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 By: David Robson The 1970s, regarded by many as bodybuilding's most celebrated and popular era, sparked world-wide interest in what, up until then, had largely been considered a worthwhile pursuit among a relatively small, but growing, group of enthusiasts. These enthusiasts contributed to what is known as the golden-era of bodybuilding (1940-1970) and effectively set the course for our champions of today. Following this golden-era period, the aforementioned 70s witnessed an intensification of bodybuilding popularity and the beginnings of a revolution, which showcased some of the finest physiques ever seen. This period, largely through increased media exposure and a world-wide adoption of the bodybuilding ideology of improved quality of life through physical excellence, the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno became household names. The 70s also produced Tom Platz, Ed Corney, Franco Columbo, Ken Waller, Frank Zane and countless others who have gone on to become movers and shakers of the fitness world. Among the many champions of the 70s, however, few have continued to train specifically for bodybuilding competition. A new generation of bodybuilder has arrived and has seemingly obviated the standard set in the 70s, with monstrously proportioned mass. However, one of the few bodybuilding survivors from the 70s is still training with a vengeance, and with a view toward competing at the upcoming Masters Mr. Olympia. His love for the sport of bodybuilding, and passion for life, is an inspiration to us all. His name is Danny, Giant Killer, Padilla, and I had been granted the pleasure of talking to him. A true bodybuilding legend, Danny, 53, won his hometown Mr. Rochester competition at the age of 17, going on to win the Mr. USA in 1975 and both Mr. America and Mr. Universe in 1977. He achieved the greatest shape of his life at the 1981 Mr. Olympia where he placed 5th. A credible 3rd placing at the 1991 Night of the Champions, against a solid field, cemented his place as one of the most persistently hard working champions of all time. Danny feels bodybuilding has been good to him and now intends to compete in this years Masters Olympia to show the world what can be accomplished with dedication and perseverance. Throughout his career, Danny has trained for the personal enjoyment it brings, and for the thrill of victory. "I love the sport and would like to encourage todays youth to become involved in bodybuilding," Danny said. Known for his balanced size, Danny is thought to have been one of the most "complete" bodybuilders of all time, with his arms and calves, not out of balance with the rest of his body, being the envy of the sport. The symmetry is still there. The size is still there. So come the Masters Olympia, the Giant Killer will be ready to strike. Watch out.
[ Q ] Sounds great. How do you plan on preparing for the Masters Olympia? Will you be doing anything differently compared to recent years?
[ Q ] What do you weight now and what bodyweight do you plan on coming in at, at this years Masters?
[ Q ] How often do you train and what training methods do you employ?
[ Q ] How does your pre-contest diet differ from your off-season diet? What types of foods do you eat and what supplements do you take (if any)?
I use all of their products which include protein powders and their recovery drink called Recoverx which I use 3 times a day. I use another product called Profusion which is a milk protein combination. I like it as it gives me good results. The Protein drinks I'll do 2-3 times a day to help me gain some weight. I usually use these with a lactose free non-fat milk and a little frozen yoghurt. [ Q ] Just wanting to take you back a bit now Danny. When you were young, did you want to be a bodybuilder right from the beginning or did you have other plans?
I looked at my Dad and said Pops, I want to be like these guys. He then pulled me by the ears and said, yeah come on Son, let's keep going. So eventually I pulled it off and here I am. [ Q ] When you won the Universe and America back in 1977 you were clearly dedicated and devoted to developing one of the most balanced physiques the world has seen. Do you have the same level of dedication to building you physique today?
You would think that I was getting ready for the 1977 Mr. America again because I am training like this is the biggest show of my life. It is pretty hard, I mean I am 53 years old now and its hard to get rid of the body fat, but you just have to train a little harder to get into any kind of shape. The bottom line reason for continuing to train hard is I love the sport. [ Q ] Other than your desire to compete in the Masters Olympia, what other goals do you have in life Danny?
I would eventually like to write a book on bodybuilding and some of the bodybuilding experiences that I have had. I want to be able to pass this knowledge and history on to all bodybuilding fans and people who just like to read about bodybuilding. [ Q ] When was the last time you competed Danny? How did you do?
[ Q ] If your last contest was in 1991, this means you had competed for 22 years. What has been the highlight of your competitive bodybuilding career so far? Why?
