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Michael Ashley’s journey through the world of bodybuilding is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. He embarked on his bodybuilding odyssey at a young age, and his early commitment to the sport laid the foundation for an impressive career.
At just 19 years old, Michael Ashley made his mark on the bodybuilding scene by competing in the esteemed “Mr. America Pro” tournament, where he achieved an impressive third-place finish among the juniors. This early success served as a motivating force, propelling him to continuously improve his physique, study bodybuilding techniques, and refine his approach to the sport.
Over the next four years, Mike Ashley dedicated himself to rigorous training, gaining invaluable experience and working tirelessly to transform his body. In 1982, his hard work paid off as he clinched two significant victories. He triumphed in the “Mr. East Coast” competition in the light heavyweight category and also secured victory in the overall. Simultaneously, at the “Natural Mr. America” tournament, he emerged victorious in both the middleweight and overall.
The year 1984 marked an important turning point in Mike Ashley’s career, as he set his sights on obtaining an IFBB professional card. He competed in the prestigious “Nationals” tournament, where victory granted the coveted professional status. However, he finished in ninth place, leading him to make the decision to take two years to intensively prepare for another attempt.
In 1986, Mike Ashley returned to the “Nationals” competition with renewed determination and secured a second-place finish, with the title going to Gary Strydom. However, his remarkable victory in the light heavyweight category at the esteemed “World Amateur Championship,” organized under the IFBB, finally granted him the much sought-after professional card.
From that moment, Mike Ashley’s professional bodybuilding career was launched. In 1987, he made his mark on the professional circuit, participating in four Pro tournaments. He emerged as the champion at the “Detroit Pro” competition and secured second place in the “Night of the Champions” show, surpassing his previous rival Gary Strydom. Additionally, he entered the top ten at the prestigious Olympia contest.
In 1988, Mike Ashley increased his level of participation in professional tournaments, taking part in nine events throughout the year. Unfortunately, victory eluded him in each of these competitions, and his performance at the Olympia was not particularly impressive, landing him in 14th place. Discontent with these results, Mike decided to take a hiatus from the competitive bodybuilding scene to address his weaknesses and further enhance his abilities.
After two years of dedicated preparation, 1990 witnessed the triumphant return of Mike Ashley to the competitive stage. He secured second place in tournaments like the “Ironman Pro” and “Pittsburgh Pro.” However, the pinnacle of his career came at the “Arnold Classic,” where he showcased a remarkable 3 percent body fat content. In a stunning victory, Mike Ashley claimed the title and a substantial prize of 60 thousand dollars, solidifying his legacy in the sport of bodybuilding.
In the years that followed, from 1990 to 1994, Mike Ashley continued to participate in numerous shows, but his achievements did not reach the same heights as his victorious moment at the “Arnold Classic.” Ultimately, he made the decision to step away from competitive bodybuilding, ending his remarkable career on a high note. Mike Ashley’s journey serves as an enduring source of inspiration for bodybuilding enthusiasts, illustrating the rewards of unwavering commitment and the pursuit of excellence in the sport.
Mike Ashley Bodybuilding Competition History
1978
Pro Mr America – WBBG, Teen, 3rd
1982
Mr East Coast – AAU, Light-HeavyWeight, 1st
Mr East Coast – AAU, Overall Winner
Natural Mr America – NBA, Short, 1st
Natural Mr America – NBA, Overall Winner
1984
Nationals – NPC, MiddleWeight, 9th
1986
Nationals – NPC, Light-HeavyWeight, 2nd
World Amateur Championships – IFBB, Light-HeavyWeight, 1st
1987
Detroit Pro Championships – IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix France – IFBB, 10th
Night of Champions – IFBB, 2nd
Olympia – IFBB, 10th
1988
Grand Prix England – IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix France – IFBB, 12th
Grand Prix Germany – IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Greece – IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Italy – IFBB, 11th
Grand Prix Spain (2) – IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Spain – IFBB, 8th
Niagara Falls Pro Invitational – IFBB, 4th
Olympia – IFBB, 14th
1990
Arnold Classic – IFBB, Winner
Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB, 2nd
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational – IFBB, 2nd
1991
Musclefest Grand Prix – IFBB, 5th
Night of Champions – IFBB, 8th
1992
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 14th
Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB, 9th
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational – IFBB, 10th
1993
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 13th
Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB, 9th
San Jose Pro Invitational – IFBB, 6th
1994
Chicago Pro Championships – IFBB, 10th
Niagara Falls Pro Invitational – IFBB, 6th
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