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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.<\/p>\n
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 <\/a>champ\u2019s plight had resulted in a matching donor being found. \u201cPrayers went up, and the Lord answered,\u201d wrote the legend. \u201cAfter returning home from Italy, I received the news that a perfect match had been found.\u201d<\/p>\n Engaging with the campaign that was originally started by Haney\u2019s son, Joshua, a fellow bodybuilder stepped up to give a little help to his friend. \u201cMy donor was Richard Miller, a young man whose path first crossed mine in 1985 and again at a bodybuilding competition in 2014,\u201d shared Haney. \u201cWho could have imagined that all these years later, Richard would become the man who helped save my life?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cRichard told me the lord pressed upon his heart to bless me with a kidney, and I will be forever grateful,\u201d said Haney, who still holds the record for the most Mr. Olympia wins in history alongside Ronnie Coleman, with both men earning eight Sandow\u2019s. \u201cMy friend. My Iron Brother. My hero,\u201d lamented the legend.<\/p>\n Haney also took the time to thank Dr. Cristea, MD, and the medical team at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. \u201cFollowing a 12-hour surgery, I woke up with a new kidney and another testimony of God\u2019s grace,\u201d said the retired bodybuilding superstar<\/a>, who is now 66.<\/p>\n 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. \u201cLee is one of those rare individuals who is loved by all,\u201d wrote one follower. \u201cI\u2019m so happy for you,\u201d wrote another. \u201cBeautiful story,\u201d added yet another.<\/p>\n It is uplifting to see that the internet really can be a force for good when powered by a supportive community! M&F<\/em> wishes both Lee Haney and Richard Miller a speedy recovery.<\/p>\n To follow Lee Haney on Instagram, click here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nLee Haney\u2019s Prayers Were Answered With a Successful Kidney Transplant<\/h2>\n