60-year-old retired bodybuilder Rich Gaspari is among the most famous competitive bodybuilders from the 80s. The 80s bodybuilding legend trained and competed with 8x Mr. Olympia Lee Haney. Despite never winning the Olympia contest, Gaspari never gave up, pushing Haney and placing second more than once.

The second richest bodybuilder in the world explained how he developed this unwavering mindset. Gaspari opened up about his father while appearing on the Straight Otta the Lair podcast, hosted by seven-time 212 Olympia winner Flex Lewis. The bodybuilding veteran revealed how his father instilled the spirit of perseverance in him.

Rich Gaspari on his father’s rags-to-riches journey

The 60-year-old with a net worth of $90 million revealed that father’s teachings taught him to never give up. “It’s something within me, maybe it’s my dad,” said the Arnold Classic winner. In the Instagram video, the Gaspari Nutrition founder said his father “came from a war-torn country to America with $5 in his pocket.”

The Mr. Olympia runner-up also said his father had a “second-grade education.” Hence, despite coming to America, Gaspari’s father didn’t find it easy to make a living. However, “he worked hard,” and made millions in the booming real estate era. The 60-year-old said his father always told him to “Never give up… You’re never a loser if you never give up.”

Gaspari revealed that this advice shaped his perspective. Although he never won the Olympia despite placing second three times consecutively, Gaspari remains a respected voice in bodybuilding. Interestingly, the Arnold Classic winner’s mindset and his father’s story have similarities with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s journey.

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A story that echoes that of bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the most successful bodybuilder in history. With a net worth of $450 million, Schwarzenegger remains relevant in bodybuilding as a great champion and for his continued contribution through the Arnold Sports Festival. However, the seven-time Mr. Olympia didn’t start with a silver spoon in his mouth. In fact, it was the opposite.

Just like Gaspari’s father, Schwarzenegger left behind his poverty-stricken life in war-torn Austria. Despite being broke, Arnie worked relentlessly. He held a job, worked out for 5 hours every day, and went to university. After finding success in bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger became a millionaire through real estate investments even before he became an actor.

Rich Gaspari’s father had a massive influence on him. His teachings helped the 60-year-old become a champion bodybuilder and a multi-millionaire.

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