Shigeru Sugita enjoyed great success in bodybuilding during the 1970s.
Japanese bodybuilder Shigeru Sugita passed away at 78 years old after dominating the bodybuilding world during the 1970s. According to Tokyo Sports, Sugita passed away of natural causes on April 13.
Sugita competed in some of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions during his career. He quickly became known for not only his impressive physique but his passion for fitness and motivation to be the best.
Sugita last competed in 1985 but continued to be an influential voice in bodybuilding. He built an incredible reputation within the sport and continued to train hard in retirement. Following his competitive days, Sugita opened a gym in Kyobashi, Osaka and trained many athletes to become the best version of themselves. The gym played host to many bodybuilders, sumo wrestlers, and professional wrestlers.
Shigeru Sugita’s Bodybuilding Career
It did not take Shigeru Sugita long to become an extremely successful competitor on stage. In 1976, he accomplished his greatest feat. He was crowned the overall champion at the NABBA Mr. Universe competition. He is still the only Japanese competitor to win the event and is now on a long list of all-time greats, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The two also had a run in where Arnold marveled at Sugita’s calves. Sugita was asked how he was able to build them but his answer was simple.
“There’s nothing to teach. I was born with these calves.”
Sugita continued to make history by winning the 1981 IFBB Mr. International middleweight class. His last professional appearance came during the 1985 IFBB Night of Champions. He finished 14th in his final competition and it brought an end to an incredible career.
Sugita’s death is part of an unfortunate string of deaths in the bodybuilding industry. Korean bodybuilder Kim Woong Seo passed away on Feb. 3. Seo built a massive following on social media due to his impressive physique and overall presence in the fitness community. This includes over 43,000 on Instagram and a growing total on YouTube as well. Seo was well-known in the fitness world and fans took to this post to share their condolences with his family.
There has been an unfortunate string of deaths in the fitness community as many bodybuilders and influencers are passing away suddenly. This is an issue that many are attempting to halt by speaking out on the dangers of certain substances while preaching safety within the sport.
GI sends condolences to family and friends during this time. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
