Tag: GI News
Breon Ansley Shares Back Workout To Build Thicker Lats Ahead Of 2022 Arnold Classic
Breon Ansley has targeted his lats as a potential area of improvement heading into the season.
Breon Ansley is looking to begin the 2022 season with a bang. He has been working in the offseason to improve some parts of his physique and there has been a huge focus on his back. Ansley recently shared a back workout that focuses on stretching his lats to add thickness. This is his goal as he prepares to take the stage at the 2022 Arnold Classic.
Ansley has been sharing many workouts in recent weeks. He began an entire series on his prep for the Arnold Classic on his YouTube page. Last week, Ansley released the fourth episode of this series and it focused on building up his lats.
Breon Ansley is a two-time Classic Physique Olympia champion. He is still one of the top-tier competitors in the division today. Ansley finished third at the 2021 Olympia behind Chris Bumstead and Terrence Ruffin. Bumstead completed his three-peat in October and is looking to make it four in a row in December. Ruffin will defend his Arnold Classic title after winning the event in September.
Ansley will make sure to show up in his best shape. He began this session by going through a mobility warm-up that emphasizes scapular control and stretching his lats. This sets the tone for a big workout.
The first exercise of the day is a superset. Ansley pairs bent-over rows with a variation of a rack pull. During this set, Ansley stresses the importance of keeping his core engaged.
“Don’t loosen your core. It’s going to loosen your back — that’s how you’re going to pull your back. Keep core tight.”
Breon Ansley completes single-arm seated rows. He adds a new element to the exercise by reaching as far as he can while the weight is lowered. This is done to continue that stretch in his lats that provides the extra boost in size. Ansley then moves onto a triple set. This features seated rows, low cable rows, and paused face pulls. The final exercise of the workout is underhanded seated rows.
After the workout, Ansley was satisfied with the work he put in. He will certainly be one of the top names at the Arnold Classic and has a chance to take home the prize in Classic Physique. It will be another stacked lineup but that is what makes for an exciting and entertaining show.
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Danial Zamani Announces 800-Pound Bench Press Attempt
Danial Zamani announced his plan after crushing a 350kg bench press.
Danial Zamani has been a threat to the bench press world record for awhile. The current record is set at 355kg (782lb) held by Julius Maddox. In a recent Instagram post, Zamani completed a 350kg (771.6lb) bench press with ease and announced his plan to attempt 800 pounds.
Zamani completed this attempt raw a she was seen wearing just a lifting belt and wrist straps. In his caption, Zamani made it clear that he has his sights set on a number that has never been done before.
“God’s power is above all other powers. I can feel my dear coach Babak @babak_ghazbaniknowledge and Gods power both in my life and in my strength and progress. And positive energy I receive from all over the world I feel in my life , this lift is presented to all my fans all over the world. I am grateful of all my seniors and pro athletes who support me all over the world.
God’s willing in 15 days I will attempt world record my 100 percent power attempt will be on 800 lbs weight.”
The 800-pound mark has been the goal for both Zamani and Maddox. This is a number that no one has ever bench pressed before. Maddox has attempted this lift twice. The first came in June 2020 but the bar was miscoded and led to a failed attempt. In August, Maddox followed up a Chicago Cubs’ game with his second attempt at 800 pounds at Wrigley Field.
While the elusive 800-pound mark has not been reached, there are now two powerlifters on its heels. Zamani made this 350kg lift look easy and it is not even his personal record. In August, Zamani crushed a 352.5kg (777lb) bench press. He has been chasing the record and keeps inching closer to it.
After sharing his recent lift, Danial Zamani received praise from some of the other top lifters in the world. This includes Maddox, who has a strong relationship with Zamani. Larry Wheels stated “The throne is at risk! Congrats Boss!” CT Fletcher and Milos Sarcev also appeared in the comments’ section of the video.
It is clear that Danial Zamani is preparing to beat the bench press world record but he seems to be interested in reaching 800 pounds. It will be must-see actin the Zamani takes on this challenge.
