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

The bodybuilding community was struck with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss as news spread of the passing of veteran bodybuilder Gustavo ‘The Freakin Rican’ Badell. The untimely death of this champion left a heartbreaking void, leaving fans and fellow athletes in a state of mourning.

He passed away on 13th July 2023, leaving the bodybuilding world in despair and sadness. The 50-year-old IFBB pro has left a rich legacy of competing in various bodybuilding pro shows, with this last competition only 11 years back in 2012, the Arnold Classic. Friends and family are paying tribute to the Puerto Rican king, including fellow IFBB pro and his trainer Milos Sarcev. Recounting Mr. Olympia in 2004, Sarcev highlighted how Gustavo emerged as the winner in the challenge round against Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler.

Gustavo Badell wins against Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler in the challenge round

In a throwback, Instagram post-Milos Sarcev shares a snippet of the bodybuilding challenge. In the video, the commentator introduces Badell as the ‘Puerto Rican’ in the showdown challenge. Sarcev elaborates on the competition, adding,” Our first Mr. Olympia together – 2004! As @ifbbprobobchick remembers Gustavo worked his way up from waaay behind…Bob thinks from 8th position…but Gustavo was actually 12th guy being called out at the Prejudging!!! Thank God, there were numerous comparisons back then.” 

While Badell had quite a few comparisons going on, two stand out the most: Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler. The Rican challenges a pose down off ‘abdomen and thighs’ against Coleman. Moving forward in the game, Jay Cutler gets called out, challenged by a ‘back double biceps’ by Gustavo.

Read More: “Massive and Aesthetic”: 59-YO Shredded Bodybuilding Icon’s Resurfaced Picture From 1995 Leaves Fitness World Gawking at His Super-Conditioned Physique

Revealing their strategy, Sarcev mentions,

‘You can call YOUR SHOTS against everyone…Who wouldn’t want to see that?!? Anyway, Gustavo and I made an exact plan – analyzing which poses Gustavo can beat all those guys one by one…and we picked the right ones.” Their intelligence paid off with the Rican emerging as the winner in the challenge round in 2004, Mr. Olympia.

Highlighting the Rican’s swift rise in the 2004 Mr. Olympia competition, Sarcev added, “He moved up to top 10…top 6…and finished 3rd!!! Unbelievable result. As far as the challenge round – as much as many people don’t like it – I do believe it was super entertaining.” Ronnie Coleman had captured the title, Jay Cutler standing second, with Badell coming third. The throwback video of the competition brought appreciation from fans for Badell. 

Fans pay tribute to late IFBB pro-Gustavo Badell: Remembering a legend

The post by Milos Sarcev saw an out-pour of grief and sadness, with many fans paying tribute to the late IFBB pro. One fan commented, “Very sad I loved watching him compete such an amazing physique. Prayers for his entire family.” Another said, “He was so good and so intelligent 🙌❤️.” Remembering the golden days of bodybuilding, one fan stated, “R.I.P champion 💔.” 

Some fans also demanded that may reintroduce the challenge round. They added, “Wish they would bring back this type of competing one on one challenge rounds like this. It would be so fun to see all the new competitive guys battling it out one on one.” One fan appreciated Sarcev for the throwback video commenting, “Big bro with Big coach thanks @milossarcev 🙌🙏

The pain and anguish caused by the passing of Gustavo Badell will haunt the bodybuilding world. However, Sarcev, remembering the ‘Rican’ for his achievements, is a great way to bid him farewell. He will forever live in the memory of his fans as a legend. Have you paid tribute to Badell? Share your thoughts.

Watch This Story: “Most Happiest Place to Be”: X Years After Winning 8 Mr. Olympias King of Bodybuilding Grows Misty-Eyed in Nostalgia Recalling the Stage