One of the core principles of Rays training was doing low reps and heavy weight. Ray had been ill for some time and was a kidney dialysis patient. Q: Where is Mike Mentzer buried? You won't have much luck. You should add Ayn Rand as an influence. Julie, even though our relationship had ended, was very supportive, emotionally and financially, over that whole five-year period, Mike states. In 1978, Ray became the IFBB Mr. USA champion. After failing to turn up to a dialysis session, Ray too, was found dead in the same apartment, not 48 hours later. The statements made have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (U.S.). We recommend you to check the complete list of The younger Mentzer was devastated as he went about making funeral arrangements. He did this at the University of Maryland however in 1977 Mike dropped out, realizing the subject wasnt for him. It may be more accurate to say steroids don't kill people, abusing steroids kills people. Ray had to wait for another donor. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a3ca1a8fdbeffdd8bb7f5786098d8b9d" );document.getElementById("de63bbf7bd").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); If you're a vegetarian who's serious about strength training, you need to know how to optimize your diet to get the best results. ", Even though he felt he was at his best and had no knowledge of the controversy to come, Mike told me in 1993 that he had made up his mind that the 1980 Mr. Olympia would be his last contest: Trying to be the best built man in the world demands total seriousness, but in essence the seriousness and the ambition involved is a little silly., To find out what went down at the 1980 Mr. Olympia including the near fist fight between Mentzer and Schwarzenegger click on http://www.musculardevelopment.com/team-md-blogs/the-mcgough-report/11982-mentzer-vs-arnie.html#.U47ZXCh93oD, In the wake of his fifth place finish at 1980 Mr. Olympia contest, Mike Mentzer's career began to fragment. We may be able to send a man to the moon, he said later, but when it comes to recognizing the rightful winner of the 1980 Olympiad, mankind is surely arrested in its development., Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, Winter storms ease drought conditions in California, report shows, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Best coffee city in the world? I always admired Mike Mentzer and knew from my own experience that his training philosophy had great validity. This biographical article relating to bodybuilding in the United States is a stub. Achieving lower body fat with a higher body weight meant packing on more muscle. Its been so many years and of course, you lose hope. Along with more protein than 22%. The two moved in together in an apartment, which saw them grow closer over the following months. Coming from a well-educated home, Mikesfather would regularly test and encouragehis academic knowledge using various rewards, including cash to ensure he excelled. Previously, he had started dieting 12 weeks out. The following morning, on the 10th of June 2001, Ray found that his brother would never wake up. Matarazzo had triple-bypass open heart surgery at 38, a heart attack at 41, and died at age 47 while waiting for a heart transplant. But even non-traditional sports like cricket, NASCAR, cycling, and pro-wrestling "entertainment" sports have all made headlines with various reports of PED use. Rather than blaming others, he realized it was he was the one out ofcontrol, not everybody and everything else. It came to a similar conclusion: Steroid use can be a valid and significant factor in heart-related death. Try to find a dozen healthy IFBB pros who successfully competed in the '90s. 1975 ABBA Mr. USA 2nd (Medium) State prison correction officers brutally pummeled an inmate serving a life sentence for the murder of a Suffolk County mom, driving him to suicide, a disturbing new lawsuit charged Monday. Arnold was also set to take part in a bodybuilding video with the two brothers but death came too quickly for this to happen. Think about it. However, the doctors first needed to check if Mikes kidney was compatible with Ray. "I was consumed 24 hours a day by the thought: To find out what went down at the 1980 Mr. Olympia including the near fist fight between Mentzer and Schwarzenegger click on, http://www.musculardevelopment.com/team-md-blogs/the-mcgough-report/11982-mentzer-vs-arnie.html#.U47ZXCh93oD, In 1983, ace inventor and entrepreneur Arthur Jones recruited Mike and brother Ray (1979 Mr. America) to work with him on research projects he was undertaking at his Nautilus headquarters in Deland, Florida. The condition was so serious that Ray had no other option but to get a new kidney. I wanted the magazine to be the absolute best I could make it, and I worked harder than I'd worked in my entire life. Three months after his death, it was found that In a career that spanned over three decades, he was one of bodybuildings most prominent, inspirational and controversial figures. Although he was no longer under the spotlight of the bodybuilding stage, Ray kept training hard behind the curtains. June 21, 1995 . * Convicted of second-degree murder and kidnaping. Press reports of the Mentzer deaths stressed that they were both bodybuilders. He soon took part in the Junior Mr. America and IFBB Mr. America, winning both contests. This meant the transplant was off the