Chris Dickerson Spotlight

by Shawn Ray

The first ever Black Mr. America, Chris Dickerson stood barely 5’6 and weighed less than 200lbs.

Chris would go on to compete in four different decades from the 60’s into the 90’s while racking up victories like Mr. America, Mr. Universe and ultimately Winning the Mr. Olympia in 1982 as the oldest champion at 43yr old.

Chris was born a Triplet back on August 25, 1939.

This future Mr. Olympia champion is very intelligent and a well read historian of the sport who was also a classically trained Opera Singer, Television Commentator and a disciple of legendary bodybuilding star, Bill Pearl his mentor, trainer and dear friend.

Besides winning the ultimate title of Mr. Olympia, Chris was also 1st Olympia Runner up in 1980 at the controversial Mr. Olympia victory at Arnold’s final competition in Sydney, Australia and again at the subsequent 1981 victory of Franco Columbu prior to actually winning the 82’ title once and for all!

I would meet Chris Dickerson when I was 18 years in 1984 at a photo shoot he arranged for me with then publisher and photographer of Ironman Magazine, John Balik in Venice Beach, California. It was my first professional Photoshoot that would subsequently lead to a second shoot in 1986 when I turned 20 years old and placed second in the Jr. Nationals. During this shoot it was in this moment that Chris would declare, “ I’ve found a mini version of myself and a future superstar in the making.”
Needless to say, I bought into what he told me and set out to follow in his footsteps.

Earlier this month legendary bodybuilder, Bill Pearl put out a statement Via Facebook that Chris had fallen, broke his Hip then suffered a Heart Attack at the age of 81.

 

Chris had issues with his knees and hips for sometime, walking with a Cane to stabilize his balance while continuing to receive accolades in retirement from the likes of Florida Promoter, Tim Gardner who presented Chris with the Ben Weider, Lifetime Achievement Award joining 6X Ms. Olympia. Cory Everson and 8X Ms. Olympia, Lenda Murray.

We here at Digital Muscle Media send our thoughts and prayers to the champion for a speedy recovery!

 

Chris Dickerson was formally inducted into the IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in the year 2000.

• Watch Chris get inducted into Muscle Beach Hall of Fame in 2014 here:

https://youtu.be/iUNUU8ks8UY

Contest History:
1966 Mr North America – AAU, 2nd

1966 Mr New York State – AAU, Overall Winner

1966 Mr Eastern America – AAU, Overall Winner

1966 Mr Atlantic Coast – AAU, Overall Winner

1966 Junior Mr USA – AAU, Most Muscular, 1st

1966 Junior Mr USA – AAU, Winner

1967 Mr California – AAU, Winner

1967 Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 4th

1967 Mr America – AAU, 6th

1967 Junior Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 5th

1967 Junior Mr America – AAU, 4th

1968 Mr USA – AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd

1968 Mr USA – AAU, Winner

1968 Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd

1968 Mr America – AAU, 3rd

1968 Junior Mr America – AAU, 3rd

1969 Mr America – AAU, 2nd

1969 Junior Mr America – AAU, 2nd

1970 Universe – NABBA, Short, 1st

1970 Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 1st

1970 Mr America – AAU, Winner

1970 Junior Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 1st

1970 Junior Mr America – AAU, Winner

1971 Universe – NABBA, Short, 1st

1973 Universe – NABBA, Short, 1st

1973 Universe – NABBA, Overall Winner

1973 Pro Mr America – WBBG, Winner

1974 Universe – Pro – NABBA, Short, 1st

1974 Universe – Pro – NABBA, Overall Winner

1975 World Championships – WBBG, 2nd

1975 Universe – Pro – PBBA, 2nd

1976 Universe – Pro – NABBA, Short, 2nd

1976 Universe – Pro – NABBA, 3rd

1976 Olympus – WBBG, 4th

1979 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, Lightweight, 4th

1979 Grand Prix Vancouver – IFBB, 2nd

1979 Canada Pro Cup – IFBB, Winner

1979 Canada Diamond Pro Cup – IFBB, 2nd

1980 Pittsburgh Pro Invitational – IFBB, 2nd

1980 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 2nd

1980 Night of Champions – IFBB, Winner

1980 Grand Prix New York – IFBB, Winner

1980 Grand Prix Miami – IFBB, Winner

1980 Grand Prix Louisiana – IFBB, 2nd

1980 Grand Prix California – IFBB, Winner

1980 Florida Pro Invitational – IFBB, Winner

1980 Canada Pro Cup – IFBB, Winner

1981 Professional World Cup – IFBB, 2nd

1981 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 2nd

1981 Night of Champions – IFBB, Winner

1981 Grand Prix World Cup – IFBB, 2nd

1981 Grand Prix Washington – IFBB, Winner

1981 Grand Prix New York – IFBB, Winner

1981 Grand Prix New England – IFBB, 2nd

1981 Grand Prix Louisiana – IFBB, Winner

1981 Grand Prix California – IFBB, Winner

1982 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, Winner

1984 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 11th

1990 Arnold Classic – IFBB, 8th

1994 Masters Olympia – IFBB, Overall, 4th^[4]

 

 

Editor in Chief.