Throughout this past year, we’ve shared the news far too often of great names in the bodybuilding community that has died. Anytime we hear of another fitness icon that has passed, it seems to tear away a piece of us that just can’t be replaced. While there are many people in the industry as of late, calling for changes to the way bodybuilders are going to unsafe extremes in search of a bigger, leaner, freakier physique, we just want to take a moment to pay our respects to those that have touched our lives in a special way.
Michael “Big Kentucky” Thier, was many things to many people. Known as a Bodybuilder, a Soldier, a Friend, a Mentor, and someone who had a direct impact on so many lives in and out of the Fitness and Bodybuilding Industry. At 50 years of age, Michael died at Hospice Fredericton on February 21, 2021. We remember Mike as a veteran from the wars he served in (Bosnia 1996 and 1999, UN Mission Ethiopia) who proudly wore his uniform of the Canadian Armed Forces serving our country, as well as an accomplished bodybuilder. Of special note was in 2013 at the Atlantic Classic Championships, where he captured the Heavyweight title and later on competed at the 2018 Atlantic Classic Championships. He was then a special invitee of the 2nd Gladiator Showdown, placing 3rd in the Super Heavyweight Division. Not only was he a loyal and committed soldier in the trenches, he was also a loyal and devoted bodybuilder to our sport, contributing and supporting it through bursaries, donations, and giving back to the sport in so many ways.
Richard “Dustin” Cosman, Contest Prep Coach and founder of Full Force Fitness, based out of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away on January 1st, 2021. Known in the Canadian Bodybuilding industry as a national competitor and contest-prep coach, Dustin was responsible for coaching and guiding countless clients to reach their fitness goals, which resulted in many trophies and awards in recognition of his client’s achievements. Not only was Dusting regarded as an amazing coach, but also an outstanding competitor, earning an impressive 8 National Body Building Championship Titles. Sources close to Dustin say he wasn’t feeling well, decided to lie down, and passed away in his sleep.
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