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Milos Sarcev: Today’s Bodybuilders Are Going Too Easy On Leg Day Training
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Milos Sarcev believes “legs are so very easy” but modern bodybuilders are not pushing hard enough.
Never skip leg day is a phrase that is often repeated in the world of bodybuilding. This is due to the fact that many weightlifters and even bodybuilders can make the vital mistake of overlooking leg training. It’s a problem that has in the past also knocked competitive bodybuilders down a few placings. Most recently, Brandon Curry was criticized for having weak legs at the Olympia 2021. Many believe it was the key factor in placing him second as opposed to overtaking Big Ramy for first place. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, legendary bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev discusses the recent trend in leg day training within bodybuilding.
During our recent video conversation with Milos Sarcev, the topic of Brandon Curry was brought up. More specifically, his showing at the Mr. Olympia 2021. Curry placed second – meaning second best athlete in the world. Despite this – he received some online criticism for the state of his legs. Many thought that they were not only his weak point but also so weak that they were undeserving of the Olympia stage. Does this criticism have some truth to it? Or is it more over-exaggerated online hate.
Milos Sarcev cannot account for every specific comment made online – but he does believe that the general criticism has some validity. He does agree that Brandon Curry’s legs are a weak point for him. Sarcev says this, even as he admits that Curry was his second favorite physique at the Olympia 2021 stage.
What Milos Sarcev sees is an imbalance in bodybuilding. Brandon Curry is and his legs are a perfect example of this imbalance. Sarcev 100% believes that Curry belonged on the Olympia stage. But he does see a vast quality difference between the rest of his body and his legs. The rest of his physique was enough to overpower the weaknesses. It earned him a well deserved second place at Mr. Olympia. That being said, the imbalance showcases where priorities are for pro bodybuilders as a whole.
Milos Sarcev believes that modern bodybuilders are going too easy when it comes to leg day training. In fact, he thinks that leg day training is easy. There is no secret. There is no challenge for legs more than other body parts. The problem is more that bodybuilders simply don’t enjoy training legs. So they go easy. This is the big problem as Sarcev sees it.
“I see this and I stand behind it. Whoever wants to develop legs they can. Legs are so very easy to put the load on the quads if you want it,” Milos Sarcev states in our interview. He continues:
“If you want to go to the gym to socialize, to make it look like you’re training, to do some leg presses, to do some – you know what? No… I cannot go to the gym now-a-days and see someone squat… they are going easy, the easy way. So if you want to build the legs, have you ever heard of squats? Can you try them, please?”
It should be noted that his experience is purely anecdotal. But he also sees the proof in the pudding. Far too often he sees talented pro bodybuilders with lagging legs. From what he sees in the gym, it’s due to a change in effort.
“I like to be sarcastic and people will call me names,” Sarcev goes on to state. “But I speak the language. I speak the truth.”
Milos Sarcev further explains his statement. He believes that the new modern era of bodybuilders are playing it too safe. They avoid squats to protect their knees and avoid injury. But in doing so – they are also pushing their bodies less hard. They are losing out on vital elements of leg day.
“That’s why the people I will train – I will not babysit them,” Milos Sarcev explains. “I will not accept their excuses. I mean when you have a twenty something year old guy say, ‘Oh, my knees!’ I didn’t even feel my knees until 40 years of age… they all think it’s overtraining.”
You can watch Milos Sarcev’s full comments on Brandon Curry and leg day training in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Chad Nicholls Shares Predictions For 2022 Arnold Classic
Chad Nicholls recently revealed who he believes will be the new champion at the 2022 Arnold Classic.
The 2022 Arnold Classic is right around the corner and that means there will be plenty of predictions coming out. Chad Nicholls recently shared his opinion on who could take over as the new champion in Columbus.