table, and Ray would have to wait longer. I dont need the glory story. The long term results of the era are what we've been seeing over the past couple decades: consequences that are catching up with more and more bodybuilders as reports of health issues from mild to fatal have appeared. . The point is, though, Ray did have his own take on training but was less publically vocal. Arnold Schwarzenegger - He's been named the Austrian Oak, The Terminator,John Matrix, Mr. From there, it wasonward and upwards. Ray was 9 years old and Mike was 11 years old. Your email address will not be published. He said Lowe and Greenberger did not know that Mentzer and Marti intended to kill Radin. The results suggest that heavy steroid users are more likely to have irregular heart function and a higher mortality rate compared to natural lifters. In spring of that year a blood clot broke loose from his leg and went to his lung. In 1982, after years of competing, Mike decided to step down from his competitive career and focus on new endeavors. Discover the cheat that athletes use to cut fat quickly and get defined muscles. And it's not always the biggest guys or only the top-ranking pros who struggle, but their drug use is consistent enough to draw some conclusions. When I came to California in 1992 the guy I most wanted to meet was Mike Mentzer. please email me info@trulyhuge.com or call me at 1-503-648-1898. Burt Fame? Bullshit. in Community Counseling,Ph.D. Another study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology looked into the prevalence of kidney disease among steroid-using bodybuilders over two years and found signs of disease in the majority of lifters, some of it irreversible and irreparable. In the midst of the chaos that day, Ray completely forgot that he needed to turn up for his kidney dialysis treatment. Then also theres a lot of supplements in health stores that are designed for heavy, regular workouts, and Mentzer also sounded like he did not get regular sleep cycles. I was a productive genius, but I had lost sight of the fact that the body and the mind have limitations. Mentzer, Marti and Lowe were bodyguards for Flynt at the time they met Greenberger. Eventually, investigators presented a tale of cocaine, sex and greed that they say involved the making of The Cotton Club, named after the famed Prohibition-era jazz club. He never wrote me off., In January 1990 a hospitalized Mike experienced a Eureka moment. He started dieting in February for the October contest. 1975 IFBB Mr. America 3rd (Medium) Ray's brother, Mike Mentzer won the rival IFBB Mr. America in 1976 during Ray's Junior title. This is why his workouts were called HIT (High-Intensity Training). He was the brother of fellow bodybuilder Ray Mentzer. All rights reserved. Ray was troubled by this because he knew his brother had heart problems, and didnt want him to overtax his body. * October, 1988: Greenberger, Robert Lowe, William Mentzer and Alex Marti are arrested by sheriffs deputies and held in connection with the slaying of Radin. Noticing the appreciative stares from envious strangers, and knowing that every time you hit the gym, youre pushing the boundaries of what you once thought was impossible - makes it all worthwhile. "Julie, even though our relationship had ended, was very supportive, emotionally and financially, over that whole five-year period," Mike states. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. The two brothers dying within 48 hours of each other shocked the bodybuilding world. It's an undeniable fact that numerous top-level bodybuilders have died from some variation of "natural causes" often a heart attack or some form of organ failure before they hit 40 years old. Ray was also a successful bodybuilder, winning the USA tall class title in 1978 and the AAU Mr. America overall in 1979. 2 GIANT TIPS that can SUPERCHARGE your workouts! Two days before the 1980 Olympia tookplace, Mike was revisited by thedeaths door feeling. The improvements Ray saw in his physique soon paid off. He begantraining 3 times a week and bythe age of 15, Mikecould bench press 370lb (170kg), with a body weight of just165lbs (75kg). WebA native of Germantown, Pennsylvania, he died of heart failure in Rolling Hills, California at the age of forty-nine. Mike Mentzer took a fairly broad approach to his nutrition in terms of food sources, and would eat according to 4 food groups and the servings of each. Greatest Physiques is the number 1 destination for the best looking bodies on the planet. At one time, training for just six weeks, he squatted 902 pounds for 2 repetitions. A key witness claimed to have overheard Mentzer and Marti discuss the slaying at Flynts Bel-Air mansion. June 12, 2001, Died Place. Carrier said Michael John Mentzer, 49, a champion bodybuilder whose competitive career ended when he lost the Mr. Olympia title to Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1980, died Sunday morning. He was subsequently known for creating the "Heavy Duty" training system, derived from the ideas of Nautilus creator Arthur Jones, for whom Mike worked at one time. He was known for being a Bodybuilder. Mike Mentzer won the Mr. Universe title in 1978 and the heavyweight division of the Mr. Olympia contest in 1979. Web- Safety Protection System Analysis / Common Cause Failures . WebThe cause of Mike Mentzer's death was not disclosed, pending a coroner's investigation. You can do a