Ryan Terry: This was going to be my last Olympia
Good things come to those who wait.
And when it finally arrives, it’s all the sweeter – for everyone – when the good thing happens to a good guy.
Ryan Terry is one of the most popular and respected British bodybuilders and physique athletes, loved and supported not just in his home country but around the world. His down-to-earth personality and relentless work ethic has made him a role model and inspiration, and one of the most loved physique athletes on the planet.
And that’s why, last month, when Terry finally climbed the summit of the sport to win the Olympia Men’s Physique title – his first success after falling short the previous eight attempts – his own personal sense of joy, elation and relief was echoed around the world by his millions of supporters.
Leaving a legacy
In the world of modern bodybuilding in which bold, brash and outspoken athletes are the norm, posting countless tops-off photos, workout videos and promotional posts, Terry is a throwback to the pre-internet age.
He covers up in the gym, really seen without an oversized hoodie. He doesn’t talk trash or speak out, preferring to keep his head down and eyes on the prize. He only focuses only on what he can influence and control and shuts the rest of the world out.
And while the man may shine in the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, he’s still the boy from Worksop in Nottinghamshire who had three jobs at aged 14 to help his single mum make ends meet.
In an exclusive and in-depth conversation with Unfiltered editor-in-chief Joe Warner, Terry reveals how this year’s Mr Olympia attempt was going to be his last if he failed to land the one title that he’s built his career around winning, but now has redefined his ultimate career goal to turn winning one crown into a multi-year legacy. He also reveals how he halted his Olympia performance decline – his placings had been drifting further away from success in recent years – and what he did differently this time to achieve the pinnacle of his career.
And, in a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Terry reveals how Amy was the one person to helped him climb out of a deep hole after previous Olympia attempts tanked, and how his success on stage is a team effort that wouldn’t be possible without his wife’s unwavering support.
Ryan Terry was speaking to Unfiltered thanks to PRIMAL, one of the fastest-growing strength and fitness brands in the UK. PRIMAL and Ryan are working together on RT Fit, a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art strength and conditioning facility in the town of Retford, Nottinghamshire, fully kitted with PRIMAL equipment. Visit primalstrength.com.