The Arnold Classic is back where it belongs taking place from March 3-6. With the event returning to the beginning of the year, there are many big names that will be present. This does not include Nick Walker, who won the show in 2021 but will continue to focus on the 2022 Olympia. This means there will be a new champion and Nicholls, a bodybuilding coach and sports nutritionist, recently gave his pick.
Nicholls joined The Menace Podcast on the Muscle and Fitness YouTube page and this is where he broke down some of the biggest names in the show. Before we get into what Nicholls had to say, let’s take another look at the Men’s Open lineup for the 2022 Arnold Classic.
2022 Arnold Classic Lineup
William Bonac (Netherlands)
Rafael Brandão (Brasil)
Maxx Charles (USA)
Brandon Curry (USA)
Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
Regan Grimes (Canada)
Steve Kuclo (USA)
Cedric McMillan (USA)
Fabio Giga Rezende (Brasil)
Justin Rodriguez (USA)
Mohamed Shaaban (Egypt)
Brett Wilkin (USA)
Akim Williams (USA)
Brandon Curry
It has been quite a run for Brandon Curry. He was crowned Mr. Olympia in 2019 and has finished as the runner-up in back-to-back years to Big Ramy. When looking at the field, Curry has to be considered one of the favorites, if not No. 1 on the list. He has his sights set on taking back his Olympia crown but will appear at the second biggest show of the year first.
Nicholls has always liked Curry to come out victorious at the Arnold Classic and he has not changed his opinion.
“I think Curry’s going to win this. I’ve always though that Curry’s going to win this. I think just that the level that he’s at right now, based off of where everybody’s ay, if he shows up anywhere close, I don’t think anybody beats him.”
Brandon Curry has a victory at the Arnold Classic from back in 2019, the same year he won the Olympia. There is a chance that he could bring home his second in about six weeks.
William Bonac
Walker might have won the Arnold Classic in September but would it have happened this way if William Bonac was there? The 2020 Arnold Classic champ was unable to make the trip but will return to the stage this year. According to Nicholls, this does not mean that he will make an immediate impact.
“I think that the things he has lacked over the last couple of years are finally starting to catch up with him. I think he was downsized a bit and his conditioning was also behind in 2021. I think he had very little time to correct that.”
Brett Wilkin
There are many big names returning to the Arnold Classic this year. Steve Kuclo finished third last year, Regan Grimes continues to improve, and Cedric McMillan and Nathan De Asha always have eyes on them. Nicholls believes another up-and-comer could steal the show.
Brett Wilkin is a rising star in the sport but has not taken that next step just yet. This might not be the year that Wilkin takes home the title but he has a chance to finish in the top three. Nicholls believes that he could be a threat to Curry.
“”He matches Brandon structurally. Obviously, Brandon’s got that massive back and that width and you know, that shoulder to waist ratio but Wilkins isn’t that far off. I think he might be bigger so it’s gonna be interesting.”
It is going to be an intense and entertaining battle to see who finishes in the top five. Wilkin could be the name that makes the biggest jump during this event. As of now, Brandon Curry seems to be the competitor to beat at this point.
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Hulk Hogan Looking Jacked In Recent Post Shares 4 ‘Hulk Rules’
Hulk Hogan showed off his massive arms in a recent social media post.
Is Hulk Hogan the greatest superstar in WWE history? If not, he is pretty close to the top. Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977 and quickly became a sensation because of his ability to put on a show. Hogan also displayed incredible strength on many occasions. At 68 years old, Hulkamania is still running wild and Hogan recently shared some tips on how to live the lifestyle.
Hogan is active on social media and he is seen showing off his progress at times. Recently, Hogan shared four tips while hitting a double-bicep pose.
“Hulk’s Rules 1. Train 2. Eat your vitamins 3. Say your Prayers 4. Believe in yourself BROTHER?”
Hulk Hogan has been able to maintain his physique. He recently went through a weight loss where he dropped down to 275 pounds. This came after following a strenuous training program. It was rumored that Hogan was dealing with health issues but he never confirmed or denied the comments. One thing we do know is that a professional wrestler is bound to suffer some injuries and deal with lingering ones even in retirement.