lot with the correct carb loads and B-Vitamin mix i.e. 1979 IFBB Canada Pro Cup 2nd The mortician said that Raymond Mentzer, who suffered from kidney problems and had been undergoing dialysis treatments, appeared very shaken by his brothers death. He had a history of heart trouble. Mike Mentzers life was certainly not one without tragedy. Full Name: Ray MentzerWeightNationalityProfessionEra225 - 235lbs (102.1 - 106.6kg)AmericanBodybuilder1970, 1980Weight225 - 235lbs (102.1 - 106.6kg)NationalityAmericanProfessionBodybuilderEra1970, 1980. Known for his feats at the 1978 IFBB Mr. USA and 1979s, Ray was a sight to be seen during his prime. Prologue:Mike Mentzer died 13 years ago this month on June 10, 2001, aged 49. Freeze,The Governator,and to many of his fans justArnie. Monday morning, June 11, 2001, an e-mail was sent to us saying that Mike Mentzer has passed away June 9th. This was in no small part due to his new training routine, Heavy Duty Training, which was created by his 21-months older brother Mike Mentzer. Death . He had a history of heart trouble. Before he left FLEX in early 1996 we had what seemed a productive and rewarding friendship. 1979 IFBB Night of Champions 3rd In 1999, Ray started kidney Ray followed a similar training style to his brother Mike; it was called Heavy Duty Training. The defense attorneys expressed dissatisfaction with some of Superior Court Judge Curtis Rappes bench rulings, and indicated that appeals are likely. A meeting was called, withmany reports claiminginsults wereexchanged between Mentzer and Schwarzenegger and that a fight nearly broke out. Ray retired from active competition in 1982 and started training other champions. WebThe cause of Mike Mentzer's death was not disclosed, pending a coroner's investigation. Those who abuse AAS are the ones stacking eight compounds a week like they think their 290-pound idol does. Greenberger had been accused of hiring Mentzer, Marti and Lowe to kill Radin because she feared she was being cut out of a producers role--and profits--in the movie The Cotton Club, a film about a Harlem speak-easy that was a critical and financial flop. Anyhow, thats what I recall him writing in the Weider mag. He dies on June 12, 2001 which was only two days after the passing of his legendary brother. Sally Lipscomb said she was satisfied with the verdicts even though Greenberger and Lowe had escaped a possible death sentence. Of all the subject matter we ever discussed fannies were never even bottom of the list butt I put it behind me. I think its terrific that the justice system is working here, she said. Unlike bodybuilding, the deaths of other professional athletes aren't as strongly linked to performance enhancing drugs. He was destined not to make it. I'd put 110% into the enterprise and it hadn't worked out.". He was found dead in his apartment, due to heart complications, by his younger brother and fellow bodybuilder Ray Mentzer. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner regarding any suggestions and recommendations made. Originally, Mike's body was sent to a funeral home in nearby Torrance. Answers here. He has a daughter who was born in 1986. However, Mentzer was just getting warmed up. Despite this Mike kept up a relentless pace in productive genius style and smoked heavily. It was me that was out of control, not everybody and everything else. "John Little was one of the few who didn't approach me on the ignorant assumption that I was a 'loony' or a 'crazy.' ", As 1980 unfolded, however, Mike had no inkling that his competitive career was hurtling toward its conclusion. But the big question is, are preexisting conditions made worse by excessive drug use? Mike Mentzer was born on the 15th of November, 1951. So, how much is Ray Mentzer worth at the age of 48 years old? Many competitive bodybuilders and even non-competitive lifters have. Monday morning, June 11, 2001, an e-mail was sent to us saying that Mike Mentzer has passed away June 9th. Ray, his brother, who is also suffering from illnesses, found him. To compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. Ray suffered from kidney failure caused by Berger's Disease. Ray Mentzer (August 3, 1953 June 12, 2001) born in Philadelphia was the 1976 Junior Mr. America, 1978 IFBB Mr. USA and was winner of the 1979 AAU Mr. America competition. It was early May of 2001, when out of the blue I received a phone call in FLEXs LA office from Mike Mentzer. But Mike wouldnt listen. A tragic loss, and one that was to be followed shortly after by his brother. When a bodybuilder dies at an early age from organ-related failure, this is the kneejerk response you'll hear from bodybuilding fans: "He had a preexisting condition and would've had that same problem whether he was a bodybuilder or a school teacher!". It's probably even more true that other bodybuilding-related drugs bring higher risks than anabolic steroids. Nice article, but there is a huge mistake in the compilation of Mike Mentzers bodybuilding achievements segment (despite Rudolpfh Plizetskaias attempt to rectify it) ; in 1978, Mentzer won the IFBB Mr. Universe in Acapulco, Mexico with the first and only perfect 300 score. On June 9th, 2001, Ray and Mike were working on their new training DVD calledHIT. This would allow him to rebuild his muscle tissue from the damage hed caused with extremely heavy weights and going past failure in his sets. Ray and co. would lift extremely