Franco Columbu, a former Mr. Olympia and Arnold Schwarzenegger's closest friends, has died.
Franco died Friday, with reports out of Italy saying the legendary bodybuilder lost his life in an incident at sea in his native Sardinia.
Arnold said goodbye to Franco with a heartfelt message.
I love you Franco. I will always remember the joy you brought to my life, the advices you gave me, and the twinkle in your eye that never disappeared. You were my best friend. https://t.co/X3GhZKlgAd— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) August 30, 2019
Columbu was born in Ollolai, Sardinia (Italy). Starting his athletic career as a boxer, Columbu proceeded into Olympic Weightlifting, powerlifting, and later bodybuilding. Columbu win the title of Mr. Olympia in 1976 and 1981.
From 1969 until some years later Columbu was known as one of the strongest man in the world. He held a number of powerlifting world records.
He performed a strongman act of breaking a hot water bottle by inflating it orally, lifting vehicles onstage while another performer changed a tire, and deadlifted over 320 kg (700 lbs). In 1977, Columbu competed in the first World's Strongest Man competition, placing fifth in overall points; a remarkable outing, considering Franco weighed much less than the other competitors.
He was forced to drop from competition due to an injury. While leading the "refrigerator race", a downhill race while wearing a heavy, unwieldy refrigerator strapped to the racer's back, Franco stumbled and collapsed with a grotesquely dislocated leg, which was aired on national television. After a court settlement, he received a reported $1 million in compensation for his injury.[4]
After Arnold Schwarzenegger retired from bodybuilding competition in 1975, Franco Columbu became Mr. Olympia in 1976. After Schwarzenegger's comeback victory in the 1980 Mr. Olympia, Franco followed suit and won the 1981 Mr. Olympia.
Achievements
Bodybuilding titles
• 1966 Mr. Europe, 4th
• 1968 NABBA Mr. Universe (Most Muscular)
• 1969 IFBB Mr. Europe (Medium)
• 1969 NABBA Mr. Universe (Most Muscular)
• 1969 NABBA Mr. Universe (Short)
• 1969 IFBB Mr. Universe (Short)
• 1970 IFBB Mr. Europe (Short & Overall)
• 1970 AAU Mr. World (Pro Short)
• 1970 IFBB Mr. World (Short)
• 1970 IFBB Mr. Universe (Short & Overall)
• 1971 IFBB Mr. Universe (Short & Overall)
• 1971 IFBB Mr. World (Short & Overall)
• 1974 Mr. Olympia (Lightweight)[9]
• 1975 Mr. Olympia (Lightweight)[9]
• 1976 Mr. Olympia (Lightweight & Overall)
• 1981 Mr. Olympia
Powerlifting titles
• Champion of Italy
• Champion of Germany
• Champion of Europe
World's Strongest Man competition
• 1977: World Strongest Man, finishing 5th place (after dislocating his knee)
Powerlifting best lifts
• Bench press 525 lbs / 238 kg
• Squat 655 lbs / 297 kg
• Deadlift 750 lbs / 340.2 kg
Boxing
• Amateur Boxing Champion of Italy
presidential Il Presidente della Repubblica Italiana Ha convertito Francesco Maria Columbu Cavaliere Ufficiale Roma 25 Agosto 1988
• 2009: Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award
Franco Columbu life in pictures:
