Getbig.com: American Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure
Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: Darren Avey on August 30, 2019, 09:26:56 AM
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A true legend of our great sport has left the stage called life.
Edit (Ron)
From Arnold Schwarzenegger
You’ve heard me say that I don’t like when people call me a self-made man. You’ve even heard me say that you’re part of the reason I could never accept that label. But I wanted you to know why. From the minute we met in Munich, you were my partner in crime. We pushed each other, we competed with each other, and we laughed at every moment along the way.
When I finally got to America, I was alone. I’d left my family, my country, my whole life behind. So when I asked Joe Weider to bring you to train with me, it was because I knew I wasn’t the same without my best friend. I could thrive without money, without my parents, but I couldn’t thrive without you. I am devastated today. But I am also so, so grateful for the 54 years of friendship and joy we shared. The pumps, the chess games, the construction work, the meals, the pranks, the life lessons - we did it all together. We grew and we learned and we loved. My life was more fun, more colorful, and more complete because of you.
I will always miss you. But I’ll also know that a part of you lives on in me, in Debbie, in Maria, and in the millions of people you inspired every day you lived. And I will be there for Maria and Debbie, so you can rest now with no worries. I love you Franco. I will always remember the joy you brought to my life, the advices you gave me, and the twinkle in your eye that never disappeared. You were my best friend.
Love always,
Arnold
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RIP :'(
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That is tragic.
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He was what, 75 or so? PIP
Edit --> Columbu passed away just over three weeks after his 78th birthday. The bodybuilding legend is survived by his wife, Deborah and their daughter, Maria.
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Damn.. he drowned? PIP
Edit --> Columbu drowned while swimming at the beach in the town of San Teodoro in Sardinia at around 2 p.m. local time. Other reports says that Columbu suffered a heart attack while swimming. Emergency services airlifted Columbu to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
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Sad news.
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What??? I can't find a f*%#ing link anywhere
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14
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk9wTQPjy14 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk9wTQPjy14)
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Franco Harris, Steeler legend!
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https://heavy.com/sports/2019/08/franco-columbo-dead/ (https://heavy.com/sports/2019/08/franco-columbo-dead/)
"La Nuova reports that Columbu drowned while swimming at the beach in the town of San Teodoro in Sardinia at around 2 p.m. local time. Emergency services air lifted Columbu to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. "
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Is this true or just a bad joke?
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Franco Harris, Steeler legend!
Which Franco died? Harris Or Columbu?
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Is this true or just a bad joke?
I wouldn't joke about something like this.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco_Columbu
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There
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Had a heart attack swimming?
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rest in peace
a true legend of the iron game
dense muscle, great strength
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Had a heart attack swimming?
Prob...but not a bad of a way to go...doing what you love
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P.I.P.
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Oh man, this really sucks. RIP legend
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RIP, man was a true legend 8)
Franco wrote a story in one of his books about how bad he felt when he made a joke that hurt Mike Katz's feelings. He, Arnold, and Mike were at the beach, and Arnold saw some black chicks that he decided to go flirt with. A minute later Arnold came back laughing, saying "They said to me 'saaaay maaaaaan, why you talk like Dracula?" Franco said "Hey look at me, it's not everybody who gets to go to the beach with Dracula and FRANKENSTEIN!"
;D ;D ;D
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Really sad news. Legend indeed
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Arnold will be crushed. That's his best friend over like 50 years. That's insane. I would be devastated.
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Nooooooooo!!!!!😢😢😢😢😢
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Franco always seemed like a genuinely nice person. It is sad that he has left us. My sympathy to his family and friends, who will miss him greatly.
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/69700018_1602743283193987_5027228008440659968_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_oc=AQlLgBcgAwOEwo7TMKTaONqZ0f_Fi43FcUVaBC9tbKt76E57_X5_ykrdsgAgOl22TpVOgSM22QEuS7qY6e2UpykT&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=134bbb83ea28e0914f5de153a3f4025a&oe=5E1175BE)
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11018597_666071413527850_5905849267268054192_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_oc=AQk5B6T9uQrB9tEpstBvYykJoopXpAku-MsZ79hWb_qNv_hp-IlLgXMqhA3QOxCAQ49nXghq_G5Cnl1ghEWi2osY&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=cd3434a5ef6a4246a0d12a9820f91a6e&oe=5E0AFFD1)
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38624440_1304796719655313_3243925155843407872_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_oc=AQkWrCcVNilpzDfEzLhmAvPVJL0GGh0VILEAc-pcTcPN9rhWOr3-31N3CsSKX1-SX2djLQphAirGRlhcWAH_gYqE&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=500c49ac61332d88f15bfe5b49c10fed&oe=5DC80578)
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Geez I actually just teared up at work.
