Shigeru Sugita was considered one of the most influential sportsmen in his field and won the Mr Universe title in 1976 – the year before Arnold Schwarzenegger won the same competition himself
Shigeru Sugita – Japan’s ‘only bodybuilding champion’ – had passed away aged 78(Image: Shigeru Sugita/Facebook)
A champion bodybuilder known as ‘Mr Japan’ who gained international plaudits for his muscles and even earned the envy of Arnold Schwarzenegger has died aged 78.
Shigeru Sugita, who was considered one of the most influential sportsmen in his field, caught the attention of Schwarzenegger, arguably the world’s most famous bodybuilder, when he was asked what the secret to his enviable calves were. Mr Sugita reportedly said, ‘there’s nothing to explain. I was born with these calves’ which allegedly left Schwarzenegger speechless.
Mr Sugita – ‘Japan’s only bodybuilding champion’ – is believed to have passed away from natural causes on April 13 and was buried the next day.
Mr Sugita – ‘Japan’s only bodybuilding champion’ – is believed to have passed away from natural causes on April 13 and was buried the next day.Mr Sugita – ‘Japan’s only bodybuilding champion’ – is believed to have passed away from natural causes on April 13 and was buried the next day.
