Dexter Jackson is an IFBB Professional Open Division bodybuilder who is admired for his remarkable physique and his unwavering dedication to bodybuilding. He stepped away from the stage in 2020. However, he etched his name in the annals of the sport by breaking records in the IFBB Pro League.

The 5X Arnold Classic champion earned himself the title of winning the show the highest number of times. He did it with a combination of muscle detail, exceptional symmetry, and conditioning. He shared the stage with legends like Phil Heath and Kai Greene. Here’s all you need to know about him. 

How did Dexter Jackson get into fitness?

Born and brought up in Jacksonville, Dexter Jackson was deeply into football during his high school days and was also regarded as an exceptional athlete. Apart from football, he also participated in sports like running track, baseball, gymnastics, and martial arts, earning several levels of a black belt. However, the moment he got out of school, he learned that he was going to become a father, and that was when he decided to get himself a job as a cook.

Interestingly, his life took a turn as he discovered his passion for training. He soon even realized that he was also genetically blessed, and that’s why his friends suggested he compete. He started competing in local shows and won his first ever competition at the age of 20, with barely a few weeks to prepare.

It was then that he started taking bodybuilding seriously and graced the covers of major fitness magazines such as Flex, Muscular Development, MuscleMag, etc. He was christened ‘The Blade’ because of his sharp look. He earned his Pro Card at the 1998 North American Championship after winning the light-heavyweight and overall divisions. There was no looking back for him after that.

Dexter Jackson’s greatest accolade

Dexter Jackson is one of the greatest bodybuilders that the fitness community has ever witnessed, and it is evident from the fact that a national qualifier NPC competition boasts his namesake, the Dexter Jackson Classic. It is an amateur bodybuilding, fitness figure, bikini, and physique contest.

Having reigned over the bodybuilding stage for more than two decades, he opened the stage to the next generation of champions, mentoring their development in the process.

He monitors every detail of the athletes who register for the show until they walk off stage, making sure they have the experience of a lifetime with the overall trophy in hand. Well, it looks like he knows exactly when to walk away and impart his knowledge, leaving the stage behind for young athletes.

Dexter Jackson’s retirement from the sport

Dexter Jackson concluded his 22-year fitness career when he bagged ninth place at the 2020 Mr. Olympia. He became the only bodybuilder alongside Chris Dickerson to win titles in both the Olympia and Master Olympia. Jackson revealed that he had thought about retiring 10 years ago, but he somehow managed to pull farther than he had planned.

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There had been several rumors about his comeback through the Masters Olympia, but he laid them all to rest by dismissing the claims. He mentioned that he has been focusing on his overall well-being and wishes to relish his retirement period. He was grateful that he had no injuries, which gave him quality time to celebrate with his family. He said, “No secrets; there ain’t nothing to spill. I would not be stepping on the stage again.”

It is needless to say Dexter Jackson did indeed have one of the most successful careers in the realm of bodybuilding, and he sustained just the right amount of time in the field. This leaves him with only good regards. What are your thoughts about the journey of Dexter Jackson? Let us know in the comments section below!

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