Skip to main content

Free Same Day Shipping on orders over $100 when placed on business days before 5pm EST*

Supplement Categories

MENU

Compare
Lee Priest Height: How Tall Is the Bodybuilding Legend

Lee Priest Height: How Tall Is the Bodybuilding Legend

Posted by Leonard Shemtob on May 21, 2025

Lee Priest is one of the most famous bodybuilders in the world, known for his incredible muscle size and strength. Despite being shorter than most pro bodybuilders, he built an impressive physique that made him a legend.

In this article, we’ll reveal Lee Priest’s real height, how it affected his career, and why he proved that size isn’t everything in bodybuilding.

[Related] ​Lee Priest: Exploring His Career, Achievements, and More

Quick Summary

  • Lee Priest is a famous bodybuilder known for his strong and muscular body.
  • His height is about 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm), which is shorter than that of many other bodybuilders.
  • Despite his height, Lee Priest has achieved great success in bodybuilding competitions.
  • Also, he packed massive muscle and competed against much taller athletes.
  • Lee Priest’s story shows that height is not the only key to success in bodybuilding.
  • For those looking to maximize muscle growth, strength, and recovery, our best supplement, Anafuse, can help you support your muscle-building and fitness goals.

About Lee Priest

Lee Priest is a famous bodybuilder from Newcastle, Australia. He was born on July 6, 1972. Lee started lifting weights when he was just 12 years old, and by the time he was 13, he was already competing in bodybuilding contests. He quickly became known as a young talent in the sport.

At 15, Lee won his first national bodybuilding title, and at 17, he became Mr. Australia. Despite being shorter than many other bodybuilders, standing at about 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm), Lee built an impressive and powerful physique. His size gave him an advantage in muscle density and great shape, helping him stand out on stage.

Lee turned professional in 1993 and competed in many top competitions, including the Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic. One of his biggest wins was the Arnold Classic in 1998, where he beat some of the best bodybuilders in the world.

Known for his strong muscles and confident personality, Lee Priest became a fan favorite. He was also known for speaking his mind, which sometimes caused controversy. After a long career, Lee retired from professional bodybuilding in 2006 but stayed involved in fitness and other competitions.

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Lee Andrew McCutcheon (known as Lee Priest)
  • Birthdate: July 6, 1972 (Age 52 as of 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Newcastle, Australia
  • Height: Approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
  • Profession: Professional Bodybuilder
  • Weight (Competition): 225–235 lbs (102–107 kg)
  • Arms: 22 inches
  • Chest: 54 inches
  • Waist: 30 inches
  • Quads: 30.5 inches

What Is Lee Priest’s Real Height?

Lee Priest is 5 feet 4 inches tall, which is about 163 centimeters. This makes him shorter than most professional bodybuilders, who are usually between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall.

Some people are surprised when they learn his real height because he looks much bigger on stage and in photos. That’s because of his thick muscles, wide shoulders, and strong posing. His well-balanced body makes him look taller than he really is.

Did Lee Priest’s Height Affect His Career?

Lee Priest’s height was shorter than most of his bodybuilding competitors, but it did not stop him from having a great career. In fact, his shorter and compact frame gave him some special advantages in bodybuilding.

Because of his height, Lee Priest was able to develop thick, dense muscles that looked very full and well-defined on stage. This muscle density and symmetry helped him stand out during competitions, even when competing against taller athletes.

While taller bodybuilders might have advantages in certain poses or stage presence, Lee showed that shorter athletes can excel by emphasizing muscle shape, proportion, and detail. His career proves that height is just one factor, and determination and passion are much more important for success in bodybuilding.

Biography of Lee Priest

Early Life

Lee Andrew McCutcheon, known professionally as Lee Priest, was born on July 6, 1972, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. He grew up in a working-class family bodybuilding began at a young age.

His mother was a bodybuilder herself, which inspired Lee to start training with weights. Before focusing on bodybuilding, Lee practiced rugby and karate.

