?I Was Told I Didn?t Have the Genetics?: Still Pumping Iron at 60, Bodybuilding Veteran Confesses Sad Reality He Faced Growing Up

It would be difficult to believe if former IFBB bodybuilder, Rich Gaspari might have felt that bodybuilding isn?t for him. The man won the first-ever Arnold Classic title in 1989 and was later chosen for the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. He works out to date and age is just a number for him. Having said that, the pro recently shared a post on Instagram revealing a disheartening confession from his youth.?

The athlete?s superior conditioning and physique were ideal and exceptional. However, Gaspari shared that he was once told that he wouldn?t be competent enough in the industry, and lacked the genetics.?

Rich Gaspari defied all odds

The post that surfaced on the platform only minutes ago, featured the 60-year-old icon from his prime days. His bouldering biceps and massive quads were adorned by bulging veins and muscle striations. Thus depicting his iconic conditioning in his past. Whereas the caption of his post had a distinct narrative.?

The American pro claimed that his conditioning was exceptional during his time, and it vaulted him to the top of the sport. ?What brought me to the forefront in bodybuilding was I set a standard in bodybuilding no one before ever did in conditioning,? he wrote. However, he was also criticized initially and discouraged as a potential competitor.?

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Regardless, with consistent dedication and channeling his emotions, he achieved greatness while deriving the flattering nickname, The Dragon Slayer. Therefore, he disclosed, ?I was told I didn?t have the genetic to beat others but with my persistence, dedication, and hard work I was able to defeat the best bodybuilders in the industry to be called The Dragon Slayer.? Further adding a bit of his staggering mindset, he urged aspirants to not listen to the noise of others, as the ?destiny to greatness? relies on oneself. The star hits the gym regardless of his age, leaving the community stunned by his flair even at 60.?

Rich Gaspari pulled off an intense workout

Earlier this year, the New Jersey native shared a workout video on his social media showing off a hard-core trapezius session while using a cage bar. He powered through the workout lifting three heavyweights while adding in his caption, ?Always loved shrugs to hit my traps.??

At an age when most people intend on taking it slow, Gaspari is beating the odds and getting the community overwhelmed with his finesse. The star athlete now keeps himself busy as a sports commentator after retiring from bodybuilding in 1996. Honestly, it?s nothing but inspiring to watch him killing workouts till date. What do you think of the remark he was given earlier in life? Tell us in the comments.?

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