A legend of bodybuilding has passed away.
2020 closes out on a truly sad and somber note as one of the legends of the sport has passed away. Peter McGough, known for his brilliant journalism in the realm of bodybuilding, has passed away at the age of 71.
One of the true pioneers of bodybuilding, Peter McGough played a major role in the explosion of popularity in bodybuilding. Working in the industry for over forty years, McGough is responsible for many incredible write ups, particularly in the print era of the sport. If you were a fan of 80s, 90s, and even 2000s bodybuilding then there’s no doubt that you’ve read at least one of McGough’s well crafted articles.
His articles appeared in a number of publications, chief among them being Flex Magazine, the powerhouse print magazine of its era.
Anne Bryon-McGough, wife of Peter, shared the unfortunate news on her Facebook page.
On Tuesday 29th December, 2020 just before 3pm Peter McGough sadly passed away peacefully at home after an 8 year battle with Cancer fighting right to the end . He was my one true love, my soulmate and my best friend I am truly heartbroken. Peter touched so many lives, he was a great storyteller, journalist and friend to all. He made a huge impact on the world. I have asked two of his very close friends to write a more fitting memorium as I am unable to do so at the moment. I cannot tell you how much Peter and I have appreciated from the bottom of our hearts the love and support we have received from family, friends and all of our facebook friends. His imlact on the world will live on in our hearts amd minds. I love you all.
The UK native played a major role in building the narratives around many of the most iconic bodybuilders of all-time. He was in fact one of the first to discover Dorian Yates and marked him as a bodybuilder to watch in his early days.
Peter McGough has been a fan of bodybuilding since his days in school when he drew sketches of Superman as well as the bodybuilders like Larry Scott.
Peter McGough was battling through cancer for some time and had put up a valiant fight. It’s truly sad news to hear of his passing, but he leaves behind a bevy of family and friends who cherished the famed writer. He also leaves behind one of the greatest libraries of fitness journalism ever to be published.
Seven-time Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath was one of many who expressed his condolences on social media.
It comes with extreme sadness to write this message after hearing the news about Peter McGough’s passing. Peter in my opinion was our sports greatest journalist, historian but most of all, mentor as he embraced so many of us crazy bodybuilders throughout the years providing incredible insight, passion and knowledge. I have so many fond memories of Peter, but my tears just won’t allow these thumbs to type them out.
8 yrs Peter fought cancer and with the love and support of his beautiful wife Anne, gave Peter the ability to still engage with many of his friends and loved ones. This picture is of Peter and I after I won the 50th Mr O and Peter definitely made sure we snapped a photo. Peter, thank you for being there for me always.
Thank you for calling my job at Bally Total Fitness to fly me to Santa Monica and get my first appearance in Flex Magazine. Thank you for being at my Pro Debut in Denver as I know how hard that trip was.
Thank you for always believing in me, so much that you made my second cover of Flex Magazine “The Future of Bodybuilding” as I was terrified of that pressure, but reassured me that I would achieve greatness! You helped make me the champion but also the Man I am today.
May you Rest in Peace knowing that I along with many love you. I love you Peter, I love you Anne and you still have us to lean on whenever you need us. Damn I’m so upset and Lord Knows I’m trying to celebrate you but this one hurts so much.
I love you Peter!
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McGough didn’t just write articles, he painted pictures with his words and brought respect and integrity to a sport once viewed as obscure. A great deal of the success and popularity of bodybuilding is due in large part to McGough’s contributions.
The Generation Iron team offers condolences to the family and friends of Peter McGough.
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Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
