The Big Come Back

Will Kevin Levrone’s return at the 2016 Mr. Olympia be bodybuilding’s greatest comeback?

- Greg Merritt

Will Kevin Levrone’s return at the 2016 Mr. Olympia be bodybuilding’s greatest comeback?

He’s back.

After years of flirting with the idea of a comeback, Kevin Levrone, arguably the best bodybuilder to never win a Sandow, will return to competition at the 2016 Mr. Olympia (Sept. 16–17). From 1992–2003, Levrone competed in 62 pro shows, winning 20, including two Arnold Classics. Most incredible were his 12 Olympia appearances, because he was always in the top six, including four seconds, the runner-up record for a nonwinner. As he prepares for his 13th Olympia after a 13-year hiatus, can 51-year-old Levrone once again crack the top six? Twenty-four years after he first dueled Dorian Yates for the Sandow, could he actually challenge Heath? And will this be bodybuilding’s greatest comeback?

THE END

Levrone won only one pro show over his past five years (1999– 2003), but that’s deceiving because he was competing much less than before. While focusing on his rock band, FulBlown, the mercurial Levrone avoided training for long stretches. Annually, observers said there was no way he could regain his muscle, but year after year he contended for the Sandow, and rightfully so. His trademark density was recouped. The lengthy layoffs only did his body good. In fact, he had some of his best Olympia finishes during those final years, seconds in 2000 and 2002 behind Ronnie Coleman and a third in 2001 behind Coleman and Jay Cutler.