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Geez I actually just teared up at work.
X2
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Franco Columbo was a confident man with a good sense of humor.
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39786355_1321454887989496_3297511091973652480_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_oc=AQmgeBwPEWP-jVC730CdeIPI0h2QupGrPzPwkKzXquJf8l27xhUz8My_9-fuPPJkSsy6dKDZKkPyLflnTiypNqLg&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=8c4ac60b0710bb873a8d15191cb80261&oe=5DCE85B7)
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/50979330_1438556889612628_662040763109998592_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_oc=AQlyiqLwfwQnIJYzn-c4wsM9OAJGCifDPxcQ4iX0xa5uRO9hVXZ3EYTNWVmw2mM_RjFI_iUUXxPNftnXV1Ysq5-3&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=5bd9cc7f402355454afd337d972b5d2e&oe=5E0CE430)
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10360611_488201787981481_6405039646286024604_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_oc=AQmllH4ZA9wvRyicQ0ASBsTZQL7yIdL9YZ8AIYPHwXMnxvqoEJkbujiWLMtmJ4ZoZs9NvmDxthyQjvNdAixgOImi&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=8c72bf02f8084fc99bae53891ea5e31e&oe=5E13785D)
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PIP
Arnold lost his best friend.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1y_SfRA68f/
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Arnold will be crushed. That's his best friend over like 50 years. That's insane. I would be devastated.
Arnold talked bad about franco calling him his side kick and puppet that hes like a child..you don't talks shit about your true friends
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Prob...but not a bad of a way to go...doing what you love
???Drowning is literally the worst way to go besides burning. RIP Franco.
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(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10420014_488201781314815_675352493182377946_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_oc=AQk0zq4Rl32nk5QnJoeTE7HS8WOLRycK-l8z_g9sEhU_MYKOCQDjdfanhLGFW7U8iNLVT4FYdPpZe6BZCfoPuJNl&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=5e7b348053f28bb0002706a50e1e708b&oe=5E0DCB9B)
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38833524_1309812745820377_1276684311545774080_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_oc=AQnqurP1KDEHF7z1fUrQHICGj0stjWRB1eVN1T077oP2X88Uo0F63DrJTgjHqy5-hSH3vzcbvItZYs7ySAwT9ezr&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=57e5437a40c9ff68db8b07b0265c049c&oe=5E145416)
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RIP. A legend.
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When I saw Francos back development in Holyoke Mass. back in around 1975,the image has been burned into my memory bank.
Never saw anything like it before.
RIP
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Arnold talked bad about franco calling him his side kick and puppet that hes like a child..you don't talks shit about your true friends
Not today, he didn't.
"When I finally got to America, I was alone. I’d left my family, my country, my whole life behind. So when I asked Joe Weider to bring you to train with me, it was because I knew I wasn’t the same without my best friend. I could thrive without money, without my parents, but I couldn’t thrive without you.
I love you Franco. I will always remember the joy you brought to my life, the advices you gave me, and the twinkle in your eye that never disappeared. You were my best friend.
Love always,
Arnold"
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PIP franco, a true bodybuilding icon
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He lived well.
Had a lot of very good luck.
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Not today, he didn't.
"When I finally got to America, I was alone. I’d left my family, my country, my whole life behind. So when I asked Joe Weider to bring you to train with me, it was because I knew I wasn’t the same without my best friend. I could thrive without money, without my parents, but I couldn’t thrive without you.
I love you Franco. I will always remember the joy you brought to my life, the advices you gave me, and the twinkle in your eye that never disappeared. You were my best friend.
Love always,
Arnold"
Arnold could only dream to be the guy franco was , good family man just an all around good guy..
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Sad news r.i.p
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Absolute legendary figure. RIP
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As a teenager just getting into lifting, Franco was one of those guys who seemed super human. His passing reminds you of your own mortality.
RIP
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X2
X3
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As a teenager just getting into lifting, Franco was one of those guys who seemed super human. His passing reminds you of your own mortality.
RIP
A fatal accident can happen at any age to anyone. Some of us are lucky enough to avoid them well into our senior years and often we die from natural causes instead. Franco enjoyed a long life.
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A fatal accident can happen at any age to anyone. Some of us are lucky enough to avoid them well into our senior years and often we die from natural causes instead. Franco enjoyed a long life.
True but still to die alone family really had no chance to say goodbye. that's the sad part.
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very sad.
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rip
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Arnold talked bad about franco calling him his side kick and puppet that hes like a child..you don't talks shit about your true friends
You may not be aware but the movie "Pumping Iron" was not real.
It was all scripted.
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RIP. one of the first guys along with Arnold that convinced many of us to first pick up the weights. 32 years later still the best decision i ever made.