This was an extremely close finish with five different judges voting for a different person to be #1. It was another year of the comebacks, which some people thought the contest was staged from the start. The judges were Dominic Certo (USA), Doug Evans (Wales), Winston Roberts (Canada), Franco Fassi (Italy), Jim Manion (USA), Jacques Blommaert (Belgium), and Sven-Ole Thorsen (Denmark).
From getbig.com. Also at the NOC I scored a perfect score of 300 and lost to Robbie Robinson that was of course a highlight to me because I got a standing ovation after my posing routine. Even though I lost, a lot of people know that I could have won that show, so those were two great experiences for me. [ Q ] What would be the low-light or the worst experience of your career?
We flew all the way to South Africa and did the photo shoots. I got to see Arnold, Louie and the rest of the guys at this time. It was all understood that Robbie would be the Middle-Weight, Mike Katz and Ken Waller would both pose down for the Heavy-Weight in South Africa, and I would be the Light-Weight.
After being denied, I decided to go on Portugal�s team. It was funny, I would never forget, Oscar State said to me, �I thought you were on America�s team.� I said no, America doesn�t want me and Portugal didn�t have a lightweight on their team so why can�t I compete. My Mom was born in Spain and my Dad in Puerto Rico, they had to go by Portugal somewhere along the line. Oscar�s statement to me was that so crazy �I gotta let you in�. So they let me in and unfortunately for me I was on stage looking magnificent and I was in the final round, there was a protest which led to me being disqualified. The only conclusion I came to was because it was an embarrassment to the IFBB, how are you going to explain to everyone if Danny wins for Portugal. After seeing me, the other countries I think were afraid of me so it as a good excuse to protest and get them to throw me out and that is what happened. That was how I ended up in the middle of South Africa talking to Arnold during Pumping Iron, seemingly appearing out of know where on the tape. He had come up to me and asked if I was ok, I said yeah and we just started talking about Franco and Ed Corney doing their routines. I was initially in a lot of Pumping Iron and was taking out of it I guess, because of what happened. I was under the impression that Pumping Iron would have shown what I had gone through because it was filmed. But I don't think the IFBB wanted it to be seen because it was kind of embarrassing. I mean the IFBB is a great organization but again, how do you explain what happened to Dan Padilla � life goes on you know. [ Q ] Wow, talk about controversy, and quick thinking. What drives you to be the best bodybuilder you can be?
[ Q ] What hobbies and interests, other than bodybuilding, do you have?
[ Q ] In the 70s, when you were among the best bodybuilders in the world, who did you class as being a truly great bodybuilder? Why?
[ Q ] Were things really different back in the 70s in terms of bodybuilding? In what way?
Back then we did it for the love of the sport. Yeah, we made money but nothing compared to what guys get today. So I guess that's why it�s more cut throat than it was then. Also, it was little more fun. Now the guys are bigger, maybe even better than we were, but some of the physiques are kind of ugly. It�s just part of the era, these guys are huge, cut up with big guts, just a new era with bodybuilding and part of what is going on with bodybuilding today. [ Q ] The physiques certainly have changed. Who do you consider to be the best bodybuilder competing today? Why?
[ Q ] Who in terms of bodybuilding served to inspire you when you were first starting out? Why?
[ Q ] In your opinion, what are the main benefits of adhering to a bodybuilding program?
Yeah, I have had some off-time due to open heart surgery but I recovered quickly because I was in good condition. I had good muscle tone. [ Q ] These sound like excellent reasons for beginning a bodybuilding program. What advice would you give someone starting up in bodybuilding?
You are better off building your body with the basic exercises (squats, benches, rows, dead lifts) to try and build your strength while making sure you build a complete body. Also, don�t take your entire life and surround it with bodybuilding. Theres family and education, which are both very important. [ Q ] Excellent advice Danny. Where are you living at the moment? What is the bodybuilding scene like there?
[ Q ] Is there anything further you would like to add?
The only cost to join is one buck. I am training and supporting myself and so anytime you join is a buck. This will go toward my supplement and training expenses and that�s all I�ll say about that. [ Q ] Thank you very much for your time Danny. All the best.
For more info on Danny, check out http://www.originalgiantkiller.com. More Pics:
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