“Last Generation of True Bodybuilding”: IFBB Pro Icon Now on Wheelchair Reveals Unseen Moments of Late Veteran Gustavo Badell, Leaving Fitness World Emotional

Another tragedy hit the world on 13th July 2003 while it was recuperating from the loss of Jo Lindner. The bodybuilding is now left with a deep sense of loss and mourning. IFBB Pro, Gustavo Badell’s untimely demise, has led to an outpouring of tributes from various bodybuilding legends.

Earlier, IFBB pro and trainer Milos Sarcev shared a throwback post of the 2004 Mr. Olympia competition in which Badell had participated. Now another bodybuilding legend, Kris Dim, who has faced his share of ups and downs, has paid tribute to the ‘Freakin Rican’ on social media.

Kris Dim remembers the 2004 bodybuilding event

Earlier in an Instagram post on bodybuilder, Kris Dim shared a carousel that paid homage to Gustavo Badell. Dim reminded followers of the 2004 San Francisco Grand Prix with throwback pictures from the event. Kris Dim also extended his condolences to his family. Dim captioned the snaps, “In memory of @ifbbprogustavobadell RIP condolence to you and your family.”

The ten back-to-back pictures show Gustavo Badell, Kris Dim, Dexter Jackson, and Lee Priest posing in front of the crowd. The SF Grand Prix was a star-studded event. However, Chris Cormier and Bob Cicherillo withdrew from the event.

Read More: “R.I.P Champion”: Veteran Gustavo ‘The Freakin Rican’ Badell’s Death Leaves a Heartbreaking Void in Bodybuilding Community

Gustavo Badell showcased his conditioning to the song “Hero” by Chad Kroeger while Kris Dim posed to “Flying Without Wings” by Ruben Studdard. Dexter Jackson took the first position, followed by Lee Priest, Kris Dim, and Gustavo Badell. It turned out to be a memorable night for these bodybuilding pros. The tribute post attracted responses from both Milos Sarcev and Lee Priest.

Bodybuilders pay tribute to Gustavo Badell

Reminiscing the good old days, Sarcev replied, “We all went for dinner afterward… I was hoping to find pics…but didn’t yet.” The 2013 NABBA Mr. Universe, Lee Priest commented, “Great memories”. “Yes, it was “ replied Dim. The post attracted a flurry of comments from followers who remembered the ‘Rican’. A follower wrote, “Rip legend.” 

One fan said, “In my eyes, you still had one of the best physiques and set of arms to ever do it”, pointing to Kris Dim. Another fan commented, “SF Grand Prix! You solidified an Olympia placing here that year. The last generation of true bodybuilding!!” Kris Dim is restricted to a wheelchair now as he was paralyzed waist down owing to surgery that injured his spinal cord. The resilient champion did not let his medical challenges come in between training and maintaining a fit body.

He had also competed with the great Ronnie Coleman in the Mr Olympia championship. Incidentally, in 2004 Mr. Olympia, Badell, performed well by taking third place while Coleman emerged as the winner. Milos Sarcev was a coach and mentor to Dim and Badell, improving their conditioning in the sport. The passing of Gustavo Badell has created a void in bodybuilding. Words aren’t enough to express the pain and grief. May his soul rest in peace.

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