His grandfather, a former army wrestler, encouraged his athletic pursuits by enrolling him in a local gymnastics club. Lee’s passion for weight training began around age 12, and by 13, he started competing in bodybuilding contests.

Teenage Years

At age 13, he won three local junior bodybuilding competitions. At 17, he became the IFBB Mr. Australia, a title he successfully defended in 1991 and 1992. At the world level, he placed 4th at the 1990 IFBB World Amateur Championships (lightweight).

Pro Card

At just 19 years old, Lee Priest won the Mr. Australia title once again. However, due to his age, he wasn’t eligible to receive his pro card in Australia. Determined to move forward, he relocated to California at 20, after adding over 70 pounds of muscle during his teenage years.

While in the U.S., Priest competed in the amateur Niagara Falls Championships. It was at this event that he was noticed and awarded his pro card. At the age of 20, Priest officially became one of the youngest athletes to earn IFBB pro status.

Priest's Career Highlights

After getting his Pro Card, Lee Priest kept competing in IFBB shows for the next 16 years. He built a strong presence in the sport and became a well-known name in bodybuilding.

He later focused on the Ironman Pro, where he came close to winning several times, often finishing second or third. Finally, at 34, he took home the Ironman Pro title after years of trying.

Beyond the Ironman Pro, Priest also had success in several other major competitions. He won the 2002 IFBB San Francisco Pro Invitational, placed second in the 2004 IFBB Ironman Pro, and took first place at the 2005 IFBB Grand Prix Australia. One of his most memorable achievements came back in 2002, when he placed 6th at Mr. Olympia—at just 25 years old.

IFBB Ban

In 2006, Priest received a 2-year ban from the IFBB for competing in non-sanctioned events—specifically, the Night of Champions and NOC Britain, organized by Wayne DeMilia’s PDI, which was in conflict with the IFBB.

After the ban, he didn’t renew his IFBB membership. The ban resurfaced in 2010 when the IFBB threatened to suspend athletes at a Norway event if Priest conducted seminars there.

Return to the Stage

After a seven-year break from competition, Lee Priest made a comeback in 2013 and won the overall title at the NABBA Mr. Universe as an amateur. In 2014, he appeared as a guest at the Universe Championships during his UK tour.

Later that year, Priest joined MuscleSport Magazine as a columnist, contributing monthly to both the print and online editions. He was also featured on the cover of their Winter 2015 issue.

Life Beyond Bodybuilding

Lee Priest is also a passionate motorsport enthusiast and a successful race car driver. He began road and circle track racing in 2002, later moving into drag racing in 2004. Among his biggest achievements were winning Rookie of the Year in 2005 and the SCEDA Racing Championship in 2006.

Outside of racing and bodybuilding, Lee appeared in podcasts, local Australian TV shows, and promotional ads. He’s also known for being outspoken, openly discussing controversial topics like anabolic use and even detailing his own experience.

Lee Priest Contest History

1989

  • IFBB Australian Championships – Overall Winner

1990

  • IFBB Australian Championships – Overall Winner
  • IFBB World Amateur Championships – Lightweight Class, 4th Place

1993

  • IFBB Niagara Falls Pro Invitational – 9th Place

1994

  • IFBB Arnold Classic – 7th Place
  • IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational – 4th Place
  • IFBB Night of Champions – 12th Place
  • IFBB San Jose Pro Invitational – 7th Place

1995

  • IFBB Arnold Classic – 9th Place
  • IFBB Florida Pro Invitational – 4th Place
  • IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational – 3rd Place
  • IFBB South Beach Pro Invitational – 4th Place

1996

  • IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational – 4th Place
  • IFBB San Jose Pro Invitational – 6th Place

