Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute to the late Dave Draper: "He was one of my idols"

Author: Ondra Marienka

Bodybuilding / Fitness Personalities

02.12.2021

3 minuty čtení

On Tuesday, November 30, the bodybuilding world was hit with the news that former bodybuilding great Dave Draper (79 years old) has left us. His death was announced to the public by his wife, who shared via social media that Dave passed away peacefully. Draper's doctor said it was a good death.

Even Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was a great friend of Dave's, learned of this disturbing news. Thanks to the fact that the "Blond Bomber" (Dave Draper) got several movie roles in California, Arnold saw that his dreams of becoming an actor were not crazy, quite the opposite! Dave and Arnold trained together at Gold's Gym in California.

Schwarzenegger commented on Dave's death as follows:

Dave Draper was an inspiration to millions of people around the world, including me. He was one of my idols. In Austria, I kept his Muscle Builder magazine cover on the wall above my bed for motivation, and when I saw him starring in the movie "Don't Make Waves" , I thought, "My dreams are possible." When I got to America and finally met Dave, I found out his heart was as big as his boobs. When I moved to Santa Monica, he even hand-built my first piece of furniture, and let me tell you, he was talented.
Can you imagine meeting your idol and becoming his training partner and traveling the world together? I was in heaven. He couldn't have been friendlier and was a fantastic training partner who always pushed everyone around him in the gym to be better. He was an amazing writer and a great family man. I will miss the blonde bomber, but his memory will always be with me. My thoughts are with Laree and the whole family.

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A post shared by Arnold Schwarzenegger (@schwarzenegger)

The "Blond Bomber" was one of those golden era competitors who motivated thousands of people around the world to exercise and compete in bodybuilding through their hard work. Dave won Mr. America in 1965 and Mr. Universe in '66. In 1970, after winning Mr. World in Columbus, Ohio, he felt it was his time and quit competing. Still, he didn't put down the dumbbells he loved so much. Throughout his life, he struggled with major problems with alcohol and drug abuse, but he was able to overcome them.

In 2007, Dave had to undergo triple bypass surgery, which he overcame with grace and perhaps because of which he was able to be with us until this year. The "Blond Bomber" will remain in our memories as a pioneer and champion of bodybuilding who, with a smile on his face, went fearlessly after his dreams and although many in the 60s-70s didn't understand what Dave was doing on stage, thanks to his work we can now reap the fruits for which Dave set the stage!