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Berry de Mey Biography
Berry de Mey, known as The Flexing Dutchman, is a prominent figure in the world of bodybuilding who hails from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Born on February 23, 1962, in the vibrant port city of Rotterdam, Berry de Mey embarked on his remarkable journey in the world of bodybuilding at a young age, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport. His achievements, including national and international titles, a world championship, and remarkable performances in renowned competitions like the IFBB Mr. Olympia, have solidified his place in the annals of bodybuilding history.
**Early Beginnings and Ascent in Bodybuilding**
Berry de Mey’s foray into the world of bodybuilding commenced in 1980 when he was just 18 years old. At a time when most individuals his age were exploring their interests, De Mey’s passion for bodybuilding set him on a unique path.
In the early 1980s, Berry de Mey made a name for himself by securing numerous national and international bodybuilding titles. He was already proving his mettle on the competitive stage. By 1985, he reached the pinnacle of success by becoming the world champion. His notable victory came at the 1985 World Games held in London, where he outshone his competitors from countries like the United States and Russia.
Crowning Achievement at the 1989 IFBB Mr. Olympia
The pinnacle of Berry de Mey’s career came in 1989 when he participated in the prestigious IFBB Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition held in Los Angeles. This iconic competition is renowned for attracting the finest bodybuilders from around the world. De Mey’s incredible performance earned him a bronze medal, an extraordinary accomplishment in a field that featured some of the most formidable bodybuilders of his time. His fellow competitors included the legendary Lee Haney, who clinched the first place, and Rich Gaspari, who secured second place. De Mey’s achievement at the 1989 IFBB Mr. Olympia firmly established his reputation as a top-tier bodybuilder.
Diversifying Talents: Venture into World Bodybuilding Federation (WBF) and Beyond
In 1991, Berry de Mey joined Vince McMahon’s newly formed World Bodybuilding Federation (WBF), a pioneering venture that aimed to combine bodybuilding and entertainment. De Mey showcased his physique and talents in the WBF’s Grand Prix competition and secured a commendable third place finish. While the WBF garnered attention, it was short-lived, and the organization folded after hosting just two events.
After his stint in the WBF, Berry de Mey made a return to Joe Weider’s International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB). He competed in two more prestigious contests before retiring from competitive bodybuilding at the age of 32.
From WWF to WWE: An Evolution
A fascinating footnote lies in WBF founder Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The entity we now know as the WWE was initially the WWF until May 5, 2002, when they launched their “Get The F Out” marketing campaign. This campaign resulted from a legal conflict with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) over the use of the same initials. As a result, the organization officially changed all references from “WWF” to “WWE.”
Hall of Fame Induction and Entrepreneurial Pursuits
Berry de Mey’s contributions and achievements in the world of bodybuilding were duly recognized when he was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2008. This prestigious acknowledgment marked his enduring impact on the sport.
In 2011, Berry de Mey took a significant step in his entrepreneurial journey by founding his own food supplement company, Berry de Mey Nutrition. This venture allowed him to share his wealth of knowledge and expertise in nutrition and fitness with a broader audience.
Aesthetic Excellence and Notable Physical Attributes
One of the remarkable aspects of Berry de Mey’s bodybuilding career is his aesthetic physique. Standing over six feet tall, De Mey possessed a Hollywood-like appearance that set him apart from other bodybuilders. His unique combination of height, aesthetics, and a well-defined frame made him a standout figure in the world of bodybuilding.
An intriguing side note about Berry de Mey’s homeland, the Netherlands, is the notable average male height. Dutch men have an impressive average height of over six feet, a stark contrast to the average male height in the United States, which is approximately 5 feet 9 inches. The Dutch population’s remarkable growth in height, recorded through military records, has shown a remarkable gain of 20 centimeters (eight inches) over the last 150 years, further emphasizing the exceptional attributes of Dutch individuals.
Berry de Mey’s remarkable journey, from a young bodybuilding enthusiast to a world champion and entrepreneur, is a testament to his dedication, passion, and contribution to the world of fitness and bodybuilding. His enduring legacy continues to inspire those in pursuit of excellence in the realm of physical fitness and wellness.
Berry De Mey’s contest history is here.
Berry DeMey Gallery
Berry DeMey Bodybuilding Contest Results
1980
Mr Holland – NPBO, Junior, 2nd
Holland Hercules – NPBO, Junior, 1st
Holland Iron Man – NPBO, Junior, 1st
1981
European Championships – WABBA, Junior, 3rd
Mr Holland – BBBN, Junior, 1st
1982
European Amateur Championships – IFBB, HeavyWeight, 1st
Holland Grand Prix – NBBF, HeavyWeight, 1st
1983
World Amateur Championships – IFBB, HeavyWeight, 2nd
1984
World Amateur Championships – IFBB, HeavyWeight, 2nd
1985
Olympia – IFBB, 6th
World Games, HeavyWeight, 1st
World Games, Overall Winner
1986
Night of Champions – IFBB, 6th
Olympia – IFBB, 5th
1987
Grand Prix France – IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Germany (2) – IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Germany – IFBB, 6th
Olympia – IFBB, 6th
1988
Grand Prix England – IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix France – IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Germany – IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Greece – IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Italy – IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Spain (2) – IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Spain – IFBB, 3rd
Olympia – IFBB, 3rd
1990
Grand Prix Holland – IFBB, 4th
1991
WBF Grand Prix – WBF, 3rd
1993
Night of Champions – IFBB, 10th
1994
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 15th
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