuilders Who Died of Heart Attack
Zane Unsure of Mike O’Hearn’s Natural Claim: ‘A Lot of People Don’t Admit It’
When asked about Mike O’Hearn’s lifetime claim of being natural, Zane was doubtful and suggested that if it’s not to someone’s benefit, people usually don’t admit to using drugs.
“He probably could be the next big thing in bodybuilding if he chooses to do that. Mike O’Hearn. “Well, he’s 53. He’s still right on top of the world. He’s I think 275 pounds.
He’s 6″2′ he’s huge. He’s in great shape. I don’t know [if he’s natural]. I don’t ask people that question. That’s their own personal business.”
“Well it’s not to their advantage to admit it, so a lot of people don’t admit it. But it’s none of my business. What they do is what they do,” says Frank Zane. “They do what they need to do. If everybody is doing it, they want to level the playing field. It’s a disadvantage if everyone is doing it.”
Zane isn’t the only Golden Era veteran who took a closer look at O’Hearn. In late Oct., former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout challenged O’Hearn’s claim that testosterone doesn’t decline in all men as they age. Bannout believes it does and mentioned he’s also unsure of O’Hearn’s ‘natty or not’ status.
Zane always provides useful insight even when addressing controversial topics. Bodybuilding has changed a lot since his prime. Instead of rushing to add muscle, Zane advocates for others to take their time building a physique.
You can watch the full video below:
RELATED: 8x Mr. Olympia Lee Haney Talks Dorian Yates Rivalry and The Longevity of Frank Zane
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There is zero evidence to link TRT therapy to cancer in a normal healthy male. Hence you are getting a lot of men who are getting TRT and actually find themselves coming off many medications they are on due to aging. Look up the research done by Dr. Morgantaler on TRT and prostate cancer.
I enjoyed watching Frank Zane’s video, I actually met him in the pal springs area in the mid 90’s and I think pioneers like him n another bodybuilder I know (Bob Birdsong) should do something to save nowadays bodybuilders lives.
Mass monster cartoon like bodies are only a shortcut to a massaive heart attack.
I would do what the pro football players did. Make the people in charge stop pressuring bodybuilders to take risky drugs simply for the business part of it.
Bodybuilders are not those 1000 pounds hormoned cows used for their milk n meat. It’s time to wake up.
If Frank Zane says no to trt then what is the alternative that do not feed cancer?
This fool says he takes meds to lower his Test. 🤣 Give me a sec to finish this comment. The Easter bunny and Santa just shopped by for breakfast. Right after that I’m buying the Brooklyn bridge.
Frank Zane is definitely a legend and an outstanding bodybuilder. But here is his statement about Mike O’Tran: “It’s none of my business, I don’t get into it, let people think what they want.” It seems that most bodybuilders are some kind of accomplices and cover for each other.
taking meds to lower test at 80 really, your test is non existent any way
All the TRT users just got their feelings hurt😂
I’m against substances to raise T. So I take a substance to lower mine. How silly does this sound? Can’t believe it made it to this article