Meet Lenda Murray | Ms. Olympia World Bodybuilding Champion

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lenda Murray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lenda, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Detroit, Michigan. I was born in 1962 and the first of 5 children. My father was self-employed as an Electrical Contractor so working for myself was comfortable and felt possible. My parents laid an amazing foundation for me and my sisters and this strongly impacted who I am today. Growing up as a young adult in the 80s in Detroit was challenging but I had my parents as examples that I could do anything if I worked hard. Being an African-American was never discussed and therefore I had no issues with seeing myself as disadvantaged or lacking.

I graduated from Western Michigan University and being the eldest girl of 5 girls, my sisters later followed achieving higher education. So for me, my upbringing gave and empowered me to feel no limits and all that I desired was attainable. I contribute this success to my parents.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a retired professional athlete. I competed in Bodybuilding and became an 8-time Ms. Olympia champion becoming the best female bodybuilder in the world. Becoming a bodybuilder in the 1980s was not normal for women. When I look back at me during that time I am most impressed that I was comfortable with doing something outside of the norm. I went from being a cheerleader at Western Michigan University, to professional cheerleading with the United States Football League (USFL) to Professional Bodybuilding. Going from what society deemed as acceptable to unacceptable or different to courage and independent thinking. Because I chose to follow what fueled me and not what society thought appropriate I can say, that I was the best in the world 8 times.

because I was passionate about weight training and exercise it gave me life. I can see the benefits of weight training and exercise. I can especially see the benefits of weight training at the age today of 61. I feel young and youthful. Today I am a producer of a women’s talks show, spokesperson for Wings of Strength, and still travel the world doing seminars on fitness.

The lesson I have learned is that when you are passionate about something, nothing can stop you from following a path that will lead to success. The joy is in the journey. It’s not about money but it is about passion!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Gilbert, Arizona. I would take my friends to some of the amazing restaurants we have here. Depending on the weather, I would go hiking and exercising outdoors. I would take my friend to Sedona, AZ where it is absolutely heaven. I love watching people and would go for a coffee at Barnes and Noble and just sit and talk.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents deserve a shout-out! Darcellious and Louvell Murray. In my initial answer, I explain why they deserve this shout-out. I am who I am today because of them. Race was never an issue in my household. There were no barriers that prevented me from exploring the world and achieving my desires.

Website: www.crystalplanetnutrition.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themsolympia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenda-murray-20028b4b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lenda.murray/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl9oAPj053KQy2azEzmT_UA

Image Credits
Bill Dobbins Robert Reif