Mike Matarazzo

Michael Richard Matarazzo (8 November 1965 to 16 August 2014) was an American IFBB professional bodybuilder, originally from Boston, Massachusetts. He took up boxing after being inspired by Rocky, then turned to bodybuilding and won the first contest he entered, the 1989 Gold's Gym Classic. After moving to Venice, California, in 1991 he won the USA Championships that year over the favourite Flex Wheeler, as well as Ronnie Coleman and Chris Cormier, in only his second contest, which earned him the right to turn pro at 25. He was known mainly for his massive arms and calves and made seven appearances at the Mr. Olympia, his best placing being ninth in 1998. His last professional event was the 2001 Mr. Olympia, where he placed 21st. He retired after open heart surgery in December 2004 and died on 16 August 2014 while awaiting a heart transplant.