Until a certain period, bodybuilding athletes – as well as referees – did not give the lower limbs the importance they have today. Just look at photos of the first Olympia champions and compare them with images of current competitors.
This dynamic began to change in the second half of the 1970s and accelerated with the arrival of Tom Platz in the sport. Champion of the amateur (1978) and professional (1980) divisions of Mr. Universe, the North American athlete was the first to show extreme thigh development, a feat that earned him the nickname “Quadzilla”.
Platz’s obsession
Born in 1955 in the city of Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Platz began bodybuilding at the age of nine. Inspired primarily by Arnold Schwarzenegger and encouraged by his family, he decided he would become a bodybuilder at 11.
At age 12, Platz wrote a letter to Joe Weider, creator of Olympia and co-founder of the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness). At the time, the young man spoke about his dream and asked what he should focus on to achieve it. It was then that the businessman advised him to train his legs.
From that moment on, the obsession began that led the athlete to be recognized worldwide. With extremely long and intense training, he achieved the most impressive pair of thighs of his time – according to several experts, in the entire history of bodybuilding.
Career
Still on the university circuit, the bodybuilder won four titles and even ventured into weightlifting – where he was also successful.
In addition to his Mr. Universe titles, the athlete was present at the Olympia between 1979 and 1986, with the exception of 1983. His peak came in the 1981 edition, when he came in 3rd place.
Currently, he remains active in the fitness world and continues to display unusual muscularity in his legs.
LINK PRESENT: Did you like this text? Subscribers can access seven free accesses from any link per day. Just click the blue F below.
