Dexter Jackson could have stepped off the Olympia stage for the final time in 2020, however his presence within the bodybuilding world is felt as a lot now because it was then. His followers see him usually posting clips of himself coaching and displaying the sort of physique that almost all males of their 50s wish to have. He nonetheless trains as a bodybuilder too.
“In the present day was quads for me.”
Jackson will not be a aggressive athlete, however he feels his position as an envoy to the game is similar because it was all through his 20-plus 12 months profession. He’ll characterize bodybuilding as soon as once more when he’s enshrined into the Worldwide Sports activities Corridor of Fame on September twenty sixth on the Palms On line casino Resort in Las Vegas, NV. Jackson joins the Harlem Globetrotters, UFC nice Forrest Griffin, world chess champion Garry Kasparov, and freediver Vitomir Maricic within the 2026 class on September twenty sixth within the Palms Lodge.
The Legacy of “The Blade”: Winningest IFBB Professional Bodybuilder in Historical past
Followers cease Jackson at each occasion he attends, together with the Olympia. Some will recall him from the journal days whereas others ask if he’s the man from YouTube. That alone speaks to how elite his tenure within the sport was. Jackson was requested usually about that legendary run, and even now he appears again and is stunned.
“It was loopy, and it was wonderful, not solely due to the consistency however how exhausting it was. I like that I impressed individuals by means of the fitness center and what I did.”
The IFBB Professional League’s all time winningest male bodybuilder has additionally been energetic as a promoter and entrepreneur lately. His complement line has been rising and prospering internationally all through the final 5 years, and his personal bodybuilding present serves as his method of making alternatives for the following technology of athletes and champions.
“Chris Minnes and I labored collectively on the Dexter Jackson Traditional for seven years, and this 12 months was the very best we’ve had. It was packed, a full home.”
Though Jackson stays as related to the bodybuilding group as ever, he confirmed that he’s fairly comfy watching the celebs of the present period. Jackson can be within the viewers watching these stars in the course of the 2026 Olympia finals, set to be held on the Orleans Enviornment in Las Vegas, Nevada on September twenty fifth and twenty sixth. He’s very conversant in that venue as a result of he immortalized himself as Mr. Olympia by defeating then champion Jay Cutler in that very same constructing. Bob Cicherillo will doubtless acknowledge previous champions like Jackson within the crowd to allow them to obtain their flowers. Jackson is completely satisfied to be on the Olympia yearly, however the return to Orleans makes this 12 months much more thrilling for him.
“I keep in mind the Orleans very nicely, and it’ll really feel just like the Olympia is really again.”
Contained in the ISHOF 2026 Class: Dexter Jackson Joins World-Class Icons
The love proven for “The Blade” will proceed all through the 2026 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas. No, Jackson received’t be posing down, however he’ll depart with a medal as a brand new inductee into the Worldwide Sports activities Corridor of Fame. He’s the seventh Mr. Olympia winner (and the one single-title winner) to be acknowledged on this vogue, becoming a member of names like Schwarzenegger, Columbu, Haney, Coleman, Cutler, and Heath. The ISHOF may have 59 general Olympia titles throughout all previous champions in all classes as soon as he’s inducted.
Jackson will undoubtedly characterize himself and the game of bodybuilding with the identical class and charm that made him a legend and worthy of the induction. He’s completely satisfied to quickly be honored as a Corridor of Famer (and it brings the whole variety of Olympia championships within the ISHOF to 59), however he sees moments like these as alternatives to point out his personal gratitude to a better energy.
“I couldn’t have achieved any of this with out my Lord, Jesus Christ,” Jackson shared. “With every thing, I give Him the glory.”
The Blade’s mixture of success, longevity, the way in which he carries himself, and dedication to advancing bodybuilding are solely a number of the explanation why many really feel his induction can be nicely deserved.
Jackson’s focus for the longer term is constant to unfold the phrase of his Savior and selling his complement line whereas he enjoys coaching for himself and spending time together with his longtime companion and now spouse, Gale. Individuals out and in of the health trade acknowledge Jackson as a champion, legend, and general as a particular particular person, however he made it clear that regardless of all of the wins, honors, followers, and historical past he made and can proceed to make as a Corridor of Famer, he sees himself the identical method he had all through his life.
“I’m only a common dude identical to everybody else.”
You’ll be able to observe Jackson on Instagram @mrolympia08. The ISHOF induction ceremony will happen on Saturday, September twenty sixth on the Palms On line casino Resort Grand Ballroom from 11:30 to 2:00 PM and is free for the general public to attend.To be taught extra in regards to the Worldwide Sports activities Corridor of Fame, go to ISHOF.web .
Tickets for the 2026 Olympia and World Health Expo can be found at mrolympia.com .
