Reg Park

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The Legend of Reg Park: From Football to Bodybuilding

In the heart of Leeds, on the 7th of June, 1928, a legend was born. His name was Roy “Reg” Park, and little did anyone know at the time that he would become an English bodybuilding icon. Reg’s journey from a young athlete to an internationally renowned bodybuilder, businessman, and actor is a story of passion, dedication, and inspiration.

Early Athletic Pursuits

Reg Park’s first passion in life was football. As a young boy, he displayed athletic talents that hinted at the remarkable future awaiting him. Growing up in Leeds, he dedicated his teenage years to excelling in football, eventually earning a place in the reserves for Leeds United FC. However, his life was about to take a different path.

At the age of 16, fate intervened when Reg met David Cohen, a friend who lifted weights at a local gym. Out of curiosity, Reg decided to join his friend, marking the beginning of a journey that would lead him to worldwide recognition in the field of bodybuilding. The young Reg Park found himself captivated by the world of barbells, dumbbells, and chinning bars, and his legendary physique began to take shape.

A Fateful Inaugural Contest

It was during his national service, while stationed in Singapore as a Physical Training Instructor, that Reg Park had his life-changing encounter with bodybuilding. His discharge from the British Army in 1948 was swiftly followed by his attendance at the inaugural NABBA Mr. Universe contest in London. The competition was an unforgettable spectacle, with John Grimek controversially defeating Steve Reeves. This contest was Reg Park’s first glimpse into the world of physique competition, and it was a defining moment that ignited his passion.

From Mr. Britain to International Stardom

After just one year of dedicated training, Reg Park claimed the title of Mr. Britain in 1949. He had not yet reached his full potential, and his remarkable journey was about to take him across the Atlantic. With the generous support of his parents, who funded his journey, Reg spent six months in the United States. It was there that he crossed paths with Joe Weider, a prominent publisher of muscle magazines, who recognized Reg’s immense potential.

Weider showcased Reg Park prominently in his popular muscle magazines, introducing him to a global audience of fitness enthusiasts. In 1950, Reg Park was the runner-up to Steve Reeves in the NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe contest, setting the stage for his future accomplishments.

A Triumph of Titles

After another year of relentless training, Reg Park’s efforts culminated in the victory of the 1951 National Amateur Bodybuilders Association (NABBA) Amateur Mr. Universe title. Reg Park made history, breaking the American monopoly on bodybuilding titles and cementing his status as a global bodybuilding icon.

This victory was only the beginning. Reg Park’s incredible physique, standing tall at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing up to 250 pounds, was a forerunner to the size-focused aspect that would come to dominate modern bodybuilding. His strength was equally renowned, and he became the second man, following Doug Hepburn, to bench press 500 pounds. Reg Park was unstoppable, both in physique and strength.

Becoming Hercules and Inspiring Schwarzenegger

As his bodybuilding career continued to flourish, Reg Park embarked on a second journey—this time into the world of cinema. He became a beloved figure, starring in five films, each featuring him as the legendary Hercules, Maciste, or Ursus. It was through these cinematic roles that he won the hearts of audiences worldwide, proving that his remarkable physique was not only for the stage but also for the silver screen.

Yet, Reg Park’s legacy extended beyond the gym and the movie sets. He became an early influence and lifelong mentor to a young Austrian bodybuilder named Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold credited Reg Park with being his first inspiration to lift weights, a moment of revelation that set the course of his own legendary career in motion.

For three pivotal years in the 1960s, Arnold Schwarzenegger was trained by Wag Bennett at Bennett’s gym in Forest Gate, London, where he had the incredible opportunity to meet Reg Park and benefit from his mentorship. Bonus footage from the DVD release of the documentary “Pumping Iron” features Reg Park mentoring Schwarzenegger. Moreover, Reg Park served as the Master of Ceremonies during the Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia contests featured in the film.

A Life Well-Lived and Continued Influence

In his later years, Reg Park moved to South Africa, continuing to lead a life deeply intertwined with fitness. He dedicated himself to training clients at the Morningside Virgin Active Gym in Sandton, and his legacy continued to inspire countless individuals.

Reg Park graced the pages of numerous fitness and bodybuilding magazines and even appeared on the cover of “Muscle & Fitness.” His contributions to the world of bodybuilding were undeniable, and he was recognized for his achievements by being inducted into the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) Hall of Fame in 1999.

A Fond Farewell

Reg Park’s later years were marred by health challenges, including a diagnosis of skin cancer that would tragically spread throughout his body. On the 22nd of November, 2007, Reg Park bid farewell to the

Reg Park Bodybuilding Competition History

1946
Mr Britain – HSL, 4th

1949
Mr Britain – HSL, Winner

1950
Best Developed Athlete in America – IFBB, Tall, 1st
Best Developed Athlete in America – IFBB, Overall Winner
Mr Europe, Overall Winner
Mr Universe – NABBA, Tall, 2nd

1951
Mr Universe – NABBA, Tall, 1st
Mr Universe – NABBA, Overall Winner

1958
Universe – Pro – NABBA, Tall, 1st
Universe – Pro – NABBA, Overall Winner

1965
Universe – Pro – NABBA, Tall, 1st
Universe – Pro – NABBA, Overall Winner

1970
Universe – Pro – NABBA, Tall, 2nd

1971
Universe – Pro – NABBA, Tall, 3rd

1973
Universe – Pro – NABBA, Tall, 2nd