The ‘Quadfather’ of bodybuilding, Tom Platz, came from humble beginnings but became one of the greatest athletes of the golden era. Platz took to bodybuilding at nine years, announcing to his father that he had found his true calling. His family supported him by helping him train in their basement. His bodybuilding career took a more serious approach when he moved to Kansas City at fifteen and took a job as a gym trainer. Platz’s journey to achieving 30 inches quadriceps started amidst his challenging financial circumstances. The Golden Eagle, over the years, has used his popularity to throw light on many major issues ailing the bodybuilding community.

Recently in a social media post, Platz highlighted that bodybuilding as a profession attracts less money compared to other sports. Talking about golf, Mr. Universe made some compelling arguments to point out the pay difference. He also suggested some major overhauls of the bodybuilding profession. He believes “bodybuilding can do better.”

Tom Platz compares the commercial value of golf and bodybuilding

Platz’s exceptional talent and resilience made him one of the most iconic figures in bodybuilding. However, his meager means were always a challenge. Like him, many bodybuilders had to work multiple jobs to sustain their dream. Recently, a YouTube channel named AEG Fitness posted a snippet where Tom Platz threw light on the sad state of affairs. The caption of the video aptly read, “Bodybuilders are Underpaid”. Platz gives passionate arguments for his stance. “The worst golfer on the pro tour makes about a half a million dollars a year. Failure at golf makes a half a million dollars a year,” stressed Mr. Universe. 

Furthermore, the iconic bodybuilder said, “And I think we need to train our young men and women on how to be how to represent and I was working with Sergio Oliva Jr. I said go and represent. Put the suit on and put the tie on. Represent your dad. Your dad was the myth.” The Quadfather emphasized the difference in the commercial appeal of bodybuilding as a sport. Golf, in comparison, has a larger prize pool and filled stadiums. A golfer also gets many endorsements, unlike bodybuilders. Golf events like PGA tours have a fan following from the world over.

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According to Sports Illustrated, an average golfer made close to 1.5 million on a PGA tour in 2021. In comparison, Hadi Choopan took 400,000$ in 2022 as the winner of Mr Olympia 2022. Platz argued for better institutional visibility of the sport. The 68-year-old bodybuilding veteran added that seven times Mr. Olympia, Phil Heath, was one of the greatest athletes of the present generation. Despite having such legendary personalities associated with bodybuilding, the sport misses out on attractive sponsorship deals, endorsements, and broadcasting rights. Last year, eight times, Mr. Olympia’s winner, Ronnie Coleman, highlighted the same issue.

Ronnie Coleman talks about bodybuilding as a resource-intensive sports

The bodybuilding legend who continued with his job as a police officer emphasized that bodybuilding is a money-intensive sport. Once an athlete reaches a higher level, the cost can go up to $ 50,000. The king opined that he won $110,000 from his competitions, which is nothing if one measures the money spent on training and nutrition. To top this, a bodybuilder spends a large sum on managing their health. Coleman spent close to 2 million on surgeries. Years of training have taken a toll on the bodybuilder. 

However, it would be wrong to say that Joe Weider’s dream to turn Mr. Olympia into a mega event has remained unfulfilled. The sport has come a long way from distributing $1000 as prize money to Larry Scott to Hadi Choopan, taking home $4000,000 in 2022. The journey to greatness has only started. Veteran supporters like Tom Platz are guiding the way. What do you think of this commercial hurdle? Write down your comments.

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