Mike Mentzer stuff

I'd been training extremely infrequently these days (primarily because of laziness and lousy schedules as opposed to required workout recovery periods), and so I decided to research on how that would affect my body.

So here you all go:

(PUBLISHED IN FLEX: SEPT. '01 ISSUE)

THE MIKE MENTZER STORY

In a career that spanned four decades, Mike Mentzer, who passed away on June 12, 2001 was one of bodybuilding’s most prominent, inspirational and controversial figures. In order to flesh out the unique life, times and psyche of this complicated star, we’re reprinting (beginning on the next page) a feature on Mentzer from the February 1995 issue of FLEX. Although the article was first published six years ago, we think it still provides insight into what drove this future Bodybuilding Hall of Fame inductee.

When this feature first appeared, Mike was writing regularly for FLEX, but he later moved on to work for Muscular Development. In the last two years of his life, he contributed to Ironman. His theories and writings continue to be a source for debate, and his books and articles remain popular (see www.mikementzer.com).

Some aspects of Mike’s outlook did change in the past few years. The profile deals in part with events surrounding the 1980 Mr. Olympia contest and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s controversial victory there. Mike finished fifth in that contest, prompting him to retire from competition. For many years afterward, Mike railed about what he perceived as the injustice of the 1980 Mr. Olympia, with Schwarzenegger being a prime target for criticism. Interestingly enough, Joanne Sharkey, Mike’s business assistant, confirmed that Schwarzenegger had called Mike last year and the pair had buried their differences. Indeed, John Balik, Ironman publisher, reports that shortly before his death, Mike referred to his former nemesis as "The best bodybuilder who ever lived." Keep these facts in mind when reading Mike’s comments about the 1980 Olympia.

Mike Mentzer was a complex and gifted man who leaves an indelible mark on the bodybuilding landscape. We offer the following story as a means of paying tribute to the passing of a forceful and enigmatic individual who has surely attained the status of bodybuilding icon.

-- Peter McGough, Editor-in-Chief

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Ok, that didn't really answer any questions.