Merely because a bodybuilder is petite doesn’t imply they can’t conquer giants!
Bodybuilding emphasizes the bulk and contour of an individual’s muscles. Even though the musculature aims to appear incredibly large, a contender of shorter stature can still dominate. Indeed, numerous shorter stature bodybuilders have outshone much taller opponents on stage.
The discussion about height in bodybuilding spans multiple decades. Arnold Schwarzenegger was 6-foot-2 and Lou Ferrigno towered at 6-foot-5 on stage. Nonetheless, this did not hinder the successes of 5-foot-9 Frank Zane or the remarkable 5-foot-5 Franco Columbu, whom we will discuss in detail shortly.
Bodybuilding history is replete with epic stage battles across numerous global contests. The phrase “giant killers” was coined for the shorter athletes who emerged as some of the finest bodybuilders ever. Recently, Shaun Clarida has been identified as the contemporary giant slayer.
Franco Columbu (5 ft, 5 in)
Franco Columbu’s journey to triumph was arduous. Hailing from Italy, Columbu arrived in America, initially working as a bricklayer before making waves in the fitness realm. He became not only a legendary bodybuilder but also competed in Strongman events.
Columbu secured the Olympia title twice in his career, in 1976 and 1981. Moreover, in 1977, he participated in the inaugural World’s Strongest Man competition. To date, Columbu is one of only three bodybuilders to earn multiple Olympias non-sequentially. He was a close companion of Schwarzenegger and faced many larger adversaries without trouble dominating.
Lee Priest (5 ft, 4 in)
Winning his debut competition at just 13 years old foreshadowed a prosperous career ahead for Lee Priest, who developed an astonishing physique early in life.
Originating from Australia, Priest had bodybuilding in his lineage, as his mother also competed. He made his professional debut at 20, quickly catching attention. Throughout his career, he competed in the Olympia six times, securing three sixth-place finishes. Among others, he outperformed the likes of Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Flex Wheeler, Dexter Jackson, and Chris Cormier.
Priest captured three IFBB titles before departing from the federation in 2004. He continued competing, amassing three additional titles elsewhere, including the 2013 NABBA Mr. Universe honor. At his peak, Priest boasted one of the most aesthetically pleasing physiques in bodybuilding.
Mohammed Benaziza (5 ft, 3 in)
In 1987, Mohammed Benaziza triumphed in the Lightweight World Championships weighing just 154 pounds. After turning professional, he gained 30 pounds of muscle. Despite his smaller frame, this additional bulk enabled Benaziza to compete with some of the giants in the sport.
Benaziza’s notable fifth-place finish at the 1989 Olympia ignited an extraordinary streak. In 1990, he won titles at six events and added two more victories in 1992. That same year, he secured second place at the Arnold Classic and fifth at the Olympia. Significantly, Benaziza defeated Ronnie Coleman in Coleman’s rookie year and was one of only two competitors to best Dorian Yates.
Tragically, Benaziza passed away in 1992 following his last career victory, succumbing to severe dehydration. His career remains one of the most illustrious among giant slayers.
Shaun Clarida (5 ft, 2 in)
Though not towering in height, Shaun Clarida possesses one of the most impressive work ethics and hearts in bodybuilding.
Standing at 5-foot-2, Clarida began his bodybuilding journey as a bantamweight. In 2006, he clinched an overall natural world championship in this division. By 2012, he moved to the NPC and won Nationals in the bantam class, turning professional two years later.
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Clarida swiftly packed on remarkable muscle mass, displaying conditioning on par with any other competitor. He rose to become one of the top 212 bodybuilders, clinching the 2020 Olympia title. Though Derek Lunsford dethroned him the next year, Clarida regained his title in 2022, only to lose it again in 2023.
Despite these shifts, Clarida made a temporary foray into Men’s Open.
following the 2021 Olympia and clinching victory at the Legion Sports Fest weighing 175 pounds, his moniker “The Giant Killer” has a justified origin.
Clarida couldn’t participate in both the 212 and Men’s Open categories at the Olympia, necessitating a choice. Now, having reclaimed his 212 title, there’s potential for him to transition to Men’s Open on bodybuilding’s premier stage.
Danny Padilla (5 ft, 2 in)
Gaining the nickname “The Giant Killer” early in his career, Danny Padilla crafted an outstanding physique marked by exceptional symmetry and conditioning.
In 1975, Padilla captured the Mr. USA title. Two years later, he reached new heights by securing the Mr. America and Mr. Universe titles. During his three-year tenure in the IFBB Pro League, he faced off against top contenders, including defeating Mike Mentzer in his rookie year. Though he never won a show, Padilla enjoyed a successful career, finishing in the top five in 15 out of 24 Open events.
At the 1981 Olympia, Padilla secured fifth place in what many consider a contentious decision. Weighing 160 pounds, he appeared in peak condition, with many pundits believing he showcased the best physique on stage. Even after departing the IFBB, he continued to compete successfully against larger opponents.
Ed Theriault (5 ft, 1 in)
Honoring the trailblazers is essential. Ed Theriault, dubbed “The Little Giant,” began his bodybuilding journey before the sport truly rose in popularity, crafting an incredible build at just 5-foot-1.
Throughout his career, Theriault emerged as a prominent bodybuilder and fitness model, earning the overall title at the 1949 IFBB Mr. Canada competition. He also triumphed in the shorter classes at the 1950 Mr. America and 1959 Mr. Universe contests.
Theriault became Joe Weider’s first employee, gracing the cover of Weider magazine 14 times between 1941 and 1962. Renowned for his well-balanced physique, he impressed many with the remarkable thickness of his legs.
Giant Killers Wrap Up
In conclusion, these bodybuilders prove that one needn’t tower over the competition to dominate; it’s all about being the best. What are your thoughts?
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