“Injuries Were Catching Up to Me”: 80-Year-Old Bodybuilding Legend Once Recalled the Sad Reason Behind Quitting the Sport

Frank Zane is often considered one of the greatest in the history of bodybuilding. His focus on symmetry, proportion, and overall perfection became a significant factor in beating Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 1968 Mr. Universe title. Zane also won the Mr. Olympia title 3 times. However, his ‘fourth attempt’ at the 1983 competitions ended an otherwise glorious career. His slightly sub-par performance meant he ended up in the fourth position instead of a fourth title. 

Frank Zane had previously won his 3 Mr. Olympia titles consecutively in 1977, 1978, and 1979. Going into the 1983 competitions, he was 41 years old and recovering from yet another bicycle accident. In an interview with Muscular Development, he states this to be the reason behind him calling it quits, “One of the reasons was, I was 41 years old and I was injured”. A shoulder injury followed right after the 1983 competitions as well. He came fourth at the competition, sandwiched between, then-23-year-old Lee Haney at third, and 32-year-old Bertil Fox at fifth. This would also go on to be Fox’s best performance to date. 

Frank Zane’s decision was motivated by his model Bill Pearl

Zane realized he must hang up his boots, after seeing Lee Haney placed ahead of him and what he could achieve at the ‘83 competitions. He recalls, “Oh here comes the monsters. The monsters are back”. He didn’t hesitate in accepting their age difference and making the tough decision of retiring.

Every athlete dreads the day their career end is near. His motivation came from his idol Bill Pearl, whose last competition was also at age 41. Zane very happily moved on from a full-time bodybuilding career to teaching the craft to the next generation of bodybuilders. He said, “This would be a good time to retire from this and teach others the craft”. 

Reflecting on his indisposed health, he said, “Injuries were catching up to me. My shoulders, in particular, needed surgery, and I wouldn’t be able to lift the same sort of weight with them or train the same way with them afterwards.” 

Read More | “He Didn’t Had a Clue”: Bodybuilding Rival Frank Zane Once Helped Arnold Schwarzenegger Academically During Their Prime

‘Zane Haven’, teaching newcomers, and life afterwards for Frank Zane

In that period of time, from 1976-83, bodybuilders under 200 pounds were dominating the sport with the likes of Zane himself, such as Franco Columbo, Samir Bannout, Chris Dickerson, etc. However, things started to shift after the ‘83 competition. 

Zane started a place called ‘Zane Haven’, where he conducted one-on-one sessions with clients in giving them a symmetrical physique. It has since changed to ‘Zane Experience’. Frank Zane left behind a huge legacy for the next generation of bodybuilders to follow. But did he make the right decision in retiring at that age?

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