1997

  • IFBB Arnold Classic – 7th Place
  • IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational – 2nd Place
  • IFBB San Jose Pro Invitational – 4th Place
  • IFBB Mr. Olympia – 6th Place
  • IFBB Grand Prix Czech Republic – 5th Place
  • IFBB Grand Prix England – 6th Place
  • IFBB Grand Prix Finland – 9th Place
  • IFBB Grand Prix Germany – 3rd Place
  • IFBB Grand Prix Hungary – 3rd Place
  • IFBB Grand Prix Russia – 9th Place
  • IFBB Grand Prix Spain – 3rd Place

1998

  • IFBB Mr. Olympia – 7th Place

1999

  • IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational – 6th Place
  • IFBB Mr. Olympia – 8th Place

2000

  • IFBB Night of Champions – 5th Place
  • IFBB Mr. Olympia – 6th Place

2001

  • IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational – 7th Place

2002

  • IFBB Arnold Classic – 4th Place
  • IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational – 2nd Place
  • IFBB Mr. Olympia – 6th Place
  • IFBB San Francisco Pro – 1st Place
  • IFBB Show of Strength Pro Championships – 4th Place

2003

  • IFBB Mr. Olympia – 15th Place

2004

  • IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational – 2nd Place
  • IFBB San Francisco Pro – 2nd Place

2005

  • IFBB Arnold Classic – 4th Place
  • IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational – 2nd Place
  • IFBB Grand Prix Australia – 1st Place

2006

  • IFBB Arnold Classic – 6th Place
  • IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational – 1st Place
  • IFBB Grand Prix Australia – 2nd Place
  • PDI Night of Champions (USA) – 1st Place
  • PDI Night of Champions (UK) – 1st Place

2013

  • NABBA Mr. Universe – Overall Winner
  • NABBA Mr. Universe (Short Class) – 1st Place

Best Supplements for Your Bodybuilding Journey

AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy

1. AnaFuse by Vital Alchemy

Anafuse by Vital Alchemy is a dual-action bulking formula designed to support muscle growth and retention. It combines several anabolic compounds aimed at promoting lean muscle mass development. The formula is created to provide the necessary elements for increasing muscle size while minimizing potential side effects.

Key Benefits:

  • It supports muscle mass development.
  • It does not cause water retention.
  • It may assist in reducing body fat.
  • It supports improved muscle endurance.
  • It helps promote firmer, denser muscle.
  • It may contribute to strength increases.
  • It enhances muscle pumps during training.
  • It may help reduce myostatin.
  • It supports faster muscle recovery.
  • It may help reduce post-workout soreness.
  • It aids in boosting protein synthesis.

Key Ingredients:

  • Epicatechin
  • Ajuga Turkestanica
  • HICA
  • Eriobotrya Japonica
  • Vitamin D3
  • Quercetin

Customer Reviews

Stuff works great

“I have noticed being much leaner and just look toned since taking it..”

-Gary B.

Go to

“When it’s time for me to get in shape, this is one of my go to supplements!”

-Ray

Great results

“This product produces excellent results, that you’ll quickly notice within weeks. My focus and strength are doubled while I’m on this product!”

-Micah H.

Pepti-Bolic by SNS

2. Pepti-Bolic by SNS

Pepti-Bolic by SNS is a natural anabolic supplement designed to support lean muscle growth, strength, endurance, and recovery. It contains peptides such as PeptiStrong® and DL-185™, which are supported by human clinical studies. Pepti-Bolic works through multiple mechanisms, including mTOR activation, enhanced protein synthesis, and reduced muscle fatigue.

Key Benefits:

  • It supports lean muscle growth.
  • It helps improve overall body composition.
  • It enhances strength levels.
  • It supports better physical performance.
  • It helps reduce muscle fatigue.
  • It promotes quicker recovery between workouts.
  • It supports muscle retention during dieting/ageing phases.

Key Ingredients:

Customer Reviews

Loving it so far!

