By anyone's standards, Robby Robinson is a bodybuilding legend. Because of his longevity, professionalism, and his commitment to sport, any list of bodybuildings greatest athletes is sure to have his name on it.
Born on May 24, 1946, in Damascus Georgia, the "Black Prince" as he came to be known began displaying an affinity for athletics at an early age.
During his high school years, the young Robinson gave a preview of things to come when he excelled as a track star and football player. In fact, during his high-school years, Robby set numerous track and field records that have yet to be broken to this day.
After high school, Robinson went on to attend Florida A&M University on a track and field scholarship. While attending A&M, Robinson began resistance training with weights to improve his athletic performance. The results he obtained were nothing short of phenomenal.
After giving up track and field in favour of bodybuilding, Robinson began competing in as many amateur events as he could. "Bodybuilding is and will always be my life's passion" said Robinson, and it showed.
Thanks to Ron Avidan for the great pictures of Robby!
Left to right: Don Youngblood, Vince Taylor, John Hnydashack, Robby Robinson, Hans Hopstaken.
Robinson excelled as an amateur bodybuilder, competing in well over 300 contests before turning professional in 1975. Here is a listing of competitions Robinson appeared in during the professional Robinson era.
Competition Listing:
- 1974 AAU Mr. Southeastern USA
- 1975 AAU Mr. America (Most Muscular)
- 1975 AAU Mr. Florida
- 1975 IFBB Mr. America
- 1975 IFBB Mr. World
- 1975 IFBB Mr. World (Most Muscular)
- 1975 IFBB Mr. Universe (Medium)
- 1976 IFBB Mr. International
- 1976 IFBB Mr. Universe
- 1977 IFBB Mr. Olympia (Tall)
- 1978 IFBB Night of Champions
- 1978 IFBB Pro World Cup
- 1978 IFBB Mr. Olympia (Hvywt.)
- 1979 IFBB Pro Best in World
- 1979 IFBB New York Grand Prix
- 1979 IFBB Night of Champions
- 1979 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Invitational
- 1981 NABBA Pro Mr. Universe
- 1988 IFBB Niagara Falls Pro Invitational
- 1989 IFBB World Pro Championships
- 1991 IFBB Musclefest Grand Prix
- 1994 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia
- 1997 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia (50+)
- 1998 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia (50+)
- 1999 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia (50+)
- 2000 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia (50+)
- 2001 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia (50+)
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| For twenty-six years Robinson commanded respect and fear, and took the bodybuilding world by storm, winning almost every title known, including the Mr. America, Mr. World and Mr. Universe titles. |
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Robinson never won the coveted Mr. Olympia contest, but he did come close on two occasions.
After retiring from the professional circuit, Robinson made a comeback by entering the 1994 Masters Olympia competition. In the 1994 Masters Olympia, Robby placed first, and was the first to receive the coveted Masters Olympia crown. Most astonishingly, Robinson defeated such bodybuilding legends as Lou Ferrigno, and 1982 Mr. Olympia Chris Dickerson. Robby reigned as the undisputed Masters Olympia champion until 1999, and retired from competition for good in 2001.
During his competitive years, Robinson had a reputation for being introverted. He would seldom make his views known, but it was well known that he was a man of passion and opinion.
Since his retirement, many have solicited Robbys advice and perspective. Robinson now feels that he can communicate freely and speak his mind without reprisal from the Weider organization.
Over the years, he has been asked many times how he achieved the remarkable longevity and consistent quality for which he is famous. When asked this, Robby always replies "Bodybuilding is and will always be my life's passion. I've been blessed with substantial success over the years, and I attribute that to a burning desire to get to the next level and my undying passion for Bodybuilding."
It's Robbys passion and burning desire to achieve and excel that has made him a bodybuilding legend and cultural icon. Not only this, but he is an ambassador for the lifestyle and an inspiration to millions worldwide.
Currently, at age fifty-five, Robinson is more active than ever. After retiring from competitive bodybuilding, Robby launched a supplement line called UBT, and he now runs a successful website where he sells videos, clothing and other bodybuilding merchandise.
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Disclaimer
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Copyright © Clayton South, 2004 All rights reserved.
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