Marvin Eder, aka Biceps From The Bronx, has passed away.
Silver Era bodybuilder and icon Marvin Eder passed away on February 1, 2022 at 90 years old. Eder, known as the “Biceps From The Bronx” was known not only for his aesthetic physique but also for his impressive feats of strength. He was a both a bodybuilder and a weightlifter.
Marvin Eder was a bodybuilder who competed during the Silver Era of the sport – with contemporaries such as Reg Park and Steve Reeves. Eder was very skinny in his youth due to suffering many illnesses during childhood. He grew to be only 5′ 2″ and was advised to stay away from weights as it would stunt possible further growth. But due to his passion for weightlifting – he ignored these suggestions.
Marvin Eder’s career was ultimately a short one – only competing for two years in 1949 and 1950. He started bodybuilding in the “East Side Barbell Club” gym. Within those two years he competed in the following competitions:
- 1949 Mr. America: 2nd place (IFBB, Junior)
- 1949 Mr. New York City: 1st place (IFBB, Junior)
- 1949 Mr. New York City: 1st place (IFBB, Junior Most Muscular)
- 1949 North American Championships: 1st place (IFBB, Junior)
- 1950 Mr. America: 6th place (AAU)
- 1950 Mr. Eastern America: 1st place (IFBB)
- 1951 Mr. America: 3rd place (AAU)
- 1951 Junior Mr. America: 2nd place (AAU)
Typical of the Silver Era, Marvin Eder weighed approx. 200 pounds during his prime years of competing and ultimately grew to a height of 5′ 8″ by adulthood. He had 19-inch arms, 50-inch chest, 17.5 inch calves and 26.5 inch thighs.
Beyond Bodybuilding: Marvin Eder’s Weightlifting Career
Beyond holding a fantastic physique, Marvin Eder was also known for having incredible strength. His most notable lift was a 500 pound bench press. At the time, he was the first person to complete this feat while weighing less than 200 pounds. Another notable lift from Eder was his 665 pound squat and 750 pound deadlift.
In addition to these notable achievements, Marvin Eder was known for being the greatest overhead presser in the world. He beat the world record int he overhead barbell press by 15 pounds with a 345 pound lift.
Marvin Eder was extremely passionate about competitive weightlifting and had a goal of competing in the Olympics. This ultimately did not happen. After retiring from weightlifting, he went on to be a plumber.
Many in the bodybuilding industry believed that Marvin Eder was pound for pound the strongest bodybuilder to ever live. On top of this, Eber claimed to be a completely natural bodybuilder – adding even further amazement to his incredible lifts.
The entire team at Generation Iron would like to send condolences to the friends and family of Marvin Eder during this difficult time.
This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. make sure to stick around the Generation Iron Fitness Network for more updates on bodybuilding, strength sports and fitness.