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What a way to go, but that happening to him in his homeland is fitting in a dark way. His final resting place is his home. His physique gets shit on around here sometimes but in his prime he was one of the greats.
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What a way to go, but that happening to him in his homeland is fitting in a dark way. His final resting place is his home.
His life came full circle.
Its amazing he still traveled back there after all these years.
R.I.P.
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Apparently the back that inspired Dorian to 'close the gap'
Genuinely saddened - PIP
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b5/0d/55/b50d552f189739e0e01d747024f2d18d.jpg)
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Franco is a true legend! Sad to hear :'(
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rip
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PIP. He appears to be wearing a cape.
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RIP MY CHAMPION :'(
(https://detiradugi.com/img/exerc-cios/722/fisiculturista-franco-columbu-dieta-4.jpg)
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PIP
Arnold lost his best friend.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1y_SfRA68f/
That was tough to read
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That was tough to read
Arnold has gotta be really thinking about his mortality with this one.
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Terrible news.
RIP
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TALES OF FRANCO
Remembering Franco Columbu 1941-2019
By Peter McGough
Franco Columbu who died today aged 78 was a two time (1976, 1981) Mr. Olympia. He was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best friend and he sort of played Robin to the Austrian’s Batman.
Born in Sardinia, Italy, on August 7, 1941, he started out as a boxer, then powerlifter and finally became a bodybuilder when he and Arnold first met in Munich – where they had both relocated to – in 1965. They hit it off immediately due to their drive and passion for gym work and also for their propensity to enjoy themselves along the way. They both eventually moved to California (Arnold in 1968, Franco a year later) and became leading members of that ‘70s Golden Era. Here are a few tales of Franco, double Mr. Olympia and all round funster
A SMALL FIB
When Joe Weider enabled Arnold to move to California in 1968, the future Mr. Olympia missed the camaraderie of his Munich based training partner. Thus he lobbied Joe to move Franco to California. The fast talking Arnold gave Joe the impression that the 5’5” Franco was of similar size to his 6’2” 240 pound self. He told the Master Blaster, “Franco can deadlift 700 pounds, he’s a magnificent specimen. He pushes me so hard he makes me better. Having Franco in the gym with me will make me a better bodybuilder.”
Joe acquiesced and Franco arrived stateside. After anticipating an Arnold clone, when Joe first saw Franco he is reputed to have said, “What happened, he got caught in the rain?”
GETTING A RISE OUT OF JOE
In their early Californian days Arnold and Franco shared an apartment. Joe gave them a payment every month, but it was not enough to live on so they started their own bricklaying business to supplement their income. Hear Franco as he tells the story of how he and Arnold conspired to try and get Joe to increase their payment.
“When I came to California we were getting some money from Joe. I said to Arnold, ‘Look, we go shopping on Friday and by Tuesday the food is gone. Maybe we should get together with Joe and ask for a raise.’ Arnold said, ‘Good idea! But first to impress Joe you have to deadlift 700 pounds.’ I said, ‘I just killed myself training to win the (1970) Mr. Universe.’ Joe came down to Venice Beach and I deadlifted 700 pounds for two reps, but Joe walked away like he was pissed off.
“We all went back to our apartment and I started to cook steaks and pour the wine, and I said to Arnold, ‘Ask him for the raise now.’ Arnold says, ‘No, give him more wine give him more wine.’ Finally Arnold figured Joe was sufficiently lubricated and he started his pitch to ask for a rise. But Joe could read what he was up to before Arnold got to the point and he snapped, ‘C’mon Franco is a lazy bastard he should have lifted 800 pounds and forget about doing all this monkey business.’ We eventually got a little raise -- about 1%.”
THE PECKING ORDER
Mike Katz, he of the enormous chest development, was also a member of that Golden Era and Arnold and Franco were of the opinion that he exaggerated the contours of his pecs by constantly walking around with them flexed. One day they hatched a plan to nail whether Mike was indeed over amplifying his pec size.
They invited him for lunch at their apartment and drank two glasses of wine which Franco recalls, “That was plenty to wipe Mike out, so we suggested we all have an afternoon nap but Mike said, ‘No let’s go to the beach.’”
But Arnold and Franco insisted, telling Mike, that after drinking the wine in order to make the muscles grow we have got to lie down for an hour and sleep. So, Mike lay down on the couch and Franco and Arnold disappeared into their bedrooms. Once convinced that Mike was asleep the duo snuck into the lounge. Mike was sleeping soundly laying on his side and as he inhaled and exhaled his chest was as enormous as the waking version, which they has both suspected was a bit of a scam.
