Some tragic bodybuilder deaths in 2021

[Kayce]

We would just like to take a moment to remember some of those bodybuilders who have had a notable impact on bodybuilding.

Chris Dickerson​

Every month, we have been saddened by the loss of another bodybuilding legend in 2021. The first one on our list is Mr. Olympia, Chris Dickerson. In 1982, he became the first African-American to win the AAU Mr. America title and also win the Olympia. He's also one of only two bodybuilders to win Mr. Olympia and Masters Olympia titles. Unfortunately, Dickerson, known for his symmetry and some of the best calves of his time, died at the age of 82.

Dave Draper​

Dave Draper, also known as "The Blonde Bomber," died on November 30th, 2021, at 79. Draper's wife, Laree Draper, confirmed his death in a social media post the following day.

Dave was an early adopter of the sport of bodybuilding, starting with homemade weights as a child. At 21, Draper, a native of Secaucus, NJ, won the Mr. New Jersey bodybuilding championship. He moved to Santa Monica, California, a short time later. Then he began training at Gold's Gym, the Mecca of bodybuilding. This led to a successful bodybuilding career in which he won even more titles. That includes Mr. America, Mr. Universe, Mr. World, and a fourth-place finish in the 1967 Mr. Olympia. Dave's incredible physique landed him a role in the 1967 comedy Don't Make Waves alongside Sharon Tate. Also, he wrote the book Brother Iron, Sister Steel. While he went on to write four more books, this is his most well-known published work. His face and physique have graced the covers of numerous bodybuilding and fitness magazines over the years.

Rhonda Lee Quaresma​

After a three-year battle with colon cancer, Rhonda Lee Quaresma, a 52-year-old Canadian Women's Physique IFBB Pro, died on November 26th, 2021. She began her bodybuilding career in 1989 in Kingston, Ontario. At the 1995 Canadian Nationals, she earned her IFBB Pro Card. In 1998, she made her IFBB Pro debut at the Jan Tana Classic. Rhonda competed in her final competition at the 2016 Ferrigno Legacy Pro Show before retiring from bodybuilding. She became a personal trainer in 2018 and earned certification from the Professional Personal Trainers Association (PROPTA).

Shawn Rhoden​

We can't seem to comprehend the devastation that the bodybuilding industry has been dealing with due to so many of our iron brothers and sisters passing away in the last year. It's hard to believe Shawn "Flexatron" Rhoden, the cover model of Muscle Insider, died of a heart attack at 46. Rhoden began competing as an amateur in 1992. He received his IFBB Pro Card at the IFBB North American Championships in 2009.

37-year-old George "Da Bull" Peterson​

George Peterson is one of the most popular people in the 212 division. He tragically passed away within three days before the 2021 Olympia weekend. On October 6th, George Peterson tragically died at 37. Peterson had been discovered in his hotel room earlier during the day. The cause of death had not been revealed. Olympia Productions confirmed the news of his death in an Instagram post. This year, Peterson was regarded as one of the best competitors in the 212 division. His third-place finish in 2020 qualified him for the Olympics.

George Butler, 78​

George Butler, the director of the film Pumping Iron, has died. Arnold, Lou Ferrigno, Mike Katz, and many other golden-era bodybuilding legends were all inspired by his movies. Also, Pumping Iron and Pumping Iron 2 helped popularize bodybuilding and weightlifting among the general public.

John "Mountain Dog" Meadows, 49 years​

John "Mountain Dog" Meadows died on August 8th, 2021, at the age of 49. John was a fountain of knowledge when it came to training and supplements. Unfortunately, it is not the same going to bodybuilding contests and expos these days if you don't get a chance to catch up with John and hear about his latest exploits. In May 2020, John Meadows had a heart attack caused by blood clots. He spent a considerable time in the hospital, but he recovered and was released shortly after. John spent a long time in the hospital, but he recovered and was released shortly after. Then he returned to training despite being told that a part of his heart wasn't working properly at the time. Missy Truscott won the Fitness Olympia in 2020, Shaun Clarida won the 212 Olympia, and John will be sorely missed.

Ending Note​

These are just a handful of the many great bodybuilders who have passed away last year. Consider this a tribute to the athletes who have died tragically. Their absence cannot be replaced. They will live in our hearts as long as the bodybuilding industry stands. We hope that pro bodybuilding federations take the necessary precautions to ensure pro athletes' safety. We don't want to see promising athletes abandon the sport because of health and safety concerns.

 

[Mildredtabitha]

It's sad when people die young. Those above 70 have been blessed to live for many years. Death is inevitable but I'm glad they finished strong and they are remembered among other body builders.