An aspiring soccer player in his early teens, Rhoden started bodybuilding in 1992 with inspiration from former Mr. Universe Yohnnie Shambourger and, after an amateur career ruptured with several injuries and alcohol dependence, won his IFBB Pro card by 2010. He was the 11th at the 2011 Mr. Olympia (Mr. Olympia debut), 3rd at the 2012 Mr. Olympia, and 4th at the 2013 Mr. Olympia competition. In 2014, Shawn Rhoden took 3rd place at the 2014 Mr. Olympia competition and again 3rd place at the 2015 Mr. Olympia. Rhoden followed up in 2016, with a 2nd place finish at the 2016 Mr. Olympia. In 2018, Rhoden became the new Mr. Olympia replacing Phil Heath. He is the oldest bodybuilder to win the Mr. Olympia title, at the age of 43 years, 5 months.
