- Our On-Site Arnold Classic Coverage
- XFL AND USFL ANNOUNCE INTENT TO MERGE
- Apparel, Subscriptions, Back & Single Issues
- Ammannomics Our 2023 Olympia Title Sponsor
- Gregg Valentino – Blocking All Estrogen is Bad / Best Liver Care Advice / Right Amount of Protein
- Springballers Daily USFL Updates
- Magzter Digital Version of MuscleSport Magazine
- mSm APP – Free Download
- Earning a Living in the Bodybuilding / Fitness Industry
- Three Instagram Live Shows Per Week
In Memory of MuscleSport Mag Staff Writer Steve Michalik
- Updated: May 28, 2012
The recent passing of legendary bodybuilder Steve Michalik at 63 really hit home for us here at MuscleSport Magazine. I rarely write an article in the first person (and actually detest that style of writing unless it is a personal account or column and feel that a true professional writer should never use it in a feature, likewise with referring to the subject by his first name), but I felt the need to make an exception in this instance. I suppose I can lean on the former ‘personal account’ to justify it to myself and the readers.
Michalik was one of the easiest people to speak to about the sport of bodybuilding and I felt honored when he accepted my invitation to be a guest on an episode of MuscleSport Radio back on June 6, 2009. Here is a direct link so you can hear for yourself the way that Michalik conducted himself as a professional with strong opinions, yet so friendly and informing:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/musclesport-mag/2009/06/09/musclesport-radio
MuscleSport Mag also became involved with Michalik as one of the official sponsors of the 2009 Mr. & Mrs. Jones Beach USA contest. Teaming up with Michalik was none other than Dan Lurie, who is a legend in his own right, to promote the outdoor event that conjured up memories of the old competitions on Muscle Beach in California. (https://www.musclesportmag.com/msm30/2009/08/08/mr-mrs-jones-beach-usa-contest-is-here/)
On that day, I had the pleasure of speaking one-on-one with both Michalik and Lurie and as a journalist, it was an incredible experience. Decades of bodybuilding history were mine for the taking and neither one of them rushed me one bit. They were both courteous and more than willing to answer any and all questions that I threw at them. It was certainly a day that I will never forget.
Following that, we forged a friendship that was more than just the proverbial ‘working relationship.’ I felt comfortable communicating with Steve, and was thrilled when he took up my offer to join our staff as a writer with the inaugural issue of our online magazine. His feature, “Mind Over Muscle,” was one of the highlights of our Fall 2009 edition:
https://www.musclesportmag.com/msm30/magazine/Main.php?MagID=1&MagNo=1
Sure, it is difficult when another legend of our industry leaves before it should be their time. Whatever the circumstances were surrounding Steve’s demise, I am choosing to remember him for what he was rather than what demons he was facing to cause him to commit suicide.
STEVE MICHALIK CONTEST HISTORY
1968 1971 Mr Apollo – AAU, Winner 1972 Mr America – AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd 1975 Mr Universe – NABBA, Tall, 1st 1980 Grand Prix Miami – IFBB, 4th 1981 Grand Prix California – IFBB, Did not place 1983 Grand Prix Denver – IFBB, 9th 1984 |
Pingback: Mind Over Muscle: The ‘Intensity/Insanity’ Training Method | Muscle Sport Magazine