Every year, we report on the sad news of deaths in bodybuilding. This is without question our least favourite topic to cover, but these icons deserve to be remembered for the inspiration they provided, the lives they touched and how they helped shape the industry as we know it today. IFBB Pro bodybuilders get the most attention with fans when they pass away, but we also pay tribute to famous bodybuilding coaches, judges, contest promoters, photographers, journalists, and others who make up the fabric of the bodybuilding industry. Our thoughts always go out to their family, friends and fans.
Frank Calta
Frank Calta has passed away. Sources tell us the cause of death was complications from the virus COVID-19. Frank was very well known for his training methods, particularly his “rotation for recuperation, which influenced the likes of Mike Mentzer. It is said that Mentzer used the same rotation for recuperation split in his training. Frank was also very well known for his onstage presence. Both his physique and posing were ahead of their time and can be seen mirrored in today’s classic physique division in the CPA, NPC and the IFBB Pro League. Frank competed in the AAU during the first part of his career and later moved over to compete in the NPC, where his highest placing was 12th at the 1982 NPC Nationals in the Light-Heavyweight division. Throughout his career, Frank earned the titles of Mr. Pennsylvania (1976), Mr. Florida (1980) and Mr. North America. He was also on the cover of numerous magazines, including MuscleMag.
Canadian bodybuilding journalist Garry Bartlett had to say of the passing of Frank Calta:
"I am saddened to hear that Bodybuilder Frank Calta just passed away. Frank owned a popular gym in Tampa, Florida and pushed a training concept called "Rotation For Recuperation". His theory was popular back in the late 70's and 80's and we covered it extensively in Musclemag. Frank believed that most bodybuilders overtrained and his method worked on a three day a week program where each body part was trained three times in a two week rotation. I tried it myself and found it credible and a great way to train. I had the good fortunate of visiting Frank back in the early 80's resulting in a story on him for Ironman magazine. Hearing of Frank's passing brought me back to that special day when things seemed much simpler. Condolences to his friends and family." - Garry Bartlett
His good friend, Canadian bodybuilding champion John Robert Cardillo, had this to say:
“Frank was one of my bodybuilding mentors. As a young teenage aspiring bodybuilder, I travelled to Tampa, Florida to meet him. Frank owned several gyms and was also featured on covers of many magazines because he had just won the Mr. Florida. Upon meeting him, we became instant friends. He gave me the key to his gym in order for me to train at 6:00 am because his gym didn’t open until 9:00 am. We remained friends for over 30 years. RIP my friend.” - John Robert Cardillo
©Photos courtesy of Facebook.