Fitness Volt
  • 2022 WSMHot
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Training
  • Exercises
  • News
    • Videos
    • Bodybuilding
    • Arnold Classic
    • CrossFit
    • Powerlifting
    • Strongman
    • MMA
    • Deals
    • Food Facts
  • Reviews
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
  • 2022 WSMHot
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Training
  • Exercises
  • News
    • Videos
    • Bodybuilding
    • Arnold Classic
    • CrossFit
    • Powerlifting
    • Strongman
    • MMA
    • Deals
    • Food Facts
  • Reviews
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
No Result
View All Result
BodybuildingOpinion

Franco Columbu: Remembering The Life of Bodybuilding and Strength Legend

The Death Of Franco Columbu: 5 Facts You Should Know

Derek Hall

Written by Derek Hall

Last Updated onAugust 31, 2019

Franco Columbu Legend Died At Age

Franco Columbu Legend Died at Age (Photo via Instagram @francocolumbu)

When news broke that the bodybuilding community lost one of its most treasured heroes, Franco Columbu, there was a palpable sadness felt around the world.

At 78 years of age, Columbu had been a pillar of the sport for more than 50 years, competing in the biggest competitions possible. Moreover, he had impacts outside of competition, inspiring several generations of athletes to follow their dreams. So it comes as no shock that this tragic news affected so many people.

Today, we take a look back at the life of the great Franco Columbu. Here are five facts to know about this bodybuilding legend, the life he lived, and the people he touched along the way.

 

1. Columbu’s Relationship With Arnold Schwarzenegger

One of the most well known facts about Franco Columbu, is his deep relationship with bodybuilding great Arnold Schwarzenegger. The two were close friends and training partners for five and a half decades. Leading up to his run as California Governor, Arnold even referred to him as the “Sancho Panza” to his “Don Quixote.”

The two were extremely supportive of each other’s ventures throughout the years. They each helped the other out wherever they could. They were oftentimes seen with a smile on their faces, whenever they were together. In fact, Columbu was even the best man at Arnold’s wedding. Subsequently, when the heartbreaking news of Franco’s passing reached Arnold, the Austrian left a saddened message of mourning for his good friend.

 2. Columbu Won Multiple Bodybuilding Titles

In his time competing in the world of professional bodybuilding, Franco Columbu reached heights that are unbelievable. He captured the Mr. Universe title in 1970, and Mr. World championship in 1971. Additionally, he also won the title of Mr. Olympia in both 1976 and 1981 (check the full Mr. Olympia history). He had a run of top-level performances for the better part of 15 straight years.

Franco Columbu
Photo via Instagram @francocolumbu

However, Columbu was a bit smaller than the average bodybuilder, standing at just 5’5. This would allow him the ability to compete in the under 200lb category, and also helped him pave the way for the smaller athletes of the future. As it was, his short stature did not get in the way of his big accomplishments, proving that height does not represent strength or skill.

Columbu was inducted into the International Federation of Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in 2001. He also was awarded the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

3. A Life Outside Of Bodybuilding

As successful as Franco was at bodybuilding, he knew he could not do that forever. Subsequently, Columbu would work hard to establish himself as more than just a bodybuilder. While he was competing in bodybuilding, he also earned himself a name in the world of strongman competitions.

In fact, at one point he was considered one of the world’s strongest men. This was a result of him earning multiple national titles around Europe, along with setting world records in deadlifts, squats, and the bench press. Although, many remember his strongman career for him having suffered an injury while doing a refrigerator carry in the 1977 World’s Strongest Man Competition. Despite this, he would go on to finish fifth in the event.

However that was not his only accomplishments outside of bodybuilding. Columbu also enjoyed powerlifting, as he managed to captured multiple world records there.

Moreover, he even earned an amateur boxing title, before his bodybuilding career took off. Following his retirement from the sporting world, he would end up having a successful career as a chiropractor, and nutritionist.  Columbu loved helping people with their bodies, and even wrote several books on the matter.

Franco Columbu
Photo via Instagram @francocolumbu

4. Columbu Had A Career In Hollywood

Most people think of Arnold Schwarzenegger when they think of “The Terminator,” but Franco Columbu was also in the movie. While his role was small, this was just one part in his acting career, that actually started in 1976, with an un-credited role in “Stay Hungry.”

Franco With Arnold
Franco With Arnold

He also had roles in “The Running Man” and “Conan The Barbarian.” His IMDB page shows 18 credits to his name, with a film in pre-production titled “Constantine The Great”.

In the 1993 movie titled “Last Man Standing,” starring Schwarzenegger, Columbu was actually part of a hidden easter egg. He was credited as the director of a fictional movie, within the real movie, titled “Jack Slater.” Additionally, Franco had his own production company, Franco Columbo Productions. With this, he directed and produced a documentary called “Sardinia, the Greatest Isle of the Sea.”

Franco Columbu
Photo via Instagram @francocolumbu

5. His Legacy Will Forever Live On

Franco Columbu had an impactful life, both in and out of bodybuilding. The way he was able to change the public’s perception of “short bodybuilders” still has effects today. Subsequently, there were people around the world mourning his passing.

Arnold Schwarzenegger And Franco Columbu When They Had A Bricklaying And Patio Business Called European Brick Works
Arnold Schwarzenegger And Franco Columbu When They Had A Bricklaying And Patio Business Called European Brick Works

He was once referred to as the “embodiment of the American Dream,” which is hard to deny. When Columbu moved to Los Angeles from Italy, in 1970s, nobody expected him to be as inspirational as he was.

