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Shawn Ray facts for kids

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Shawn I. Ray
Bodybuilder
Shawn ray.jpg
Personal info
Nickname Sugar
Born (1965-09-09) September 9, 1965 (age 59)
Fullerton, California, U.S.
Height 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight Contest: 205–215 lb.
Off season: 225–235 lb
Professional career
Pro-debut IFBB Night of Champions, 1988
Best win IFBB Arnold Classic, 1991
Predecessor Mike Ashley
Successor Vince Taylor
Active 1988–2001

Shawn I. Ray (born September 9, 1965) is a former professional bodybuilder and author. He was known for his amazing physique and long career in the sport.

Shawn Ray's Bodybuilding Journey

Shawn Ray is a famous name in the world of bodybuilding. He is even mentioned in The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by Bill Dobbins and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Shawn also wrote his own book about bodybuilding called The Shawn Ray Way.

He appeared on the cover of Flex magazine many times. This is more than any other bodybuilder! He was also featured in many other fitness magazines around the world.

Shawn Ray on TV and Online

Shawn Ray co-hosted a show called Flex Magazine Workout on ESPN for five years. He also worked as a commentator for bodybuilding contests on ESPN for eight years. This means he helped explain the competitions to viewers.

In 2006 and 2007, Shawn organized his own bodybuilding event. It was called the Shawn Ray Colorado Pro/Am Classic Contest-Expo. He also made a DVD called Fitness After 40. This DVD helps people get back into shape as they get older.

Today, Shawn Ray writes articles for Digital Muscle Media. He also hosts the Mr. Olympia pay-per-view event. This is a big bodybuilding competition. He also created a video documentary called Evolution of Bodybuilding – The Movie. You can learn more about it here.

Shawn Ray's Life Outside Bodybuilding

Shawn Ray got married in 2003. His first daughter, Asia Monet, was born on August 10, 2005. In 2008, Shawn and his wife, Kristie, had their second daughter.

Even after retiring from competing, Shawn has stayed involved in bodybuilding. He leads "muscle camps" and seminars. He also attends grand openings and hosts contests as a master of ceremonies. Shawn has also helped promote the New York Pro contest in New York City. He is a global ambassador for a supplement company called Mutant. He is also the editor-in-chief for Digital Muscle Media.

Shawn Ray's Mr. Olympia Contest History

Shawn Ray competed in the Mr. Olympia contest for many years. He competed in three different decades! He retired from competing at age 36 in 2001.

  • 1988 Mr. Olympia – 13th Place
  • 1990 Mr. Olympia – 3rd Place
  • 1991 Mr. Olympia – 5th Place
  • 1992 Mr. Olympia – 4th Place
  • 1993 Mr. Olympia – 3rd Place
  • 1994 Mr. Olympia – 2nd Place
  • 1995 Mr. Olympia – 4th Place
  • 1996 Mr. Olympia – 2nd Place
  • 1997 Mr. Olympia – 3rd Place
  • 1998 Mr. Olympia – 5th Place
  • 1999 Mr. Olympia – 5th Place
  • 2000 Mr. Olympia – 4th Place
  • 2001 Mr. Olympia – 4th Place

Awards and Achievements

Shawn Ray has won many awards and honors throughout his career.

  • 1983 California Gold Cup
  • 1984 Mr. Teenage Los Angeles (short & overall winner)
  • 1984 Teenage Mr. California
  • 1985 Teenage Mr. Orange County
  • 1985 Teenage National Championships
  • 1985 Jr. World Championships
  • 1986 Jr. National Championships (12th Place Light heavy)
  • 1987 Mr. California (Light heavy & overall winner)
  • 1987 National Championships (Light heavy & overall winner)
  • 1990 Pro Ironman Champion
  • 1990 Arnold Classic Champion (he lost this title due to failing a drug test)
  • 1991 Arnold Classic Champion

Special Honors

  • Shawn Ray was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in January 2007. This is a special honor for professional bodybuilders.
  • He received the Ben Weider Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
  • In October 2003, El Dorado High School in Placentia, California, added Ray to its "Football Hall of Fame". In 1983, he set the school's all-time rushing record. He also set the record for the longest run from scrimmage (98 yards). Both of these records still stand today!
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