The bodybuilding world has been graced by several notable athletes whom the community reveres. However, there were a few others whose careers ended before they knew it. One such example is American athlete, Rick Valente. Despite his steadily rising career, he had to step out from the sport in his prime, owing to a severe injury. 

A recent post on Instagram, by Suor & Gloria, a page dedicated to the history of bodybuilding greats, spotlighted Valente’s presence in the domain, years after his retirement. Moreover, the caption revealed an intriguing note on his journey, highlighting the ups and downs of his career. 

How Rick Valente’s bright future turned bleak

The source featured impressive pictures of the 64-year-old former athlete in his prime. Donning his trunks, he stood at the bodybuilder’s favorite, Venice Beach in California, and flexed his shredded physique. A number of similar pictures were shared in addition to his athletic journey. “Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, beautiful shape and symmetry. Rick certainly knew how to showcase it all with his wonderful posing!” the caption insinuated. 

Hailing from the east coast of the United States, in New Haven, Valente purposely moved to the Western side of the country to pursue his athletic dream. The bodybuilding lifestyle in this part of the country was elite at those times, hence, several aspirants moved. Shedding light on his primary introduction to the sport, the caption revealed that he was “hooked” after watching the 1977 documentary, Pumping Iron, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and other greats of the field. 

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Furthermore, when he embarked on his escapade, Vante weighed only 135 lbs as a skinny kid. However, with utter zeal and determination, he built one of the most aesthetic bodies at the time, comparable to the legend, Schwarzenegger. Eventually, he began doing shows, magazine shoots, climbing up the ladder to stardom. But one mere mistake turned his life around. 

Rick Valente’s life-changing mistake 

For a bodybuilder like the 1983 Mr. Los Angeles champion, it was assured that he was meant to cement his name in the domain. Sadly, a mistake and a subsequent injury trashed all of those. Valente once tried to bench a massive 535 lbs, nearly breaking The Austrian Oak’s record standing at 500 lbs, and tore his pectoral muscles. 

This decided his fate, compelling him to retire. “It was a long road to recovery but unfortunately his competitive days were sadly over,” the caption added. Nevertheless, not losing hope in life, he found another passion. He was later seen as the show host of ESPN’s BodyShapping. 

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Given his prime physique, Valente was emerging as the fans’ favorite. Regardless of how things turned out, the athlete made the most of all the opportunities that came his way, and the community can’t ask for anything more.