Pat Neve was a standout in bodybuilding during the 1970s.
Golden Era bodybuilding champion Pat Neve has died at 78 years old. Neve went up against some of the all-time greats on stage and made his mark in both bodybuilding and powerlifting.
Neve passed away on Feb. 23 in Phoenix, according to an obituary shared by The Arizona Republic.
“A man of unyielding determination, strength, and heart. A champion athlete, visionary businessman, and devoted husband and father, Pat’s legacy is not just reflected in the trophies he won or the businesses he built, but in the countless lives he touched along the way.”
Pat Neve is a fitness legend that had a great mind for business as well. He was able to remain successful once his bodybuilding days were done and this is a testament to his overall work ethic and intelligence.
The Career of Pat Neve
Pat Neve gained a passion for fitness at a young age and was able to turn it into a successful career. Born in 1947, Neve began competing on stage at a young age and became a standout competitor in the 1970s.
Neve competed at the highest level against some of the best of all-time, including Robby Robinson. He began an incredibly five-year stretch in 1974 when he was the Mr. USA title. Neve would repeat in 1975 before winning the Mr. America title in 1976. Over the next two years, Neve was the runner-up during the Mr. World and Mr. Universe competitions.
Not only was Neve a standout bodybuilder, but he found success weightlifting as well. He became the first man to bench over 450 pounds in the 181-pound class. He set the world record lift in the weight class with a 468-pound lift. This set a reputation around Neve that he was not only gifted with an incredible physique but had superhuman strength as well.
On a post shared by the Institute of Iron in 2024, Pat Neve explained how he was gifted his first weight set and it sparked his excitement right away.
“After I opened the present I looked at my Mother and she said you have another present in the trunk of the car. It was to heavy for your Dad or I to lift it was a 150lb Healthway Barbell set. Took me about 3 trips to get it all in my bedroom. I put two ten pounds plates on both sides. It’s probably 65lbs. I was so excited.
I can’t tell you how many reps of curls I did. I did 3 set’s of only God knows how many reps I did. The weight was light to me so I did numerous reps.Could of been 30 40 or even 50reps for 3 set’s. Man did I get a pump. Haha. The next morning I woke up and couldn’t bend my arm’s. They were so sore. I told my mother I need to go to the Hospital. My Mother was laughing out loud. I remember her saying what were you trying to do WIN MR.AMERICA”
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