TONY PEARSON ... 1978 AAU MR. AMERICA
September 2, 1978 saw a standing room only crowd jammed into the Cincinnati Music Hall Auditorium to witness the crowning of a new AAU Mr. America. The spectators also witnessed the posing exhibition of a man who had won the event a quarter of a century earlier. According to Jan Dellinger in the December, 1978, edition of Muscular Development magazine:
"The proceedings got underway with a
resounding bang as Bill Pearl
commemorated the 25th anniversary
of his 1953 'Mr. America' victory, by
staging an absolutely phenomenal
posing display. This was a rare treat
indeed, for it afforded comparative
newcomers, and long-time followers
of the bodybuilding game, an
opportunity to watch the famed Pearl's
physique in action, and believe me, at
age 48, he's still got it! When he
completed his posing routine, the sell-
out audience showed its appreciation
with a standing ovation and
thunderous applause.
The contest was another star-studded line-up, with Tony Pearson winningthe Mr. America trophy, with Ron Teufel as runner-up and Manuel Perry placing third.
Tony Pearson, born in 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, was raised by his aunt who lived in St. Louis, Missouri. He was not interesed in school or athletics, but at age 14, he had the good fortune to meet the legendary Muhammad Ali, (Cassius Clay) who was speaking at a local school. During his presentation, Ali stressed the importance of a quality education, sports and a healthy lifestyle.
Tony began weight training at George Turner's Gym in St. Louis, and Turner quickly noticed Pearson's bodybuilding potential. Under Turner's watchful eye, Pearson's body weight climbed from 140 to 160 pounds in a matter of months.
After high school graduation, Pearson arrived in Los Angeles, California, on a one-way bus ticket, with two pairs of jeans and $75.00 in his pocket. He headed for Venice Beach, where a short time later, he began a string of first place wins at local and regional contests.
Pearson's competitive bodybuilding career lasted 19 years and he competed in 58 physique contests up to 1994. His most noted victories were the 1978 AAU Mr. America and the 1980 NABBA Pofessional Mr. Universe titles.
Today, living in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tony works as a successful fitness trainer/nutritional consultant. He recentally commented, “My current goal is to show, by example, that the best lifestyle is a natural one. My message to the younger generation is to always keep your future goals in sight. Stay focused no matter what the obstacle. There’ll be challenges along the way, regardless of what you pursue. But, if you are persistant, have a positive outlook, and surround yourself around positive individuals, you’ll have a better chance at achieving your ultimate dream.”
Tony Pearson was inducted into the Muscle Beach/Venice Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in 2007.
Tony Pearson
[image] [image]
Born January 11, 1957
1976
Gold's Classic - AAU, Teen Overall Winner
Gold's Classic - AAU, Teen Short, 1st
1977
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Short, 3rd
Mr Los Angeles - AAU, Junior, 1st
Mr Southern California - AAU, Junior, 1st
1978
Mr America - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr America - AAU, Medium, 1st
Mr California - AAU, Short, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, Overall Winner
Junior Mr America - AAU, Medium, 1st
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Overall Winner
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Medium, 1st
USA World Qualifier - IFBB, MiddleWeight, 2nd
1979
Olympus - WBBG, Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium, 2nd
Pro Mr World - WBBG, Winner
World Championships - WABBA, Overall Winner
World Championships - WABBA, Medium, 1st
1980
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Winner
World Championships - WABBA, Professional, 3rd
Pro World Cup - WABBA, 5th
1981
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Belgium - IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Wales - IFBB, 5th
Universe - Pro - IFBB, 3rd
Pro World Cup - WABBA, 7th
World Grand Prix - IFBB, 4th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 3rd
1982
Night of Champions - IFBB, 6th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 6th
1983
Grand Prix Denver - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Las Vegas - IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Portland - IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Sweden - IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Switzerland - IFBB, 6th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 8th
1984
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 3rd
Olympia - IFBB, 12th
World Grand Prix - IFBB, 3rd
1985
Night of Champions - IFBB, 9th
Olympia - IFBB, 12th
1986
Los Angeles Pro Championships - IFBB, 5th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 4th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 9th
1987
Night of Champions - IFBB, Did not place
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 8th
1988
Grand Prix US Pro - IFBB, 6th
Niagara Falls Pro Invitational - IFBB, 5th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 8th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 8th
1989
Grand Prix France - IFBB, 11th
Grand Prix Germany - IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Spain (2) - IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Spain - IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Sweden - IFBB, 11th
1990
Arnold Classic - IFBB, 6th
Houston Pro Championships - IFBB, 6th
Ironman Pro Invitational - IFBB, 8th
1991
WBF Grand Prix - WBF, 11th
1993
Chicago Pro Championships - IFBB, 13th
Night of Champions - IFBB, Did not place
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational - IFBB, 16th
1994
Ironman Pro Invitational - IFBB, 14th
San Jose Pro Invitational - IFBB, 16th
2014
USA Nationals - NABBA, Masters 50+ Short, 1st
USA Nationals - NABBA, Short, 1st
Magazines
1979 Vol 108, Num 10 Health and Strength
1980 July Vol 109, Num 7 Health and Strength
1980 August Vol 109, Num 8 Health and Strength
1980 September Vol 109, Num 9 Health and Strength
1981 November Vol 2, Num 8 Muscle World
1985 October Vol 3, Num 7 Flex
1986 October Num 60 Muscle Mag International
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