heavy weights, taking long breaks between sets. After a stint at the New York Times, Dunn returned to Los Angeles in 1998 as a reporter and then editor in The Times Business section. Monday morning, June 11, 2001, an e-mail was sent to us saying that. He published numerous fitness-themed books, including Heavy Duty Nutrition and High-Intensity Training the Mike Mentzer Way. "Bodybuilders' Deaths Lead to Investigation", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ray_Mentzer&oldid=1121569006, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 November 2022, at 00:22. Rice Mortuary in Torrance. He was declared dead Monday, about 24 hours after his brother died. 7 Things No One Tells You Before You Start Lifting, Tip: Avoid Xenoestrogens and Phytoestrogens, Tip: Surround Yourself With These 5 People. According to our Database, He has no children. Till then hell just be the proverbial asshole you get wherever you go! Rays intense training was often followed by 3-4 days of complete rest. Expert Insights To Get Stronger, Gain Muscle Faster, And Take Your Lifting To The Next Level. Once he reached that point, Ray would have his training partner help him do another 2-3 forced reps, controlling the weight with slow and perfect form. You just cant beat that feeling of knowing that your physique is one youve worked hard for. For the record, we now know Arnold was terrific when Ray fell ill and offered his personal help and support. Later that night at the brothers apartment, despite Ray telling him he should turn in, Mike continued to work on the DVDs script. Radins sister, Kate, sat quietly in the courtroom as the verdicts were read. With steroids, there's use, there's misuse, and there's abuse, and they're very different things. Champion bodybuilders are known only to the relatively-small community who follow this fringe sport. 1976 IFBB Mr. America 1st (Overall) Rider told them that Mentzer and Marti had admitted during a poker game that they killed Radin. However,two people remained and supported him; a senior writer for Flex magazine called John Little, and Mikesex-girlfriend Julie McNew. Thats all correct now! For the answer to that question stay tuned for next weeks story. On Tuesday, Rice telephoned the Mentzer home in a small unincorporated district surrounded by Rolling Hills Estates. Mikes story is one of tragedy, but also of redemption and dedication. To care for him, Mikemoved in with Ray, and the two grew closer over the following years. Click Here for Free Bodybuilding and Fitness Magazine Subscription, Click Here To Get A Free High Intensity Training eBook, Click Here for a Chance to Win Free Bodybuilding Supplements. It seemed the curtain had come crashing down in tragic Shakespearian style on Mike Mentzers last act and his name would fade into just a footnote on 20, 2013 NPC Steve Stone New York Metropolitan, 2013 NPC National Bodybuilding Championships, 2014 NPC Steve Stone New York Metropolitan, Myostatin, Creatine and Wine - But Not All at Once, Physicians and Bodybuilders - Satellite Cells. Although he wasnt stage-level-ripped, Rays gigantic and muscular frame was a sight to be seen. WebI watched Mike Mentzer's star rise in the '70s and later came to know him a little. Ray is one of the strongest bodybuilders I have ever seen in my life and Mike is equally as strong.. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Prior to his career at The Times, Dunn worked at the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, the Danbury News-Times in Connecticut and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Although Greenberger conceded she left with Radin for dinner in the same limousine, she said Mentzer told her to get out of the car. However, things didn't progress the way Mike had hoped, and after six months, he and Jones severed their business relationship. They're just average lifters wanting to look better. On May 13, 1983, Radin and Greenberger were on their way to dinner to work out their problems. Almost unbelievably on going to the apartment Joanne found Ray had passed away. He was so fatigued that he couldn't even raise his arms, and had to stay in bed for the remainder of the day. After making funeral arrangements for his brother, Ray Mentzer's body was found in bed at the apartment. However, Mike was still able to take care of his younger brother. His physique was a blockbuster and he later won the contest. Hed do squats for hours on end, together with a few other guys. Chris Colucci is a T Nation editor and the T Nation forum director. After making funeral arrangements for his brother, Ray WebA: Mike Mentzer's cause of death was heart complications. Her attorney argued during the trial that Greenberger had been framed for the murder by Milan Bellechesses, a Miami drug dealer and another Greenberger paramour who suspected Radin of stealing drugs. Ultimately, Rays life was one full of success but also tragedy. Many thanks for your updates! When Ray and his brother were little, theyd send letters to Bill and tell him how they admired his physique hoping that they too could one day sculpt strong and ripped muscles like Bill. Dorian Yates set a new standard and his contemporaries tried to follow suit as the sport was introduced to the term "mass monster," describing never-before-seen massive bodyweights and the same deep definition that comes with extremely low body fat.
Sphere Publishing Submissions, Articles R