Dexter Jackson may have stepped off the Olympia stage for the last time in 2020, but his presence in the bodybuilding world is felt as much now as it was then. His followers see him regularly posting clips of himself training and displaying the kind of physique that most men in their 50s would like to have. He still trains as a bodybuilder too.
“Today was quads for me.”
Jackson may not be a competitive athlete, but he feels his role as an ambassador to the sport is the same as it was throughout his 20-plus year career. He will represent bodybuilding once again when he is enshrined into the International Sports Hall of Fame on September 26th at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, NV. Jackson joins the Harlem Globetrotters, UFC great Forrest Griffin, world chess champion Garry Kasparov, and freediver Vitomir Maricic in the 2026 class on September 26th in the Palms Hotel.
The Legacy of “The Blade”: Winningest IFBB Pro Bodybuilder in History
Fans stop Jackson at every event he attends, including the Olympia. Some will recall him from the magazine days while others ask if he is the guy from YouTube. That alone speaks to how elite his tenure in the sport was. Jackson was asked often about that legendary run, and even now he looks back and is surprised.
“It was crazy, and it was amazing, not only because of the consistency but how hard it was. I like that I inspired people through the gym and what I did.”
The IFBB Pro League’s all time winningest male bodybuilder has also been active as a promoter and entrepreneur in recent years. His supplement line has been growing and prospering internationally throughout the last five years, and his own bodybuilding show serves as his way of creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes and champions.
“Chris Minnes and I worked together on the Dexter Jackson Classic for seven years, and this year was the best we’ve had. It was packed, a full house.”
Even though Jackson remains as connected to the bodybuilding community as ever, he confirmed that he is quite comfortable watching the stars of the current era. Jackson will be in the audience watching those stars during the 2026 Olympia finals, set to be held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 25th and 26th. He is very familiar with that venue because he immortalized himself as Mr. Olympia by defeating then champion Jay Cutler in that same building. Bob Cicherillo will likely recognize past champions like Jackson in the crowd so they can receive their flowers. Jackson is happy to be at the Olympia every year, but the return to Orleans makes this year even more exciting for him.
“I remember the Orleans very well, and it will feel like the Olympia is truly back.”
Inside the ISHOF 2026 Class: Dexter Jackson Joins World-Class Icons
The love shown for “The Blade” will continue throughout the 2026 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas. No, Jackson won’t be posing down, but he will leave with a medal as a new inductee into the International Sports Hall of Fame. He is the seventh Mr. Olympia winner (and the only single-title winner) to be recognized in this fashion, joining names like Schwarzenegger, Columbu, Haney, Coleman, Cutler, and Heath. The ISHOF will have 59 overall Olympia titles across all past champions in all categories once he is inducted.
Jackson will undoubtedly represent himself and the sport of bodybuilding with the same class and grace that made him a legend and worthy of the induction. He is happy to soon be honored as a Hall of Famer (and it brings the total number of Olympia championships in the ISHOF to 59), but he sees moments like these as opportunities to show his own gratitude to a higher power.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without my Lord, Jesus Christ,” Jackson shared. “With everything, I give Him the glory.”
The Blade’s combination of success, longevity, the way he carries himself, and dedication to advancing bodybuilding are only some of the reasons why many feel his induction will be well deserved.
Jackson’s focus for the future is continuing to spread the word of his Savior and promoting his supplement line while he enjoys training for himself and spending time with his longtime partner and now wife, Gale. People in and out of the fitness industry recognize Jackson as a champion, legend, and overall as a special person, but he made it clear that despite all the wins, honors, fans, and history he made and will continue to make as a Hall of Famer, he sees himself the same way he had throughout his life.
“I’m just a regular dude just like everyone else.”
You can follow Jackson on Instagram @mrolympia08. The ISHOF induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 26th at the Palms Casino Resort Grand Ballroom from 11:30 to 2:00 PM and is free for the public to attend.To learn more about the International Sports Hall of Fame, visit ISHOF.net .
Tickets for the 2026 Olympia and World Fitness Expo are available at mrolympia.com .
