Former Mr. Olympia Franco Columbu Dead at 78

[TG1]

Former Mr. Olympia Franco Columbu Dead at 78

Former Mr. Olympia Franco Columbu dead at 78.

www.tmz.com

This really sucks.

Arnold’s statement.

Franco,

You’ve heard me say that I don’t like when people call me a self-made man.

You’ve even heard me say that you’re part of the reason I could never accept that label.

But I wanted you to know why.

From the minute we met in Munich, you were my partner in crime. We pushed each other, we competed with each other, and we laughed at every moment along the way.

When I finally got to America, I was alone. I’d left my family, my country, my whole life behind. So when I asked Joe Weider to bring you to train with me, it was because I knew I wasn’t the same without my best friend. I could thrive without money, without my parents, but I couldn’t thrive without you.

I am devastated today. But I am also so, so grateful for the 54 years of friendship and joy we shared. The pumps, the chess games, the construction work, the meals, the pranks, the life lessons - we did it all together. We grew and we learned and we loved. My life was more fun, more colorful, and more complete because of you.

I will always miss you. But I’ll also know that a part of you lives on in me, in Debbie, in Maria, and in the millions of people you inspired every day you lived. And I will be there for Maria and Debbie, so you can rest now with no worries.

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.

Love always,

Arnold

@members

 

[kingkonggainz]

So sad he was one of the greats such a legend, R.I.P.

 

[Electromass]

What a real friendship looks like. Maybe some of this younger generation will come to appreciate REAL friendships.

 

[rnmuscle]

RIP . Trailblazer, legend and obviously a good friend to Arnold.

 

[TBU]

Sad day when the giants of the sport pass. I always enjoyed your workout routines and bought your book. RIP

 

[Islandswole]

Damn… we lost a legend. Rest in paradise champ.

 

[Bigmurph6]

Damn lost one of the OG’s
Rip bless his family

 

[Stirms]

I follow Arnold on Instagram and saw this heartfelt message to his best friend. Almost had me in tears man. These guys were friends forever and built the industry if you ask me. Sad day, but he was well respected and loved by everyone around him. Can’t ask for much more than that. RIP

 

[Kad1]

The man I looked up to most as a young bodybuilder. Such an awesome human being.

 

[Bigmurph6]

I agree that Arnold and Colombo and of course Joe Weider were definitely the catalyst that got the bbing world to where it is today.

 

[Stirms]

Weider was their coach if I’m not mistaken? Yeah they were and still are the shit.

 

[Bigmurph6]

Yeah Joe Weider brought Arnold here to train and Arnold got him to bring over Franco Columbo because he needed him to train with. It is speculation but I believe that Arnold did as good as he did because he had a great partner to workout with and they both im sure supported each other. Franco also had a great bodybuilding career I don’t want to make it sound like he was just Arnold’s side kick. He was actually a favorite of mine. I follow alot of Franco’s advice like that egg yolks shouldn’t be wasted and another is that you have to take in atleast 200g of protein a day minimum to get gains enhanced or not.
Sorry long read this has thrown me off it really surprised me.

 

[Stirms]

Yeah man. I’ve read how he and Arnold were so broke that when no one was eating the egg yolks, that’s all they were eating. Clearly didn’t have a negative impact. Pioneers with everything. Franco was just as big in the field as Arnold really. Guess his shortness may have been a factor as to why he wasn’t elsewhere, though I’m just guessing.

 

[Bigmurph6]

That’s exactly the story of why I eat all my egg yolks except when hard boiled I only eat about half the yolks just because of the texture lol
I got it from that story from him.

I believe that he was just over shadowed by Arnold but he still even from Arnold gets credit for all the wins and success they had I believe that things would be very different if Arnold didn’t have Franco around.

 

[Stirms]

Haha, me too on the yolks. Arnold did always give him credit for sure. Like they were always a team. I respect the hell out of him for doing that.

 

[MySQLMan]

So sad.
My very first BB Book was Mr. Columbu’s “Complete Book of Bodybuilding.” It was one of the only books available on the subject back in the early '80s. Nothing in the public library, nothing in local bookshops. Had to order through the mail (No Interwebs back then. lol). I think I still have it in a box down in the cellar.