Classic Shawn

10 Questions With Shawn Ray

1. Can you share some secrets to your longevity in the sport? Many people say bodybuilding is the only job you’ve ever had; is that true?

Yes, that’s true, if you don’t count working at Jack LaLanne’s fitness center for two weeks when I was 17! Lol.

I turned pro three years out of high school and began my 14-year journey through the IFBB Pro League as an athlete competing for prize money, guest appearance fees, selling merchandise and endorsing products for pay. After I retired from competition in 2001, I proceeded to move into the promotion and production end of the sport ever since. In doing so I’ve been able to stay very close to the sport. I’ve loved and revered it since I was a teenager, and it’s provided the ability for me to give back and share my passion for the next generation of athletes coming up behind me.

2. Who are you most impressed with regarding the new Olympians coming up?

I really like Hunter Labrada and Nick Walker; these two guys are amazing athletes yet great human beings that are well grounded and focused! They have vastly different physiques yet both are potential future Mr. Olympia-worthy athletes! The best quality they both share above and beyond their potential is their humbleness, a rare trait for sure in this industry and a welcome reminder of the gladiators that preceded my time in the sport.

3. Is it true you could have played pro football and you chose bodybuilding instead?

My dream was to play pro football since I was an 8-year-old kid. Growing up, my idols were running backs in the NFL like Anthony Davis, Archie Griffin, Gale Sayers, Walter Payton and Tony Dorsett. Later as I grew up and played the game, I came to love greats like Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson, Eddie George, Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson! These guys had me chasing a dream but in reality, I knew I was simply too short to play this game at the next level and consciously chose to build my body to become stronger and bigger – however, I was still too short! I found my passion was bodybuilding yet I continued my love affair with football by watching the game and becoming friends with some all-time great NFL players instead.

4. What’s your opinion on bodybuilders using crazy gear, synthol, insulin and God knows what?

Personally, I’ve never given weight or thought to what these guys take to look the way they do. The one thing I know because I was there for 20 years of my life is what I did. My focus was on myself, not others. Bodybuilding is a show when you attend a contest. We go to these shows with the expectation that the athletes have done their best to show their best abs; when we see one of the guys looking like crap, it give us pause for thought and begs the question, “What happened?” The world’s best prepare like no other athlete on the planet, yet to try to figure out from one to the next what they do or take is fruitless because of genetics, age, experience and guidance. Everyone is different, but the one thing I can never do is control what another man puts in his body or why.

5. Happy birthday; another year older! What do you reflect on nowadays when you used to celebrate your birthday, typically on stage or in prep for the Olympia the better part of 13 years?

Thank you. Getting older is a welcome feeling for me. The further away I get from being on stage the last time in my career, the more appreciative I feel for surviving injury free. I watch these guys working out today in awe at the thought of me lifting those heavy weights for nearly 20 years. At 57 I’m blessed with family, fitness and friends. I’ve been busy in business and promotions, which have replaced the competitiveness of bodybuilding. I’m more relaxed, understanding and willing to listen than I was in the old days; plus as a father I’m much more observant of children growing up, not just my own. The older I get, the more I hear my parents’ voice in my head as a child regarding correction and wisdom.

6. What do you recommend to someone trying to lean out and drop weight?

Go slow. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Reduce carbohydrates and increase water and vegetables. Be sure to take MUTANT Multi and ISO Surge Whey Protein, two products I didn’t have available coming up but really wish I did, knowing how important they are to recovery and gains. I’m fortunate in retirement to have great supplements to choose from because I don’t eat as much food as I used to while competing.

7. The was some drama on social media about Arnold canceling some divisions at the Arnold Classic next year and everyone had an opinion, not all of them good. What are your thoughts?

As a promoter, things change all the time regarding sponsors, venues, prize money and yes, divisions. Arnold and their promotional team are well within their rights to add or subtract whatever they want or need in order to deliver the best fan experience. Not everyone will be happy with front office decisions, but as fans we all need to be grateful we have the Arnold Classic to begin with! People forget that Arnold didn’t need this show to be a success; it was a passion for him that involves many moving pieces to keep it going. This is our sport’s second longest-running contest, celebrating 35 years in March 2023. Some gratitude is in order from those athletes grumbling about their divisions not being included. The Arnold has survived because of its founder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and anyone who talks crap on this icon needs a reality check! The Arnold Classic launched my career, enabled me to buy my first house and validated my place in bodybuilding history! I’ll say it on behalf of all the past champions and the fans who supported us: “Thank you, Arnold” and whatever you decide to do with your show, we are all grateful to you for what you do!

8. What did you look like in your first show and when was it?

1983 NPC Orange Coast Classic at Newport Harbor High School. I was 17 and weighed 161 pounds, and placed second behind Tim Schneider, owner of Bulldog Gym in Glendora, California. We had a great time. It was then that I fell in love with the stage and I never looked back!

9. Many people don’t realize the brand MUTANT is actually Canadian made, and has been in manufacturing for over 25 years. I know you’ve had a chance to go up there and see the facility; can you give some insight?

It really speaks to the quality of the brand, to be honest. A lot of these start-up companies outsource their manufacturing and lose touch with quality and regulations. I’ve been up to the MUTANT headquarters in British Columbia, Canada. Let me tell you, it’s impressive! Over 80,000 square feet, and state of the art. Speaks to why the brand is respected globally and available in over 95 countries.

10. What supplement advice would you give a young athlete just starting out? There seems to be so much to choose from.

In my early days, I was blessed to have a Weider contract. I really got to try a lot of things. Let me tell you, the quality has changed dramatically! Especially taste. To be honest, building muscle is no mystery when you are starting out. You need lots of quality calories and high-quality protein. MUTANT really has the market cornered here. MUTANT Mass is a global top seller. Calorie dense, quality protein and whole food-based complex carbs. Start there and train like hell. There is no replacing hard work in the gym.

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