Arnold exclaimed, “Look he has that big chest naturally – there’s no way he could fake it when he’s asleep. And look his head is hanging off to the side, he can’t get it on the pillow because his shoulders are so big.”
Arnold and Franco started laughing, which woke Mike up and prompted him to ask, “What are you guys staring at me for?”
Franco replied, “It’s true! You do have a big chest!”
A bemused Mike said, “Well, yeah?”
CAN’T TOP THIS
In a1995 interview I asked Franco to reflect on his two Olympia wins. Here is how he responded.
“After the 1975 Olympia contest Arnold told me, ‘This is my last Olympia – everybody is improving so much.’ So for 1976 I trained my butt off because to win you have to show improvement from the previous year, standing still won’t get you the crown. I made substantial improvements and won that year’s Olympia. That remains my most memorable bodybuilding moment. The feeling of being announced Mr. Olympia was incredible. So incredible that at the moment of victory I jumped about three feet in the air. Then I had to take a big deep breath to think about what I had done. What I had done was get to the top, top, top, top!”
Rest in peace champ, you inspired millions.
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RIP -
Franco was featured in the iconic movie Pumping Iron from those who do not know...
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RIP. True legend of the sport.
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P.I.P Franco :'(
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:'(
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:'(
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:'(
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:'(
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The sudden nature of Franco's death must weigh heavy on the great Austrian's heart.
Sincere Condoglianze
True. Outside of the loss of his mother and brother, this is probably the hardest hit to Arnold he has had to endure.
It's a different kind of pain, losing one's truest friend and that is because while your mother and father gave you life, it is your friends that helped you to live it.
R.I.P Franco
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:'(
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As someone who was never the greatest benchpresser , I was just gobsmacked by this scene in Pumping Iron.
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True. Outside of the loss of his mother and brother, this is probably the hardest hit to Arnold he has had to endure.
It's a different kind of pain, losing one's truest friend and that is because while your mother and father gave you life, it is your friends that helped you to live it.
R.I.P Franco
Well said.
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pip.
I hope arnold looked after him financially.
when your close people die you realise they were worth more to you than the money.
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One of the legends of the Golden Era. Franco's Chest and Back were some of the greatest of all time. R.I.P.
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Legend
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:'(
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:'(
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:'(
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Rip.That sucks but seems to have had a cool fun life.wonder if Arnold hooked him up at all,I know if I became that rich my best friend would be set.Just curious if Arnold truly felt the way he says he did and expressed it to him or just after he died.
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Truly one of bodybuilding biggest stars.
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Who else doesn’t even feel like reading a dam thing on getbig tonight? Everything else seems so trivial.
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I'm sure somebody put this on the thread but here it goes again. Arnold wrote, "I love you Franco. I will always remember the joy you brought to my life, the advices you gave me, and the twinkle in your eye that never disappeared. You were my best friend."
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Who else doesn’t even feel like reading a dam thing on getbig tonight? Everything else seems so trivial.
Next time I watch pumping iron I'll be getting hit in the feels hard.
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I remember reading his book 'Coming on Strong' in high school. His mental toughness came through in his words and left an impression even today. He was awesome. RIP. :'(
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Well said.
Thank you. This was taught me by my parents.
Again for Franco, R.I.P.
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Shit man, This hits Hard!!...been training for 33 years after watching pumping iron, Franco was an inspiration indeed despite his limited vocabulary. RIP Champion!
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PIP. To quote Danny Padilla "He's like a little monster"
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Who else doesn’t even feel like reading a dam thing on getbig tonight? Everything else seems so trivial.
I agree. Been bummed all day.
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rip
This was my first bodybuilding training book :'(
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RIP Franco
For many of us growing up with pumping iron
Arnold & Franco Etc
It’s Huge loss - Suddenly were bought down to earth
As we realise we’re all Mortal.
Must be a Huge hit for Arnold.
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Great video.
Franco’s quip At Arnold saying they Been Friends For 51yrs
“Yes I got nothing better to do”
Classic
Great Friendship.
😢
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I agree. Been bummed all day.
Yes I woke up to this news. Such an incredible loss. RIP Franco
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That is a bummer. Arnold must be wrecked.
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:'(
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:'(
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:'(
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Who else doesn’t even feel like reading a dam thing on getbig tonight? Everything else seems so trivial.
so you were a friend of his?
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RIP -
Franco was featured in the iconic movie Pumping Iron from those who do not know...
did some strong man stuff Right?
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:'(
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:'(
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:'(
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I met him briefly along with Ken Waller in 1975 at the original Gold's. He had a great sense of humor and like Waller, appeared to be the personification of tremendous physical power and good health.
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As someone who was never the greatest benchpresser , I was just gobsmacked by this scene in Pumping Iron.
