THE legendary Japanese bodybuilder whose calves made Arnold Schwarzenegger jealous has died at aged 78.
Shigeru Sugita was a champion bodybuilder who won the Mr Universe title in 1976.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was said to be jealous of Sugita’s calves[/caption]
Sugita reportedly passed away from natural causes on April 13.
The bodybuilder started his career in Japan and won the crown of Mr Japan in 1972.
He then went on to establish himself globally and became the first Japanese man to win the Mr Universe competition.
When Sugita was given his title, he posed for photos with his two fellow contestants and country men, Masashi Enomoto and Kozo Sudo, in Hyde Park.
It is said that crowds of people lined up along the park fence waiting for them strike a pose.
Arnold Schwarzenegger went on to win the competition the following year, but he was said to have been jealous of the Japanese star’s bulging calf muscles.
Sugita also won the IFBB Mr. International (middleweight) competition in 1981.
The bodybuilding legend trained under Bill pearl – the five-time Mr Universe champion.
After retiring Sugita opened his own gym in Jyobashi, Osaka where he trained the next generation of bodybuilders, sumo wrestlers, and professional wrestlers.
The gym has now been taken over by Osaka Pro-Wrestling Zeus who plan to continue his legacy.
Devastated fans have paid tribute to the late bodybuilder on social media.
One wrote: “Sugita was a very creatively dramatic poser, with an incredible physique for his day.”
While another said: “That is sad to hear..I competed along side of Shiguru & Kozo in the 70’s in the NABBA Mr Universe…great physics….R.I.P. Shiguru….”
This comes after world champion bodybuilder Suel Nogueira died back in February.
The 40-year-old reportedly crashed into a lorry in front of him and suffered significant injuries.
Paramedics attended to Nogueira at the scene and spent 40 minutes trying to resuscitate him.
The bodybuilder was then transported away from the location of the crash via air ambulance but died before reaching the hospital.
Nogueira was an inspiration to many as he overcame obesity before becoming a bodybuilding champion.
Sugita opened his own bodybuilding gym after he retired[/caption]