“So far so good! Waiting to try it out for a month to see results but feeling stronger and looking leaner: delivery was fast and exactly what I expected. Great communication”

-Agape M.

Colossal Muscle by Hard Rock Supplements

3. Colossal Muscle by Hard Rock Supplements

Colossal Muscle by Rock Hard Supplements is a natural supplement developed to support muscle growth, strength, and endurance. It includes two active ingredients, one of which has been studied over a 10-week period for its potential effects on muscle mass and strength.

Key Benefits:

  • It aids in building muscle.
  • It helps increase protein synthesis.
  • It supports nitrogen retention, which contributes to lean muscle growth.
  • It may help prevent muscle breakdown.
  • It helps improve endurance during training.
  • It assists in increasing both strength and power.
  • It supports gains in overall muscle mass.
  • It may help promote fat loss.
  • It helps support overall physical performance.
  • It may help improve mental focus during workouts.

Key Ingredients:

  • 20-Hydroxyecdysone
  • Uzbekistan Ajuga turkestanica

Customer Reviews

On second bottle

“First bottle was great - took a little to see the resutlts but then they hit and you are like yes im loving it! just started my second bottle - thanks!”

-HK

Quality product

“So i have almost finished my first bottle of this stuff and I can honestly say that it does work. I have noticed some size increase but what I have definitely noticed the most is strength increase. I recommend this product and I will definitely be using it again.”

-Zv

COLOSSAL

“This hard rock product is awesome. My strength increased rapidly and extreme pumps during the sessions. ********** muscle gain!”

-STEPHAN

Shred and Sculpt Stack

4. Shred and Sculpt Stack

The Shred and Sculpt Stack is a 10-week supplement program designed to support fat loss while preserving muscle mass. It aims to help improve muscle definition and overall physique. This stack provides a structured approach for those focused on reducing body fat and enhancing muscle tone.

Disclaimer: This supplement stack is intended for healthy adults 21 years of age or older who have been training consistently for at least two years. They are best suited for individuals with a solid understanding of nutrition, resistance training, and overall fitness practices. Not recommended for beginners.

Key Benefits:

  • It helps increase lean muscle mass.
  • It supports firmer, harder muscles.
  • It may improve vascularity (visible veins).
  • It helps reduce water retention.
  • It supports faster muscle recovery.
  • It may assist in reducing body fat.
  • It helps increase overall strength.
  • It supports better muscle definition.
  • It helps improve muscle fullness.
  • It may help boost sex drive.
  • It supports muscle recovery after exercise.
  • It helps enhance protein synthesis.

Supplements in this Stack:

  1. Androvar by Hard Rock Supplements
  2. Protex by Vital Alchemy
  3. Joyful Joints by Vital Alchemy
  4. Post Cycle 3x by Vital Alchemy

Customer Reviews

 I got the shred and gold sculpt pack.

“Love it”

-Garfield

Overall a wonderful stack.

“First time having a PH like Andover, I’ll be 50 in January, 5’5 and 199 Lbs been working out for 20 yrs on and off with a recent lag of about 4 yrs, had to loose about 30 lbs that I gained. Already lost 10lbs and sort of reached a plateau. Started Alpha lean 7 when on PCT,

I don’t take any preworkout either yet I’m able to work Out for 1.5 hours in the gym.”

-Arvind

The perfect companion for a summer cutting cycle

“Loved the effects from this Androvar cycle. My strength shot up. I was able to lift heavier and longer. Didn't notice any soreness but I increased my amino and joint support intake as suggested by the reps. By the end of the cycle, my shoulders/arms/chest/stomach were much more defined and my muscles looked a lot harder or fuller. Definitely would recommend this to anyone who is looking to improve their lifts or help get that "mens physique" type of look.”

-Wesley T.

Mandro the Giant Gold Stack

5. Mandro the Giant Gold Stack

Mandro The Giant Gold Stack is a combination of supplements formulated to support muscle-building efforts. The Mandro The Giant Gold Stack combines two highly rated bulking supplements in one formula. This stack is designed to support muscle growth and help overcome plateaus in training.