Hogan’s tips are simple — train, eat, say your prayers, and believe in yourself. This is the way Hogan believes a person can better themselves and accomplish goals, whether it be in fitness or other avenues.
It is no surprise to see Hulk Hogan keeping up with his fitness at 68 years old. He remained active in professional wrestling for over two decades and held many championships during his time. Most notably, Hogan was a six-time WWE champion who became known for his 24-inch pythons. Now, the name Hulk Hogan might be featured on the big screen.
Chris Hemsworth has been preparing to play Hogan in a Netflix biopic. Filming was delayed due to the pandemic but there is still a plan for this to be completed. This is the reason that Hemsworth has been training hard and he received praise from Hogan himself.
“He’s already there! He’s ready BROTHER!!!,” Hogan tweeted in November.
Hulk Hogan is one of the most-know wrestlers of all-time. Even after his retirement, he has remained a big name and active on social media. As he continues to make improvements to his physique, fans will continue to idolize Hulk Hogan for all he has done for the brand.
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Bodybuilding Champion Frank Calta Has Passed Away At 75
Frank Calta began opening gyms at a young age to accomplish his goals.
Frank Calta is one of the pioneers of bodybuilding who was a champion and went onto open gyms to help others accomplish their goals. Calta has passed away at the age of 75. The bodybuilding champion remained an influential voice in the sport for the duration of his life.
Calta’s career hit a peak in 1978 when he won the Mr. Pennsylvania and Mr. North American titles. Calta grew up in Pennsylvania and this is where he grew a passion for fitness and bodybuilding. It all began in his basement when Calta was in his early 20’s.
“My dad was a private and a proud man. He wouldn’t want people crying over him or feeling sorry for him. He’d want to be remembered for how he lived — tough and hardworking,” said Treon Calta, Frank’s son.
Frank Calta wanted to put on some weight and this is when he opened his home gym. He had a set of dumbbells that were used along with some other equipment donated by friends. They all worked out in this home gym but it later became too crowded. This is when Calta decided to rent some space and charge a membership fee. As the business continued to grow, Calta opened a second location across the street.
After winning two bodybuilding titles in 1978, Calta decided to move from Pennsylvania to Tampa. One year later, Calta opened his first gym called Frank Calta’s Super Fitness. He continued to train and made some more noise in the state of Florida.
In 1979, Calta won the Mr. Tampa and Mr. Florida bodybuilding competitions. He began turning heads as a bodybuilder and possessed incredible strength. Calta was able to bench press 450 pounds and squat 575 pounds at the peak of his career. The number of gyms opened by Calta quickly grew to five and saw great success.
In 2012, Calta’s wife, Tina Calta, passed away and this is when he began closing some gyms. He also sold five Punch Boxing for Fitness locations.
Frank Calta will be remembered for his impressive physique and his work off the stage opening a number of gym locations to help others accomplish their goals.
Generation Iron would like to send condolences to the family and friends of Frank Calta during this time. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Andrea Shaw: How Offseason Bulking For Female Bodybuilders Is “Way More Emotional”
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Andrea Shaw talks about the differences between Men’s Open and Women’s Open bodybuilding – and how much more of an emotional impact bulking has for women.
It’s generally understood that the gaze and expectations on female bodies are far different than they are for men. So how does that play out in the world of bodybuilding? A sport where the perfection of a physique is judged by audiences and judges alike? There has often been a controversial discussion about “femininity” for the bigger female divisions such as Women’s Open. But that challenge also finds its way beyond just the stage. Much like any other athlete in the sport, female bodybuilders need to bulk during the off season. In our latest GI Exclusive, 2x Ms. Olympia Andrea Shaw opens up about the emotional impact of bulking during the offseason for women.
Andrea Shaw discussed previously with us about the concept of femininity in the female divisions of bodybuilding. She believes that a Women’s Open bodybuilder can certainly be feminine at the same time as successfully competing. That being said, she also thinks that femininity should not be a judging factor on the stage. That should be a personal choice. At the end of the day, the physique should be judged in the same way the Men’s Open division.
