Back in March, eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney took to social media to seek a matching donor for a life saving kidney transplant. This week, the inspirational icon has updated friends and fans online, confirming that he not only found a match, but has now received successful surgery thanks to a fellow bodybuilder.
The heartwarming news was shared by Haney via Instagram on Sept. 29, 2026, who confirmed that the viral social media posts and news outlets carrying the 1984-1991 Mr. Olympia champ’s plight had resulted in a matching donor being found. “Prayers went up, and the Lord answered,” wrote the legend. “After returning home from Italy, I received the news that a perfect match had been found.”
Engaging with the campaign that was originally started by Haney’s son, Joshua, a fellow bodybuilder stepped up to give a little help to his friend. “My donor was Richard Miller, a young man whose path first crossed mine in 1985 and again at a bodybuilding competition in 2014,” shared Haney. “Who could have imagined that all these years later, Richard would become the man who helped save my life?”
Lee Haney’s Prayers Were Answered With a Successful Kidney Transplant
“Richard told me the lord pressed upon his heart to bless me with a kidney, and I will be forever grateful,” said Haney, who still holds the record for the most Mr. Olympia wins in history alongside Ronnie Coleman, with both men earning eight Sandow’s. “My friend. My Iron Brother. My hero,” lamented the legend.
Haney also took the time to thank Dr. Cristea, MD, and the medical team at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. “Following a 12-hour surgery, I woke up with a new kidney and another testimony of God’s grace,” said the retired bodybuilding superstar, who is now 66.
Responding to the miraculous news, former Olympia champions including Phil Heath and Brandon Curry also shared their support, along with bodybuilding fans all around the world. “Lee is one of those rare individuals who is loved by all,” wrote one follower. “I’m so happy for you,” wrote another. “Beautiful story,” added yet another.
It is uplifting to see that the internet really can be a force for good when powered by a supportive community! M&F wishes both Lee Haney and Richard Miller a speedy recovery.
