8-time Mr. Olympia winner Lee Haney has even gone on record saying if it wasnt for Robinson, bodybuilders would get paid far less than they do today. I was standing onstage and they announced, The first Masters Mr. Olympia winner 1994, Robby Robinson. I remember all the obscenities I was called. Lena: I really enjoyed Hawaii (Oahu). WHEN ROBBY ROBINSON started bodybuilding at Venice Beachs Golds Gym in 1975, he remembers being told Blacks dont get contracts to compete. During the competition I was very nervous but found the girls to be very friendly and helpful," commented Lena. As a 17 yr lifter (I started at 24yrs old at 143lbs and climbed to 178lbs in eleven months, without increasing bodyfat), PLEASE do not utilize any supplements aside from those you can buy at a GNC/Vitamin World. Robby is absolutely right, Arnold's commentary was right, Cedrics words were right. Producer Daniel Lanois claimed Robertson wrote the song about "what it was like to hang out in Arkansas with Levon Helm in his old neighborhood. At the end of the meeting he said, "Of course I will sign her to a contract!" This puts the muscle under as much tension as possible. Hes one of the greatest competitors in the sport, and even though he no longer competes, hes never stopped training. I'm posing and flexing to rap music. Robby Benson and Wife Karla DeVito during "Descending Angel" Los Angeles Premiere at Directors Guild in Hollywood, California, United States. Then they would go to the beach and relax, before another afternoon training session. And you know what, good for Jeter. Hes advised in the past that anyone who takes the sport serious should shop at family owned butchers. Building on his athletic, high school footballers frame,he createdan impressive sculpted slab of pure muscle, ripe for the stage. When asked about Joe Weider in a2012 interview, Robby was a lot more understanding to Joes decisions: He [Joe] has done a tremendous job. Robby had some unique old school bodybuilding tips when it came to muscle growth. "Jeg vil takke mine fans for deres utrolig stotte og jeg onsker hver og en av dem det beste livet har a by pa.". We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. But naaah, they werent ready for that. Period. Dedicated to improving the quality of life of older African-Americans, NCCBAs educational programs arm them with the tools they need to advocate for themselves.Listen Now: Lift Every Voice has been transformed into a powerful podcast, which records the wisdom and life experiences of the oldest generation of Black Americans by connecting them with a new generation of Black journalists. He played hockey here. I was in heaven. I went to New York and won Mr. World two weeks later, and Im thinking, This is madness! Bodybuilders today often stress the importance of getting blood work done for pro competitors. "Please feel free to stop by and say hi. In 2001, Robby was in a car accident that launched him out the front seat, through the windshield and onto the road. I had a great physique; I had a good, tough mindset. Meals would usually consist of hamburgers, steak, and eggs. So I didnt really get the blunt force of it, I guess, until I left the swamps. Benson rose to fame as a teen idol, appearing in "One on One," "Ice Castles," and many other movies. Really, very well done! He formulated through his own research and reading; I think about watching Arnold squat and even seeing Ed Corney squatting. That very same year he made the leap, and started training for the Olympia, the biggest competition of his life. At the time, bodybuilderswere not well paidfrom competitions, and they needed all the help they could get. If not -- He'll be back! He was dominating the professional circuit, and it was only a matter of time before he went after the Olympia. What are your favorite sites? Wilkins: Please share with us five fun things that the fans don't know about you: Wilkins: Please describe your favorite vacation spot? I made enough money to buy a little home in Holland. Robbys arrival in California wasnt as welcoming as he thought. During the early 80's, looking for a new physical challenge, Lena turned to weight training and joined the same gym as her mom, who coincidently was one of the first woman bodybuilders in Norway. Although courageous, this stance eventually landed him a double-lifetime ban from the IFBB, and subsequent retirement. I mean, theyd run you out of the gym.. Required fields are marked *. Wilkins: If you were not involved in this industry, what do you think you would be doing? He has remained active in various ways, including as a personal trainer, lifestyle and bodybuilding coach, athlete, artist, and actor. I just kept working. United Natural Bodybuilding Association Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Robby Robinson, Nov. 19, 2016. I love the US and the opportunities available here. Lena: I would maybe do something that involves animals, because I just love them. Robby would get most of his protein sources from ground beef, steak, and eggs. Robby was born March 16, 1933 to Harmon and Norma (Norris) Robinson in Coshocton, Ohio, and was the oldest of three children. But the girls were sweet at the last two figure shows I did, so I'm not complaining. She was the daughter of Sue Hardin Russell of Willisburg and the late Charles Russell.. And he's got one of the largest collections of Hammond organs! I became certified last year and I totally fell in love with it. The main thing we learn from Robby is that you need to stand up for what you believe in, and dont be influenced by tradition. YOU CAN'T BREAK me down mentally; the only person who can break me down is myself. The couple first met in Paris while he was touring with his bandmates. If you practice the correct performance of the exercise, along with eating, supplementation, and rest, you can develop a great physique. Robinson kept pushing forward, relentlessly training in the hope that the seizures would pass butthey didnt. