Mike Mentzer

Time for me to mention another "golden era" bodybuilder: Mike Mentzer (November 15, 1951-June 10, 2001).  Here are the titles he won:

1970 Mr Pennsylvania - AAU, Winner
1971 Mr America - AAU, 10th
1971 Teen Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
1971Teen Mr America - AAU, 2nd
1975 Mr America - IFBB, Medium, 3rd
1975 Mr East Coast - IFBB, Medium, 2nd
1975 Mr USA - IFBB, Medium, 2nd
1976 Mr America - IFBB, Medium, 1st
1976 Mr America - IFBB, Overall Winner
1976 Universe - IFBB, MiddleWeight, 2nd
1977 North American Championships - IFBB, MiddleWeight, 1st
1977 North American Championships - IFBB, Overall Winner
1977 Universe - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 2nd
1978 USA World Qualifier - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 1st
1978 USA vs the World - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 1st
1978 World Amateur Championships - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 1st
1979 Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 2nd
1979 Florida Pro Invitational - IFBB, Winner
1979 Night of Champions - IFBB, 3rd
1979 Olympia - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 1st
1979 Pittsburgh Pro Invitational - IFBB, 2nd
1980 Olympia - IFBB, 5th

I learned about Mentzer in the 90's from a bodybuilding magazine.  Mentzer was known for his controversial High Intensity Training (HIT) philosophy.  Mentzer believed a trainee should do just one set to absolute failure.  I bought Heavy Duty (Mentzer's book) and even tried his training system.  It didn't do much for me, and I don't agree with his overall training philosophy.  Regardless, I've always been impressed with Mentzer's physique--he received a perfect score (300) when he won the Mr. Universe title in 1978. 

Here's the late bodybuilder's website:  www.mikementzer.com