It is one of the scenes that stuck out the first time I watched this in college (when HBO did the re-air) and I couldn’t believe how easy he popped it back up while laughing. Strong fucking dude.
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Franco was often criticized on bodybuilding forums for being so content to live in Arnold's shadow but I would argue that Franco represents an ideal standard. He could back up his championship physique with true power and strength, he could also back up his feats of strength as he was an accomplished amateur boxer. Few people can boast that combination of appearance, function and ability.
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Everyone needs a best friend.
I think Franco lived a good life. I know many have claimed that he lived in Arnold's shadow, but think about the alternative. He could have been just another Mr. Olympia winner that then became a worker for a supplement company, to then find himself at expos signing autographs and charging $20 for a picture. Instead, this man lived as the best friend to the man that was once the king of Hollywood, Bodybuilding & California Politics. Arnold is iconic, as we all know, and Franco was there as his wing-man. Not everyone can be the king, but if you roll with that caravan, you reap many rewards and find yourself living a pretty great life as well. Not everyone can be the quarterback of the Patriots, but just because you play lineman, doesn't mean that you don't live like a rock star.
For those that know the true meaning of a best friend, you could understand why this would mean so much to Arnold. In all honesty, there might have never been an Arnold to the extent that we know him without a Franco. Sure, he would have made it far, but Franco might have certainly been a key ingredient to the man we know and love.
Here's to best friends!
**I saw these picture on another site and felt compelled to post them here, as they are truly beautiful and brought tears to my eyes**
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*vTheYEd4rrvJBMg5.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*l3QZGbh-6CNd1-aI.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*Sf1q3NMEjcYMhhx3.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*MqTmh5ym38Z3AHKp.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*9-OFDyyc6ik5lVpm.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*hkwhsPBrBz9MbS_M.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*T3JmS1yBss7ZzHi4.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*g8INuNvQP42VEfsK.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*BZYgR7JEtXjClUcS.jpg)
RIP Franco.
"1"
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R.I.P.
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(https://heavyeditorial.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/franco-with-wife-and-daughter.jpg?quality=65&strip=all&w=471&h=531)
With daughter Maria and wife, Deborah.
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This sucks. >:(
R.I.P., Sardinian Samson.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/6374/gubK3b.jpg)
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rip
His book came out right at the same time I began my own body building. So I bought it. It was a good little book.
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Early Franco :'(:
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In the gym :'(:
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With Arnold :'(:
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RIP :'(:
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Franco was an incredibly handsome man in his youth. Maybe being tall isn't all it's cracked up to be. ;)
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Franco was an incredibly handsome man in his youth. Maybe being tall isn't all it's cracked up to be. ;)
Good looking or not, being tall ALWAYS outweighs all other traits. Now if you are lucky enought to be tall and good looking, watch out ladies.
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RIP one of the pound for pound strongest Mr Olympia’s of them all and had a very powerful dense physique in his prime.
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It is just a reminder that time goes by so fast. :(
RIP, Franco.
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Franco Columbu was selling Autographed Bodybuilding Photos for $19 plus Free shipping. Unfortunately the checkout is disabled right now. Probably going to raise the prices when the website is back up and running. What do you think the new prices will be per photo?
.
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He probably planned it to take attention away from Dorian having a hurricane named after him
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R.I.P.
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Great points, I totally agree.
I mean Arnold was an apex Alpha, a kind of rare man that could dominate other gifted man.
With Arnold's igh iq, wit, never ending energy and passion, Franco definitely was someone special.
Otherwise Arnold wouldn't keep him around for 5 decades.
Franco must have been loyal, witty as Arnold, energetic and fun loving to able keep up with Arnold.
Everyone needs a best friend.
I think Franco lived a good life. I know many have claimed that he lived in Arnold's shadow, but think about the alternative. He could have been just another Mr. Olympia winner that then became a worker for a supplement company, to then find himself at expos signing autographs and charging $20 for a picture. Instead, this man lived as the best friend to the man that was once the king of Hollywood, Bodybuilding & California Politics. Arnold is iconic, as we all know, and Franco was there as his wing-man. Not everyone can be the king, but if you roll with that caravan, you reap many rewards and find yourself living a pretty great life as well. Not everyone can be the quarterback of the Patriots, but just because you play lineman, doesn't mean that you don't live like a rock star.
For those that know the true meaning of a best friend, you could understand why this would mean so much to Arnold. In all honesty, there might have never been an Arnold to the extent that we know him without a Franco. Sure, he would have made it far, but Franco might have certainly been a key ingredient to the man we know and love.
Here's to best friends!