That being said, just like Men’s Open, women also need to go through the same kind of cycles during prep each year. That mean’s they also have to go through a bulking off season stage. This is to build more muscle with the plan to eventually cut down and become conditioned before a competition.
But for those women who value their femininity, the bulking phase can be a much more emotional challenge than it is for men. Or at least, that’s what Andrea Shaw believes based on her personal experience and discussions she has had with other female competitors.
This is in part because of a personal desire to maintain a certain feminine look. But it’s also because of the systemic gaze and expectation put on women in culture. If a man bulks up, there’s less of a chance that he will receive comments or criticism – depending on how much weight we’re talking about. For women, it can be a game changer in how they are perceived and even treated.
“Women handle it way more emotionally. Way more,” Andrea Shaw states in our interview. She continues:
“Because it does start to kind of wear on you that ‘Oh my gosh a month ago I was no where near this heavy.’ I mean you know, I put on twenty pounds. Especially bodybuilders. I think the more muscle mass you have, you’re going to see the increase in pounds a little faster. Like even now I’m already up twenty pounds from the show… but you know, I reversed out. I took my time. But still that’s naturally what my body wanted to do… so when you get into the acceptance phase of, you know, you’re going to have that happen then it’s okay.”
Andrea Shaw went on to say that she speaks with many other fellow competitors who have trouble coping with off season bulking. Their clothes stop fitting and they feel like they are losing a part of their physique that they identify with. But Shaw maintains that acceptance of this part of the cycle is necessary.
The reason it’s necessary is due to the harsh reality that no competitor can really stay that conditioned 365 days a year. It wouldn’t be healthy. And with the pressures put on women to look a certain way – it can become dangerous if a woman doesn’t accept the bulking phase and succumbs to outside pressure. That can lead to health dangers.
You can watch Andrea Shaw go into full detail about bulking in Women’s Bodybuilding and more on contest prep in general by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Strongman Bud Jeffries Has Died At 48 Years Old
Bud Jeffries was a powerlifter and strength coach during his career.
Bud Jeffries passed away on Friday at the age of 48. He was a former powerlifter and strongman turned weightlifting coach who was known for his incredible feats of strength.
Jeffries’ wife, Heather, took to Instagram on Saturday to make the announcement. She revealed that he collapsed during a workout. She tried to resuscitate him before medical help arrived. There has been no cause of death confirmed but Heather explains that it could have been a pulmonary embolism.
“I have been trying to find the right words to post to all of you. I am heart broken and overwhelmed to have to say that yesterday afternoon, Friday, January 21, around 3:30, while doing a light training session outside, Bud collapsed. I performed CPR until medics arrived, but after lengthy efforts to resuscitate him, he never recovered.
It would appear to have been a pulmonary embolism, but that has not as yet been decided as the final cause. Possibly a result of his brief bout with Covid in early December – again that has not been determined.”
Bud Jeffries began training at age 14 in hopes of becoming a football player. He played at the high school level while also training as a powerlifter. He competed in a local meet at an early age and this is where he truly fell in love with the sport. Once Jeffries was done with football, he began taking his lifting to the next level.
Jeffries has completed many enormous feats of strength. This includes squatting 1,000 pounds from the bottom position of a squat rack. Jeffries also completed a one-mile walk with a 300-pound weighted vest on and swung a 24kg kettlebell 2,350 times in an hour. The legend of Jeffries grew in recent years thanks to social media.
Bud Jeffries grew his Instagram page to 59,000 followers and this is where they were able to see his crazy accomplishments. For example, Jeffries’ last post to social media was of him carrying a refrigerator over his head with one arm. Jeffries was more than just a powerlifter. He began working as a motivational speaker and weightlifting coach.
Jeffries was an inspiration in and out of the sport of powerlifting. He made an impact on many over the years and remained a focal point in weightlifting.
