Gustavo Badell
By Shawn Ray
It is with great sadness that I report the Passing of Venezuelan born retired Pro Bodybuilder, Trainer and Promoter, Gustavo Badell. The news of Gustavo’s passing spread like wildfire on social media as his legions of Fans and Friends wrestle with the news. It had been reported by other news agents that Gustavo suffered a fatal and sudden Stroke. This news comes on the heels of many other notable bodybuilders in recent times that have passed away far too soon. Gustavo was a father of 4 children who climbed up the Mr. Olympia mountain of muscle to land himself in top 3 in the world on two separate occasions while capturing several Pro Championship Titles!
The “Freakin Rican” was his monicker during his pro career that took him all over the world where he gathered an army of loyal faithful fans and friends during his colorful career. It was noted many years later that his sister donated a Kidney to Gustavo who suffered some health complications post Bodybuilding.
Gustavo lived in Puerto Rico where he built a name and a career for himself as a premier Pro Bodybuilder then later as a top Trainer to many athletes as a way of giving back to the sport.
We will all miss Gustavo greatly as the news continues to trickle out, we send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Contest History:
- 1991 Junior Caribbean Championships, overall winner
- 1997 Caribbean Championships, overall winner (received pro card)
- 1997 World Amateur Championships Heavyweight, 10th
- 1998 Grand Prix Germany, 9th
- 1999 Grand Prix England, 17th
- 1999 Night of Champions, Did Not Place
- 1999 World Pro Championships, 14th
- 2000 Ironman Pro Invitational, 18th
- 2000 Night of Champions, Did Not Place
- 2000 Toronto Pro Invitational, Did Not Place
- 2000 World Pro Championships, 11th
- 2001 Grand Prix England, Did Not Place
- 2001 Ironman Pro Invitational, 16th
- 2001 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 11th
- 2002 Ironman Pro Invitational, 13th
- 2002 Night of Champions, 10th
- 2002 Mr. Olympia, 24th
- 2002 Southwest Pro Cup, 6th
- 2002 Toronto Pro Invitational, 3rd
- 2004 Arnold Classic, 7th
- 2004 Ironman Pro Invitational, 3rd
- 2004 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 4th
- 2004 Show of Strength Pro Championship, 3rd
- 2004 Mr. Olympia, 3rd
- 2005 Arnold Classic, 3rd
- 2005 Ironman Pro Invitational, 1st
- 2005 Mr. Olympia, 3rd
- 2006 Arnold Classic, 4th
- 2006 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 1st
- 2006 Mr. Olympia, 6th
- 2007 Arnold Classic, 4th
- 2007 Mr. Olympia 8th
- 2008 Ironman Pro Invitational, 2nd
- 2008 Arnold Classic, 6th
- 2008 Mr. Olympia, 10th
- 2009 Atlantic City Pro, 1st
- 2009 Mr. Olympia, 13th
- 2012 Arnold Classic, 13th
Gustavo was born November 3, 1972
12x Olympia Top 5 Finalist, Pro Bodybuilding Hall of Fame Inductee, International Master of Ceremonies, NPC Contest Promoter, Motivational Speaker, Social Media Influencer, Fitness Journalist