Disclaimer: This supplement stack is intended for healthy adults 21 years of age or older who have been training consistently for at least two years. They are best suited for individuals with a solid understanding of nutrition, resistance training, and overall fitness practices. Not recommended for beginners.

Key Benefits:

  • It helps increase strength.
  • It supports muscle mass growth.
  • It aids in faster muscle recovery.
  • It helps improve muscle endurance.
  • It supports firmer, harder muscles.
  • It helps enhance muscle definition.
  • It promotes better protein synthesis.
  • It helps increase muscle pumps during workouts.

Supplements in this Stack

  1. Super Mandro by Hard Rock Supplements
  2. Andro the Giant by Hard Rock Supplements
  3. Protex by Vital Alchemy
  4. Joyful Joints by Vital Alchemy
  5. Post Cycle 3x by Vital Alchemy

Customer Reviews

Outstanding

“I originally bought this stack for myself but decided to stay natty so i passed it on to a friend who has gained nearly 20kgs :O yup he's 3 or 4 weeks into his pct which is not otc and his gains are sticking. Highly recommend this.”

-Mrbig 

Best Stack Yet

“I've used this stack a few times and each time I am blown away with the results. 10/10 recommend. If looking to cut I would throw in androvar as well!”

-Donnman

Best Stack Yet

“I've used this stack a few times and each time I am blown away with the results. 10/10 recommend. If looking to cut I would throw in androvar as well!”

-Donnman

Lee Priest Height: FAQs

Q: What is Lee Priest’s height?

A: Lee Priest is approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall.

Q: Did Lee Priest win Mr. Olympia?

A: No, but he placed top 6 four times (1997, 2000, 2002, 2006). His best finish was 6th place.

Q: Did Lee Priest’s height affect his bodybuilding career?

A: No, Lee Priest’s height did not hold him back. His compact build helped him develop dense muscles and incredible symmetry.

Q: Did Lee Priest ever win the IFBB Ironman Pro?

A: Yes, he won the 2006 IFBB Ironman Pro after placing 2nd three times earlier in his career (1997, 2002, 2004).

Q: Is Lee Priest still competing?

A: No, his last win was the 2013 NABBA Mr. Universe. He retired from professional bodybuilding afterward.

Q: What does Lee Priest do now?

A: He runs Lee Priest Nutrition, coaches athletes, and occasionally appears in fitness media.

Final Thoughts

Lee Priest remains one of bodybuilding’s most notable and prominent figures. His 5’4" frame challenged stereotypes, proving height isn’t the sole factor for success. With multiple top Olympia placements and wins like the 2006 Ironman Pro, his career showcased consistency.

His outspoken nature and IFBB ban added controversy, but also highlighted issues in competitive bodybuilding. Post-retirement, he stayed connected to fitness through coaching and business ventures.

Read More About Other Bodybuilders You Might Be Interested In

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Priest

https://www.greatestphysiques.com/male-physiques/lee-priest/

https://www.leepriest.net/aboutlee.html

https://www.naturalhealthscam.com/lee-priest/

https://tikkaykhan.com/lee-priest-biography/

https://dr-muscle.com/lee-priest-bodybuilder-age-height-net-worth-wife-more/

Photo Credits:

Lee Priest Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leepriestofficial72

Written and Sponsored by Leonard Shemtob

Leonard Shemtob is President of Strong Supplements and a published author. Leonard has been in the supplement space for over 20 years, specializing in fitness supplements and nutrition. Leonard appears on many podcasts, written over 100 articles about supplements and has studied nutrition, supplementation and bodybuilding. 

Leonard's articles have been published in many top publications around the web. Leonard enjoys weight training, playing basketball and yoga, and also enjoys hiking. In his free time he studies and works on improving himself. For more detailed information, visit his official blog.

!