Franco Columbu was an extraordinary Italian athlete and author who made a name for himself in powerlifting and bodybuilding. He achieved great success throughout his career, winning the prestigious Mr. Olympia title twice. Let’s take a closer look at the life of this remarkable man.
Early Life and Athletic Journey
- Franco Columbu was born on August 7, 1941, in Ollolai, Sardinia, Italy.
- His athletic journey began in the boxing ring before transitioning to powerlifting and bodybuilding.
- In 1976 and 1981, he secured the title of Mr. Olympia, showcasing his dominance in bodybuilding.
- Franco also demonstrated his strength in strongman competitions, participating in the World’s Strongest Man Competition and earning the 5th position.
- His real birth name was Francesco Columbu.
Personal and Education
UnfortunatelLifey, there is limited information about his parents.
- In 1977, he attained his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from the Cleveland Chiropractic College in Los Angeles.
Family and Relationships
- Franco Columbu shared a close friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is renowned for his achievements in bodybuilding, acting, and filmmaking.
- He married Deborah Columbu in 1990, and they had a daughter named Maria Columbu.
- Before Deborah, Franco was previously married to Anita Sanangelo, a chiropractor, but they divorced between 1986-1990.
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm).
- Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg).
- Biceps Size: 14 inches.
- Body Measurements: 42-33-35.
- Eye Color: Black.
- Hair Color: Black.
Wealth and Career Achievements
- Franco Columbu’s net worth was estimated to be $10 million.
- Apart from his accomplishments in bodybuilding, he pursued a career as an actor in Hollywood, featuring in several films.
- Franco also practiced as a Chiropractic Doctor in Los Angeles.
- He authored a book titled “Coming on Strong,” which detailed his life and experiences.
Lesser Known Facts about Franco Columbu
- Franco, along with Arnold Schwarzenegger, ventured into the European Brick Works business in 1969 after arriving in the United States.
- He had a brief stint as an amateur boxer in the Italian team.
- Inspired by the renowned bodybuilding expert Joe Weider, Franco embraced bodybuilding as his passion and profession.
- Franco Columbu’s immense strength and physique earned him the nickname “Columbu Terminator” in the Terminator 3 Video Game.
Franco Columbu’s life was tragically cut short on August 30, 2019, when he suffered a severe heart attack while swimming and drowned. He will forever be remembered as one of the most remarkable figures in the world of powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strength sports.
His legacy continues to inspire many aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts to push their limits and achieve greatness in their respective fields. Franco’s contributions to the world of sports and entertainment will always be cherished, and his impact on the fitness community will live on for generations to come.
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