Popular bodybuilder Gustavo Badell, who was popularly known as “The Freakin’ ‘Rican,” passed away unfortunately on Thursday, July 13, 2023. The bodybuilding sensation’s death at the age of 50 has left the entire community in a state of pain.
Gustavo was associated with the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilders) and has a large list of accomplishments throughout his professional career. He was one of the most respected bodybuilders, and his death has left the bodybuilding community with an irreplaceable loss.
As per reports, the bodybuilder was suffering from kidney-oriented issues and passed away due to a stroke. Reports have stated that a stroke was the cause of Gustavo Badell’s death, but no official confirmation has been made. It remains to be seen if a stroke was the actual cause of his death or something else!
Badell was born on November 3, 1972, in Venezuela and moved to Puerto Rico when he was about 22 years old. His professional bodybuilding journey began at the young age of fifteen when he started lifting weights.
His rapid muscle growth took him to his first bodybuilding competition at the age of 19, as he participated in the Junior Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in 1991 and won it. With nearly six years of training, Gustavo was able to earn his professional status after winning the Caribbean Championships in 1997.
Gustavo Badell’s Professional career and accomplishments:
After getting his professional status in 1997, Gustavo made his debut in the International Federation of Bodybuilders by participating in the Grand Prix of Germany in 1998. Later, he competed in the Night of Champions in 1999 and secured the 14th position in the competition.
Badell’s professional career grew further in the upcoming years, as he went on to participate in his first Ironman Pro Invitational, securing the 18th position. In 2002, he made his first-ever participation in the globally known Mr. Olympia competition and finished 24th.
Later in his career, the bodybuilder made his first appearance in the Arnold Classic in 2004 and secured the 7th position. He again participated in the Ironman Pro Invitational in 2005 and made his mark in the industry by winning the competition.
After winning the Ironman Pro Invitational in 2005, he also won the San Francisco Pro Invitational. His accomplishments also include winning the Atlantic City Pro in 2009 and competing against Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman in the Challenger round of the 2005 Mr. Olympia.
The bodybuilder retired from bodybuilding after 2009 but later returned for one final time in 2012, following which he retired permanently. Even after his retirement from the profession, Gustavo remained a fitness enthusiast. He was also pretty active on his Instagram and has over 38,300 followers on the platform.
Tributes pour in for bodybuilder Gustavo Badell
Following the news of bodybuilder Gustavo Badell‘s death, tributes have been pouring in from across the world. Retired American Bodybuilder Rich Gaspari also shared his tribute over the news of Gustavo Badell’s death.
Gaspari wrote, “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Gustavo Badell at the young age of only 50. Gustavo had an amazing physique that I admired and was able to get as high as second place against Ronnie Coleman in the Olympia. This is a tragic passing of another great bodybuilder.”
Eddie Abbew’s Olympian Gym’s Owner and CEO, Edward Abbew, also paid tribute to Gustavo. He shared a vintage picture and his memories regarding that picture with the late bodybuilder.
He expressed his grief by writing, “I woke up this morning to the information that Gustavo has passed away. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Gustavo was ten years younger than me. It is always sad when a young person is taken away long before their time.” “Rest in peace, Gustavo, and know that you will be missed.”
Gustavo Badell was an inspiration for numerous people across the world, especially those within the industry. It’s obvious to get emotional about his death; however, it is important to respect his family’s privacy and give them the time and strength to go recover. In honor of Gustavo Badell’s memory, do you have any favorite moments of his? If you do, let us know in the comment section down below!