**I saw these picture on another site and felt compelled to post them here, as they are truly beautiful and brought tears to my eyes**
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*vTheYEd4rrvJBMg5.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*l3QZGbh-6CNd1-aI.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*Sf1q3NMEjcYMhhx3.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*MqTmh5ym38Z3AHKp.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*9-OFDyyc6ik5lVpm.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*hkwhsPBrBz9MbS_M.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*T3JmS1yBss7ZzHi4.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*g8INuNvQP42VEfsK.jpg)
(http://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*BZYgR7JEtXjClUcS.jpg)
RIP Franco.
"1"
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I think this is Franco on the far right. I also think it’s very cool that all the guys are standing on kitchen tables!!
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:'(
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RIP Franco Columbu.
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Truly one of bodybuilding biggest stars.
one of the most iconic pic in Pro bodybuilding....even the pooch approved of it....RIP, Franco
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:o
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2 out 3 gone
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RIP. I always think of his performance in this event (and the unfortunate catastrophic injury he sustained) when I hear his name. Underrated strength and definitely one of the strongest men ever pound for pound.
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RIP legend. Got to meet him at a contest in S. FL. In the late 80's. He an Arnold were the biggest influence on me getting into Bodybuilding. Arnold and Franco 2 names synonymous with each other.
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RIP. I always think of his performance in this event (and the unfortunate catastrophic injury he sustained) when I hear his name. Underrated strength and definitely one of the strongest men ever pound for pound.
I was there that day when they were pulling those tour buses. I'm actually in one of the crowd shots for about a second.
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:)
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I was there that day when they were pulling those tour buses. I'm actually in one of the crowd shots for about a second.
and who cares?
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Today on Labor Day 2019, Muscle Beach gave a tribute to the late Franco Columbu.
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Franco had one of the best back lat spreads ever.....deserves a better photo.
We had Franco at our gym in 1980 after the Mr Olympia. Franco put on a training seminar. Truth be told those in attendance were more interested in his chiropractor ability and he adjusted a few backs!
He and Arnold were interviewed on Australian TV in the early seventies. Arnold was asked if women liked his body. He said some do and some don't. Franco was asked the same question. His answer
revealed a smart guy: "I'm falling in love all the time!" That day Franco outperformed Arnold.
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Powerful dude
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Found this photo of Franco online so made it larger plus some editing.
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I met him briefly along with Ken Waller in 1975 at the original Gold's. He had a great sense of humor and like Waller, appeared to be the personification of tremendous physical power and good health.
This is very cool. Coming from the UK yes of course I've met Dorian, etc. but to have been at Golds at that time must have been magical for many reasons: the genie was still 'in the bottle', the 'fitness industry' was virtually non-existent, we (most of us mere mortals) relied on the mags for pics & info... Yep, mark me as an official old fart (and envious of your experience 8))
Taf
ps - any impressions of Waller? Anecdotally he was reported to be quite fiery (if my dusty memory serves)
ps2 - I wonder if the Mediterranean diet was helpful in keeping the old Columbu ticker healthy...?
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Franco had one of the best back lat spreads ever.....deserves a better photo.
(http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=656710.0;attach=778466;image)
Thanks Vince, that's a much better version of the shot I posted earlier in this thread
Serious question - has anyone ever had lower lat insertions than Franco..? Pics please (maybe in a new thread out of respect..?)
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This is very cool. Coming from the UK yes of course I've met Dorian, etc. but to have been at Golds at that time must have been magical for many reasons: the genie was still 'in the bottle', the 'fitness industry' was virtually non-existent, we (most of us mere mortals) relied on the mags for pics & info... Yep, mark me as an official old fart (and envious of your experience 8))
Taf
ps - any impressions of Waller? Anecdotally he was reported to be quite fiery (if my dusty memory serves)
ps2 - I wonder if the Mediterranean diet was helpful in keeping the old Columbu ticker healthy...?
From the U.K.
where abouts county wise are you. ?
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Thanks Vince, that's a much better version of the shot I posted earlier in this thread
Serious question - has anyone ever had lower lat insertions than Franco..? Pics please (maybe in a new thread out of respect..?)
Good question - Tony Pearson / Kai Greene any others ??
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From Lee Priest's page
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From Lee Priest's page
That’s Great
Well Done Lee Priest
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This is very cool. Coming from the UK yes of course I've met Dorian, etc. but to have been at Golds at that time must have been magical for many reasons: the genie was still 'in the bottle', the 'fitness industry' was virtually non-existent, we (most of us mere mortals) relied on the mags for pics & info... Yep, mark me as an official old fart (and envious of your experience 8))
Taf
ps - any impressions of Waller? Anecdotally he was reported to be quite fiery (if my dusty memory serves)
ps2 - I wonder if the Mediterranean diet was helpful in keeping the old Columbu ticker healthy...?
