GBN Bodybuilder of the Week "Tom Platz"
 

Tom Platz is one of the most sought after guest speakers in the world of bodybuilding, nutrition and general fitness. He is currently a Professor and Director of Bodybuilding Sciences at ISSA. Tom has a Masters in Fitness Science, Bachelors in Science Physiology and Nutrition from Wayne State University and Michigan State University, and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of California.

Tom Platz retired from professional bodybuilding competition in 1987 and did a 'Comeback' in 1995 when he was awarded Honorary Mr. America. He still promotes the sport wholeheartedly. Tom says, "I just want to give back to the sport I love which has been really great to me." He is truly a legend in the fitness and bodybuilding industry.

Probably no one in bodybuilding is as associated with a bodypartas much as Tom "Legs" Platz. In his early contests, whatever his overall placing, he frequently won the best legs subdivision.

Born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Platz began competing on June 23, 1974, in Erie, Pennsylvania, placing second at the Mr. Teen USA.


In the summer of 1978, Platz moved to California and got a job handing out towels on the beach, so he could train for the Mr. America in September. He won best legs and placed second in the short class, but he was also selected to compete in the World Amateur Championships in Acapulco, where he won the middleweight class and gained his pro card.

Platz's IFBB pro debut was October 7, 1979, in Columbus, Ohio, in the under-200-pound class at the then two-tiered Mr. Olympia; he placed eighth. Platz's best IFBB placings were second at the 1980 Pro Universe in Columbus, Ohio, and third place at the 1981 Mr. Olympia. Shortly after that, he injured his right biceps, neglected to have it treated immediately and, after four more pro events, retired from competition, following his sixth-place finish at the Detroit Pro Invitational in 1987. His total IFBB run was a dozen contests.

Tom Platz's leg development was peerless in his day and has not yet been surpassed. Perhaps his greatest achievement is that he remains the first gentleman of bodybuilding. Today, he lives in Southern California, where he runs a fitness consultation business with his wife, Cha.

Bodybuilding Titles Won

1995 Honorary Mr. America - AAU
1987 Detroit Pro Invitational - IFBB, 6th
1986 Mr. Olympia - IFBB, 11th
1985 Mr. Olympia - IFBB, 7th
1984 Mr. Olympia - IFBB, 9th
1982 Mr. Olympia - IFBB, 6th
1981 Mr. Olympia - IFBB, 3rd
1980 World Pro Championships - IFBB, Mr. Universe
1980 Mr. Olympia - IFBB, 8th
1980 Night of Champions - IFBB, 12th
1979 Mr. Olympia - IFBB, 8th Place
1978 World Amateur Championships - IFBB Mr. Universe
1978 Mr. America - AAU, Short, 2nd
1977 Mr. Southeastern USA - AAU
1977 Mr. America - AAU, Short, 2nd
1976 Mr. America - AAU, Short, 3rd
1975 Mr. Michigan - AAU
1974 Junior & Senior State Powerlifting Championships - AAU, 220 Class Champ
1974 Teen Mr. America - AAU, 2nd
1973 Mr. Adonis - AAU
1973 Mr. Ironman – AAU