“Death Is an Inevitable Part of Life”: Bodybuilding Legend Mike Mentzer Once Detailed an Emotional Story About His Deceased Parents

Mike Mentzer was among the most influential bodybuilders, especially known for his bold opinions and never-give-up attitude. Even after he got diagnosed with severe chronic ailments, the bodybuilder refused to give up and fought back with all his might. However, once during an interview, he gave his perspective on death. And, who knew that, back then, it would be his last interview before he left the world to ponder over his legacy.

During his last interview, Mentzer shared an emotional episode of his parents’ demise. Not just that, the bodybuilder even shared his rather intriguing outlook on death. Let’s find out what Mike’s perspective was.

Mike Mentzer accepted the idea of death as another truth of life

In 2001, days before the bodybuilding prodigy died of some heart complications, he appeared in an interview with Iron Man magazine. Mike talked about various emotional episodes of his life. From his chronic ailments to his vulnerabilities, he covered every nook and cranny of his life. At one point, the host asked Mentzer about the death of his parents and his coping mechanism forthwith their demise.

As per the report, the bodybuilder “found it to be an incredibly difficult time,” after his mother passed away. The demise of Mike’s mom affected him so much that he cried the biggest tears for “hours and hours and hours.” However, Mentzer was prepared for his mom’s death, given her long-time suffering. And, that made him believe, “that death is an inevitable part of life. It’s gonna happen to everybody”. 

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Moreover, as per the interview, Mentzer’s father’s death was difficult too, but he coped with it rather diligently. “I put those issues in their proper place”, added Mike.

Mike Mentzer’s medical challenges

From suffering from a cervical injury to recovering from genetic blood clotting ailment, the bodybuilder had a series of severe medical challenges. Although Mike was suffering from some chronic afflictions, he had a positive outlook on his life. As per the Iron Man report, Mike expressed his heartfelt gratitude by stating, “Trust the doctors and have an quite optimistic outlook”.

Forthwith the interview, the bodybuilder left the world leaving behind an invaluable legacy. Further, just two days later, his younger brother Ray Mentzer died due to the same genetic disorder, viz. Antithrombin Deficiency. It went all pouring down on the Mentzer family but the name, The Heavy Duty, still continues to echo amongst the greatest in the bodybuilding community. 

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