I read (can't recall where) that he had a heart attack while in the water which is why he drowned
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Franco Columbu has been laid to rest:
Funeral Footage:
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(https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/333085234315_/bodybuilding-le-monde-du-muscle-Franco-Columbu-3.jpg)
RIP Franco.
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:)
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Franco Columbu has been laid to rest:
Funeral Footage:
So Arnold was a no show for the funeral?
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That’s Great
Well Done Lee Priest
Agreed.
Classy.
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Today on Labor Day 2019, Muscle Beach gave a tribute to the late Franco Columbu.
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It was a class act that Joe Wheatley organized this tribute
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:'(
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:'(
did you get his thong?
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did you get his thong?
No , I did get your moms through ;)
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No , I did get your moms through ;)
Did you get mine?
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The sudden nature of Franco's death must weigh heavy on the great Austrian's heart.
Sincere Condoglianze
Yes weren't they homosexuals at one point?
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Pictures from Franco's Funeral:
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Yes weren't they homosexuals at one point?
RON , BAN THIS MORON !.
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Yes weren't they homosexuals at one point?
Says a lot about you that this is the first thing that comes to your mind regarding this close and life long friendship.
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Says a lot about you that this is the first thing that comes to your mind regarding this close and life long friendship.
are you homo?
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are you homo?
Why would you even ask that? Are you another one of the many here preoccupied with faggotry and gay imagery?
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PELLIUS, Do me a favor and check out to see if Arnold's photo is still on the wall in the Columbia Inn bar.
Funny story there ... if you agree to accept this mission!!
This tape will self-destruct in 30 seconds!
Or less!!!
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PELLIUS, Do me a favor and check out to see if Arnold's photo is still on the wall in the Columbia Inn bar.
Funny story there ... if you agree to accept this mission!!
This tape will self-destruct in 30 seconds!
Or less!!!
I'm a little immobile at the moment.
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I'm a little immobile at the moment.
Did the local butcher do that? :-\
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Pictures from Franco's Funeral:
Did Arnold attend? If not, says a lot about him since Franco was his best friend
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WOW, PELLIUS!!! That's an amazing cut!!!
How long did that surgery take???
What hospital?
When I was in for some minor surgery, they woke me up every few hours to give me a sleeping pill. And the place where they had to cut open was no bigger than a pin-hole ... so small that I thought they actually didn't even do my operation.
Nothing like you went through!
I'll send you the Columbia Inn story to read since it looks like you'll be sitting on your ass for the next couple of weeks.
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WOW, PELLIUS!!! That's an amazing cut!!!
How long did that surgery take???
What hospital?
When I was in for some minor surgery, they woke me up every few hours to give me a sleeping pill. And the place where they had to cut open was no bigger than a pin-hole ... so small that I thought they actually didn't even do my operation.
Nothing like you went through!
I'll send you the Columbia Inn story to read since it looks like you'll be sitting on your ass for the next couple of weeks.
Have you gotten around to using my Roulette system, stuntmovie? [This is Jon Harridan.]
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WOW, PELLIUS!!! That's an amazing cut!!!
How long did that surgery take???
What hospital?
When I was in for some minor surgery, they woke me up every few hours to give me a sleeping pill. And the place where they had to cut open was no bigger than a pin-hole ... so small that I thought they actually didn't even do my operation.
Nothing like you went through!
I'll send you the Columbia Inn story to read since it looks like you'll be sitting on your ass for the next couple of weeks.
I was at Castle hospital. I'm not sure how long it took. I was awake one minute and being awaken the next. All the other surgeries I had I remember myself fading out but not this time. I was told to sit up and lean forward and dont move as a needle was being inserted in my spine. I don't even remember the needle going in.
I think I'll be out for more than a couple of weeks. It's been about two weeks already and I still can't get around much and still a lot of pain.
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I was at Castle hospital. I'm not sure how long it took. I was awake one minute and being awaken the next. All the other surgeries I had I remember myself fading out but not this time. I was told to sit up and lean forward and dont move as a needle was being inserted in my spine. I don't even remember the needle going in.
I think I'll be out for more than a couple of weeks. It's been about two weeks already and I still can't get around much and still a lot of pain.
Speedy recovery
It’s really tough when you’re used to being so active
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I was at Castle hospital. I'm not sure how long it took. I was awake one minute and being awaken the next. All the other surgeries I had I remember myself fading out but not this time. I was told to sit up and lean forward and dont move as a needle was being inserted in my spine. I don't even remember the needle going in.
I think I'll be out for more than a couple of weeks. It's been about two weeks already and I still can't get around much and still a lot of pain.