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 4:00pm at Life Fellowship of Frederick. For the Masters Mr. Olympia, I knew that if I could go in there and get myself in great shape, that whatever competitorswhatever racism, discrimination was thereI thought my physique could take it down, and it did. Atjust 12 years old Robby discoveredJack La Lanne, a fitness icon of the time that inspired himto start exercising. I just didnt pay any attention to it. In 2001-02, he led the . Wilkins: I'm sure it must have been a huge culture shock coming from Norway to the bright lights of Los Angeles, California. You know, out there in that world at that point at that time, those doors were just not open. "Robby Robinson. The oral history series is running across Hearst magazine, newspaper, and television websites around Juneteenth 2021. Accompanying me to this important meeting was Robby Robinson's former wife, Ramine (who also is Norwegian). Bodybuilding legend Robby Robinson is one of the greatest bodybuilders to have ever graced the bodybuilding stage. We ended up getting $100.00 a day but not before more racial slurs of nigger-nigger were leveled at me for speaking up for myself and the rest of the guys., What the fans and media dont know is we all then signed $10,000.00 contracts with White Mountain Film Company and Arnold. He had noticed Robinsonssculpted 20-inch arms and tight29-inch waist. Sergio Oliva was there years ahead of him. I try my best to interact with my fans by answering their questions and posting my photos. This has been an effective way to increase the muscle growth process. Me being in great shape put him in a bad light and a bad attitude. Robby joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953, and met his beautiful bride and wife of 63 years, Ginny (Wachob) Robinson, while stationed at Orlando Air Force Base. You have to go in there and make life, whatever life you want, all on your own. At 75, Legendary Bodybuilder Robby Robinson Is Only Getting Stronger, The Best Gifts for New Moms for Mothers Day, National Association of Black Journalists, The National Caucus & Center on Black Aging. I think that's the least thing I can do for my fans and it's good for my business as well. To gain acceptance, heset Robbya task, something that would push The Black Prince to hisabsolutelimit. Hed eventually return to the U. S. in 1994, winning the first-ever Masters Mr. Olympia, for athletes over 40, and then two more Masters titles in his 50s. Now, you might not believe it, but that saved my life. Over there, I was treated completely differently. He became more active in the industry in numerous ways, as a coach, writer, personal trainer and actor. About ten minutes into the conversation, the guy breaks down. The couple was married in 1967. At your age, if you train carefully, and are strict with your food intake, you can produce exceptional results without the use if risky performance enhancers. Its not perfect; it didnt make you any promises. I've only seen it once myself and I've heard there are different versions of it. Roberson, 50, and his wife, 46, could each have faced up to 20 years in prison if convicted on charges of child rape and molestation. Joe has always been sweet to me and I will always be thankful for that! Many in black bodybuilding community supportedRobinson. He is . Wilkins: Have you ever considered judging? He grew up in a time of racism and poverty, and from an early age,Robinson had the odds stacked up against him. Believe me, you will see the results! I told my Mom, "Don't worry - I'll be back in a few months." Men's BB I always liked Flex Wheeler's physique the best followed by Shawn Ray. The fact remains that he made an impact by promoting me and making a positive statement.. Greatest Physiques is the number 1 destination for the best looking bodies on the planet. Robby knew it was a hazardous decision, but he felt his willpower and genetics would see him through. Back in those days, if you didnt squat, they laughed you out of the gym, guy. But outside of that have, I dont know him as a person, there were too many, I would say, negative encounters.. We always appreciate positive comments on Greatest Physiques. Lena: Women's BB has gone though a LOT of criteria changes. Well organized, thorough background, histories & bios, and the images are big & clear. Robby saw how some bodybuilders were being treated in the industry and made sure his voice was heard. Lena: Today I can't live off sponsors and actually don't have any cash coming in from any company. Donald A. I was very fortunate to be signed by Weider nutrition/publication that made it possible for me to make a living from my sport while living in LA. At nine years old, Lena was a competitive swimmer and focused on this activity until age 16.