“He wanted more than anything for people to be able to realize their potential. To never doubt their abilites and have confidence in themselves. He believed in seeing the extraordinary as ordinary to reach one’s goals, dreams and success. It was important to him to encourage others to use what may be perceived as a weakness and not be pigeonholed to stereotypes or others opinions,” Heather Jeffries added to the caption on Instagram.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Involved In Serious Car Crash, Updates Fans
Arnold Schwarzenegger provides fans an update after getting into a serious car accident.
It’s been reported that Arnold Schwarzenegger has been involved in a very serious car crash in Los Angeles. Schwarzenegger, 74, was driving his GMC Yukon SUV on Sunset Boulevard upon crashing into a Red Prius on Friday, January 21st, 2022. Reports indicate that the driver of the Prius was badly injured. The accident was strong enough to cause the Prius airbags to be deployed upon impact. No arrests were made in the case.
A law enforcement statement revealed that Arnold Schwarzenegger was taking a left turn a the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Allenford Aveneue. Schwarzenegger did not wait for the left turn arrow leading into the accident. The statement also indicates that the accident may have been Schwarzenegger’s fault.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was able to give fans an update this morning. In a statement issued by his representatives, Schwarzenegger is doing “fine” and was more concerned about the condition of the woman in the Prius.
The statement stated:
“He [Schwarzenegger] is fine, his only concern right now is for the woman who was injured.”
Photos of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Car Accident
Shortly after the accident, images of the crash went viral on social media. The photos contained images of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s SUV rammed directly into the Prius. Despite the accident appearing to be Schwarzenegger’s fault, no arrests were made at the time of the crash. The woman in the Prius was immediately taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
Eyewitnesses further confirmed the account in the original police statement noting that both cars were making a turn in the opposite direction when the crash occurred. While we and the bodybuilding community are certainly glad that Arnold Schwarzenegger appears to be free of injury – our well wishes also go out to the woman driving in the Prius. Hoping for a successful and speedy recovery.
This story is still developing. Generation Iron will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Derek Dufour has been managing all digital operations on the Generation Iron Network for over six years. He currently manages a team of editors, writers, and designers to provide up-to-date content across the GI Network.
George Peterson’s Cause Of Death Revealed In Autopsy Report
Image via Instagram @georgep_dabull
George Peterson’s autopsy report has been revealed.
On October 6th, 2021, the world sadly mourned the passing of pro bodybuilder George Peterson. At only 37 years old, his death was a shock and very sudden – happening in a hotel room just days before he was set to compete at the Olympia. Now the official autopsy report has been published revealing that sudden cardiac dysrhythmia due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease was the cause of death. Further, the medical examiner stated in his report that anabolic steroid use was a contributing factor.
The autopsy report was obtained directly by Generation Iron via the Office of the Medical Examiner District 9, Orlando, Florida. The 18 report goes into great detail including an extensive toxicology report – which noted that anabolic substances Boldenone and stanozolol were present in his system. This may be why the medical examiner noted that steroids were a contributing factor to Peterson’s cardiovascular disease.
How Did George Peterson Die?
According to the autopsy report, George Peterson’s cause of death was due to sudden cardiac dysrhythmia due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The report also notes that anabolic steroid use was a contributing factor to the disease.
In the conclusion of the autopsy report, the Medical Examiner stated this as George Peterson’s cause of death:
“In consideration of the circumstances surrounding the death, and after examination fo the body and toxicology analysis, it is my opinion that the death of George Peterson, a 37-year-old black male, is the result of a sudden cardiac dysrhythmia due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease. A contributory factor is anabolic steroid use (Boldenone and stanozolol). The manner of death is natural.”
Looking further into the autopsy report, the medical examiner notes that Peterson’s heart was enlarged at 500 grams and that the papillary muscles and chordae tendineae were thickened.