This truly is one of the most devastating losses the bodybuilding world has ever experienced. Nevertheless, his memory will live on, as one of the most important figures of the sport, and much more.

For the latest news and updates please follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook Twitter Reddit Flipboard LinkedIn
Categories: Bodybuilding News OP-ED
Previous Post

Michael Lockett – Complete Profile: Height, Weight, Biography

Next Post

Arnold Strongman Classic Europe Preview

Derek Hall

Derek Hall

Staff News Writer and interviewer for MMA, powerlifting, bodybuilding, strongman, and CrossFit. Full time fight fan, part time participant. Bringing out of the box thinking to the world since 1995. Opinions are strictly my own.

Recommended For You

Nick Walker And Kamal Elgargni Workout

Nick Walker and Kamal Elgargni Team Up For ‘Insane’ High-Volume Shoulder Workout

Men's Open bodybuilder Nick Walker and former 212 Olympia champion Kamal Elgargni joined forces for an 'insane' shoulders workout. In...

Hany Rambod Bodybuilders Dying Young

Hany Rambod Discusses Why Bodybuilders Are Dying Young Like Dallas McCarver and Bostin Loyd

Recognized for his cerebral approach to the sport, coach Hany Rambod understands the intricacies of bodybuilding relating to training, cycling,...

Shane Post give health update

Bodybuilder Shane Post ‘Getting a Second Chance at Life’ After Being Shot Over Parking Space

On April 19, 2022, IFBB Pro bodybuilder Shane Post was shot in the torso by his neighbor Nikki Brown following...

Big Ramy Issues Apology

Big Ramy Issues Apology to ‘Jim Manion and the IFBB Pro League for Not Coming to the Pittsburgh Pro’

Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay has emerged as one of the best Men's Open bodybuilders in the world over the course...

Dana Linn Bailey And Kristen Nun Arm Workout

Female Bodybuilders Dana Linn Bailey and Kristen Nun Share Intense Arm Workout

IFBB Pro Dana Linn Bailey has a knack for detail inside the gym, which has become one of her strongest...

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

2022 WSM Results Finals Day One

2022 World’s Strongest Man Results: Finals Day One [Live Updates]

Girls with the Biggest Biceps

Top 18 Girls with the Biggest Biceps in the World

16/8 Intermittent Fasting

16:8 Intermittent Fasting Guide and Tips

Recent Reviews

Best Powerlifting Belts

12 Best Powerlifting Belts of 2022

Best DMAA Pre Workout Alternatives

Top 12 Best DMAA Pre-Workout Alternatives for 2022

Best Turkesterone Supplements

10 Best Turkesterone Supplements of 2022

Fitness Volt

At FitnessVolt.com Our mission is to help our readers to achieve their fitness goals, regardless of where you’re at on your journey, we are on a mission to educate You with the latest from strength and fitness space. Read more.

Email: sm(at)fitnessvolt.com

Disclosure: FitnessVolt.com has an affiliate relationship with different brands and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. However, our reviews are based on well research backed analysis.

Follow Us

Trending Topics

  • Mr. Olympia
  • Bodybuilding
  • Strongman
  • Powerlifting
  • CrossFit
  • At Home Workouts
  • Bodyweight Exercises
  • Best Pre-workouts
  • Best Fat Burners
  • Bodybuilding Diet
  • Bicep Workouts
  • Triceps Workouts
  • Chest Exercises
  • Back Workouts
  • Leg Workouts
  • Front Squat Guide
  • Calf Workouts & Exercises
  • Forgotten Exercises
  • Jefferson Deadlift

Calculators

  • Calorie Burning Calculators
  • IF Calculator
  • TDEE Calculator
  • Calorie Calculator
  • Keto Calculator
  • RMR Calculator
  • Macronutrient Calculator
  • Creatine Calculator
  • Wilks Calculator
  • EER Calculator
  • FFMI Calculator
  • IBW Calculator
  • LBM Calculator
  • Fat Intake Calculator
  • Calories Burned Swimming
  • Calories Per Meal Calculator

  • Food Nutrition Analysis
  • Carb Cycling Calculator
  • Weight Gain Calculator
  • Weight Loss Calculator
  • Calories Burned Calculator
  • Strength Standards
  • One Rep Max Calculator
  • Body Fat Calculator
  • EER Calculator
  • Weight Loss Percentage
  • Treadmill Calorie Calculator
  • Body Surface Area Calculator
  • Running Pace Calculator
  • Bench Press Calculator
  • Protein Calculator
  • Water Intake Calculator
  • Body Type Quiz
  • Steps to Miles Calculator
  • Calorie Deficit Calculator
  • Home
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Accessibility
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Syndication
  • Sitemap
  • DMCA
  • Copyrights
  • Terms
  • Privacy

© Copyright 2010 - 2022 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • 2022 WSM
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Strongman
  • CrossFit
  • Workouts
  • Mr. Olympia
  • Exercise Guides
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Shoulders
  • Training
  • Nutrition
  • Reviews
  • More
    • Diet
    • News
    • Arnold Classic
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • Food Facts
    • Deals
    • Fitness Calculator

© Copyright 2010 - 2022 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.