The bodybuilding community is grieving the loss of Albert Beckles. In an Instagram post from May 17, 2026, Lee Haney paid tribute to the Men’s Open legend and shared how he impacted his career.
As one of the longest tenured bodybuilders to compete, Beckles crossed paths with all-time greats. Beckles proved himself across multiple eras, standing against dominant icons, including Lee Haney, Lee Labrada, Rich Gaspari, Samir Bannout, and Chris Dickerson.
In 1985, Beckles came remarkably close to the Sandow trophy, pushing Haney en route to a second-place finish at the Mr. Olympia. What made this moment extra special was that he accomplished this feat at 55 years old. Age never got in Beckles’ way. He also won the 1991 Niagara Falls Pro Invitational at 60, becoming the oldest competitor to claim an IFBB Pro League victory.
Thanks to his peaked biceps, balanced proportions, and dry conditioning, Beckles remained competitive throughout his entire career. Having brushed up against Haney in his prime, ‘The Ageless One’ boasted longevity seldom seen in today’s bodybuilding landscape.
Lee Haney Remembers Albert Beckles, Reflects on Training With ‘The Ageless One’
In the recently published Instagram post, Haney remembered Albert Beckles and the lasting impact he had on his career and personal development.
“It’s with profound sadness that I was made aware of the passing of one of Bodybuildings ageless Icons, Albert Beckles. Out of all the bodybuilders in my life time, Albert had the greatest personal impact on me as a competitor.”
Haney looked back on training with Beckles in California and even shared meals with him:
“We train at the same gym in San Fernando Valley in Ca. Shared meals together on Friday nights after training. The contest tips taught to me by Albert gave me a leg up on my competition. I will forever be grateful. Rest well Ageless Legend. My Friend🙏🏽,” shared Lee Haney.
Bodybuilders and fans took to Haney’s comment section to share their thoughts on Beckles’ passing.
“Long live the Legend Ageless Albert Beckles 🙏🏽💪🏽🙏🏽💪🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽” Shawn Ray wrote.
“Legends never die!🦾🙏🏾 #albertbeckles” Victor Martinez shared.
“Thank you for your kind words. Albert is my Uncle. I will make sure my Aunt, his wife Linda, will see all these beautiful comments of love and respect for him. He was a legend in his body building world, but also to our family. He is already deeply missed and forever loved 🤍” Beckles’ niece wrote.
This hasn’t been the first death to shake up the fitness community. Action movie star Chuck Norris recently passed away at 86. Additionally, wrestling legend ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan tragically died at 71 due to cardiac arrest, with Ric Flair suggesting street drugs were the cause of his demise.
Haney won’t forget the impact Albert Beckles had on him throughout his career. Our team at Fitness Volt wishes Beckles’ family and friends our condolences during this time.
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