It has bee noted in studies by medical professionals that long term anabolic steroid use can lead to an enlarged heart. While this in and of itself does not cause death – it can contribute to cardiovascular disease and make the individual more at risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Initial reports claimed that coach Justin Miller was not receiving responses from Peterson, who was in his hotel room. After some time of no response – Miller called in security to open Peterson’s hotel room where he was found face down and unresponsive. After dialing 911, Miller started to perform chest compressions until security took over and attempted CPR. According to Miller, the EMTs and emergency personnel confirmed Peterson passed hours earlier.
The Bodybuilding World Responds to George Peterson’s Passing
Shortly after the tragic news, George Peterson’s coach, Justin Miller, posted onto social media. Part tribute, part play-by-play on the events as they unfolded. The post was an emotional and heartfelt goodbye to a not only a legendary bodybuilder but a close friend.
“I’M IN SHOCK. I’M SCARED. I’M SAD. I’M IN DISBELIEF. FREAKED OUT. I’M COMPLETELY DEVASTED [SIC]. MY HANDS ARE TREMBLING AS I TYPE THIS. IT FEELS LIKE A NIGHTMARE…BUT AT THE SAME TIME I KNOW ITS REAL.”
– Justin Miller via Instagram
Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead also took to Instagram to post an emotional tribute to the late George Peterson. He went into detail on how Peterson helped push Bumstead to new levels in bodybuilding – and Bumstead would like to think he did the same for Peterson. It was a friendly rivalry of sorts that helped make them both better athletes.
MOMENTS I WON’T FORGET.
I APPRECIATE YOU PUSHING ME ON STAGE AND BEING A MAN TO LOOK UP TO BOTH ON AND OFF THE STAGE. HUMBLE AND HARDWORKING AT ITS FINEST.
SENDING MY LOVE TO YOUR LOVED ONES BROTHER. RIP??❤️
– Chris Bumstead via Instagram
There were also those who took the moment to bring attention to the growing health danger in modern bodybuilding. Samir Bannout received some backlash for making an Instagram post blaming modern coaching tactics for Peterson’s death. In the post, Bannout believed that “unqualified coaches” lead to critical and deadly errors – and hoped that this would be a warning for change in the industry.
Many bodybuilding fans and fellow athletes took umbrage with his post – stating that it was too soon for such comments.
“TRULY SAD TO SEE GEORGE PETERSON LEAVE US SO SOON… @ ONLY 37 YEARS ..MAY HE R.I.P.I BLAME HIS PASSING ON THE NEW COACHING SYSTEM… WE REALLY NEED TO STOP THOSE UNQUALIFIED COACHES… THAT’S COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. GEORGE WAS ONE WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING N LOSING HIM JUST LIKE THAT, UPSETS ME 100X MORE!!”
– Samir Bannout Via Instagram
The Legacy Of George Peterson
Regardless of the cause, George Peterson was a true modern legend in the sport of bodybuilding. Beyond that, he will be remembered as a good man and friend to those who had the opportunity to know him personally. And for the bodybuilding fans that were able to interact with him at public events or via online forums – he has left a lasting impact on the sport of bodybuilding.
The news has been heartbreaking for many – and the publishing of the autopsy report will no doubt bring more tributes and reflection onto the career and life Peterson lived. He was a man not only in the prime of his life – but the prime of his career.
George Peterson Bodybuilding History
2013
North American Championships, IFBB Men’s Heavyweight – 18th place
National Championships, NPC Men’s Heavyweight – 16th place
2016
Eastern USA Championships, NPC Men’s Classic Physique Class B – 1st place
National Championships, NPC Men’s Classic Physique Class B, Overall – 1st place
2017
New York Pro – 2nd place
Tampa Pro – 1st place
Mr. Olympia, – 3rd place
2018
Mr. Olympia – 3rd place
2019
Arnold Classic – 1st place
Mr. Olympia – 3rd place
2020
Tampa Pro – 1st place
Mr. Olympia – 3rd place
For more updates and news in the world of bodybuilding and strength sports, make sure to stick around to the Generation Iron Fitness Network.