This should help.
https://sherlock-holm.es/stories/pdf/a4/1-sided/cano.pdf
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2 out 3 gone
Most be a rather uncomfortable feeling,, your long time buddies are starting to pass away
WoooSHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
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Speedy recovery
It’s really tough when you’re used to being so active
Thanks!
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This should help.
https://sherlock-holm.es/stories/pdf/a4/1-sided/cano.pdf
Thanks! I went through a Sherlock Holmes phase where that's pretty much all I read for a couple of years. The titles bring back memories. I'll go through a few.
I use to read another one of a similar genre. Can't remember the name but Rush Limbaugh was also a fan and would mention him on his show.
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PELLIUS, I was in a gas explosion when I was in high school. The type of gas that stayed at a low level (butane??) so when it exploded .... just my legs were burnt.
So in the hospital, I also got a 'spinal' while sitting up and felt nothing at all while the doc removed/peeled the burnt skin from both legs while I watched.
Kind of upsetting to watch but no pain at all.
Again .... Nothing at all like you went through.
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So Arnold was a no show for the funeral?
Did Arnold attend? If not, says a lot about him since Franco was his best friend
Maybe, Arnold didn't want to create a circus and be the centre of attention. Guessing he had pre-existing commitments too. He may have arranged something more private later with Franco's family. Perhaps, he's been a total narcissist his whole life and doesn't want to be reminded of his own mortality.
Who can say?
Still, looks like Franco's funeral was a grand celebration of his memory. It would've been nice if Arnie had attended.
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Great tribute thread for a true bodybuilding legend.
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:'(
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Schwarzenegger didn't go?
Are you fucking kidding me?
Yet another reason to hate that overrated, phony conservative, piece of shit, scumbag asshole.
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Schwarzenegger didn't go?
Are you fucking kidding me?
Yet another reason to hate that overrated, phony conservative, piece of shit, scumbag asshole.
Bastard outlived his lil' pal! but that's not enough he needs to make it to 79
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arnold was there. calm down glorias
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arnold was there. calm down glorias
I sure hope so.
Is there proof that he was there?
Pictures?
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arnold was there. calm down glorias
who really cares? unless you knew These People why give a shit? People talking like they were buddies with Arnold & Franco.
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It's pretty simple. ::)
When a dick like Schwarzenegger walks around with his self-important, self-aggrandizing, and sanctimonious ego, one would think such a person could find the time to attend his "supposed best friend's" funeral even if it were on Neptune. :-*
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Let's face it: it took all the way to Dorian to surpass Franco's back. Not Samir, not Haney.....
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It's pretty simple. ::)
When a dick like Schwarzenegger walks around with his self-important, self-aggrandizing, and sanctimonious ego, one would think such a person could find the time to attend his "supposed best friend's" funeral even if it were on Neptune. :-*
Arnold was busy, playing w/ vegan protein w/ James Cammer-Roon, pulling another fast one on gullible dummies w/ their dumb, cherry-picking documentary.
The public has become more dumb, as they rely on technology to tell them what to do. "Alexa, should I shit my pants now or later? And when do I wipe my ass"?
"Alexa, am I bad because I ate a burger"?? "Do I need to worship Trannies and black gay guys like Jussie"?
Arnie = Cuck...
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Arnold was busy, playing w/ vegan protein w/ James Cammer-Roon, pulling another fast one on gullible dummies w/ their dumb, cherry-picking documentary.
The public has become more dumb, as they rely on technology to tell them what to do. "Alexa, should I shit my pants now or later? And when do I wipe my ass"?
"Alexa, am I bad because I ate a burger"?? "Do I need to worship Trannies and black gay guys like Jussie"?
Arnie = Cuck...
Lol you said it! ;D
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Arnold is a mega scumbag, the story of him stepping over everybody to get somewhere in life told by Gregg Valentino in bigger faster stronger is absolutely true.
The guy didn't attend his own father's funeral FFS
I admire him for accomplishments, his incredible physique and the sheer determination to achieve his goals.
But he's an absolute scumbag when it comes being a human being, he's the epitome of "never meet your heroes"
And now that he's turned into a soy eating, tree hugging hypocritical pandering old hippy
HE CAN GO FUK HIMSELF! >:(
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the reason arnold didnt attend his fathers funeral was because he recently had surgery and the doctor wouldnt let him fly due to possible complications ( blood clots etc) it was not as he said in pumping iron. that was only for the film to try to make him sound so dedicated etc. and i believe the only reason hes acting like a he is now is because of his love of money. he was fine until maria left him and took half. then he suddenly wasnt as rich as he was. his films suck ( no physique no good films) he was good in the films he made in his 30s and 40s when he still had a body. so now hes trying anything he can to make money. thats his real love CASH