LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - Oct 9, 2012) - Today, Respect Your Universe, Inc. (RYU) (TSX VENTURE: [ RYU ]) (OTCBB: [ RYUN ]), [ http://www.ryu.com/ ], is thrilled to announce that on October 1^stRYUWarrior Athlete Phil "The Gift" Heath successfully defended his 2011 Mr. Olympia Title and was crowned the 2012 Mr. Olympia Champion that was held in the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Within one week of his win, Heath also successfully defended his title at the Sheru Classic where he was also crowned the 2012 Champion that took place in New Delhi, India.

Distinguished as the World's Best Bodybuilder, Heath also took home $250,000 for winning the 2012 Mr. Olympia and will also be guaranteed a spot in next year's competition.

"Winning the Mr. Olympia, the Super Bowl of Bodybuilding, is like no other experience as you're the best in the world," said 2012 Mr. Olympia and RYU Warrior Athlete Phil Heath. "Doing it back-to-back years was definitely an even greater achievement because of having the added pressure to succeed. This, along with knowing everyone is gunning for you, made me work even harder which gave me the tools necessary for defending my title. I'm now a two-time Mr. Olympia and I'm for sure the man everyone wants to beat, so there's no time for weakness and laziness, just hard work. I'd like to thank RYU for believing in me and providing me some awesome training apparel and gear for my preparations; 2013 is going to be a big year!"

Heath, who has been a RYU Warrior Athlete since January 2012, is an IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) Professional Bodybuilder and began his impressive career in 2003 when he won the NPC (National Physique Committee) Colorado State Men's Heavyweight in both the Men's Novice and Open Overall divisions. Following this in 2005, Heath won the NPC Junior Nationals in the Men's Heavyweight and Overall divisions and then the NPC USA's Men's Heavyweight and Overall divisions where he was awarded his IFBB Pro Card.

In 2008, Heath won the IFBB Ironman Pro and is also the same year he started competing in the IFBB Mr. Olympia. It was in 2010 Heath placed second in the IFBB Mr. Olympia before winning first place and becoming Mr. Olympia in 2011. Currently, Heath is on the cover of Ironman Australia for their January 2012 issue with the U.S. issue to come out soon.

"Phil Heath is the definition of a true warrior," said RockyBice, Brand Ambassador for RYU. "I have had the honor to watch him train for the biggest bodybuilding competitions in the world, and the discipline and dedication it takes to win the Mr. Olympia title (that only comes around once a year) is absolutely insane. I am proud that I was there along with RYU and his family and close friends to see him take first place at Mr. Olympia. Phil has definitely raised the bar for the competition for many years to come."

Founded on the principles of respect, strength, honor and sustainability, and influenced by the dedication of the athlete to the ancient sport of Martial Arts, RYU's innovative premium apparel and product for both performance and lifestyle was created to inspire all athletes to achieve greatness. By producing products that are environmentally, and ethically, sound, all of RYU's apparel and products are comprised of up to 90% organic and recycled materials utilizing some of the best yarn and fabric suppliers in the world.

Through the creation of innovative apparel and products that have less of an impact on the environment, RYU's fabrics and technologies boast the attributes of Moisture Control Fabric (AIR Weave), Thermal Control Fabric (FIRE Weave), Weather Resistant Fabric (WIND Weave) and Eco-Friendly Fabric (TERRA Weave). RYU's authenticity in its apparel and products is also reflected in the design of each item containing one or more symbols from ancient Samurai iconography. 

RYU is an official sponsor of the UFC and will be visible in various elements throughout the UFC events in 2012 including logo displays and live announcements during bouts along with television promotions and placement on the UFC website including their web store. 

For more information on RYU visit [ http://www.ryu.com ] or call +1-888-455-6183 ext. 101.

About Respect Your Universe
Respect Your Universe, Inc. (TSX VENTURE: [ RYU ]) (OTCBB: [ RYUN ]) is a premium performance apparel and equipment company rooted in and inspired by Mixed Martial Arts. Focused on the needs of the athlete, RYU brings innovative design, development and production of premium authentic performance gear with style to mixed martial artists and athlete enthusiasts worldwide. The RYU brand is based on respect, strength, honor and sustainability. Respect to the End.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.