Strange But True: Benfatto Returns

[deetrakt]

I just read on GetBig that Francis Benfatto is returning to pro competition at the age of 47 after a 12-year retirement! And not as a Masters competitor either. He was invited to and plans to compete at the Ironman Pro this February.

Here's the press release:

www.getbig.com/news/2005-04/120505benfatto.htm

This should be interesting. Can anyone recall a comeback after this many years away from competition?

(I'll include a couple of beachy shots--old and new--in the Muscle Beach thread in Photos and Images in tomorrow's post.)

[beeflover2001]

From the press release:

Benfatto says his retirement was due to a number of reasons, primarily fatigue. "I was exhausted with competitions and also becoming quite disillusioned with the way bodybuilding was going. There appeared to be less emphasis on symmetry and proportion and more attention paid to size and weight. That was not the type of competition I lived and trained for and that led to such disappointment that I knew the time had come to take a break."

But isn't the emphasis on size and mass even worse now? Those pro bodybuilders are on so many chemicals that they've all got 'roid guts now. Is there even a place for someone with symmetry and proportion?

[Mdlftr]

Good point. Still, Benfatto would probably win any kind of survey you'd care to give as a bb'r who embodies great size, shape, proportion and sheer presence! He's always popular on the fan sites, along with classic look guys like Frank Zane or Steve Reeves.

It's a different taste, to be sure, but I think his 'look' is more accessible to more of the general public.

I, personally find 'roid guts, shaved heads/supershort hair, swollen, red faces and the "I'm as wide as I am tall" look a real turn off. Beat it, Coleman! See ya, Markus Ruhl! Don't let the door hit you on the butt on your way out, Cutler! Blood pressure meds being given out in Room 5!

One thing a sport has to have to attract an audience is self-identification. The audience has to WANT TO BE the athlete! Before you scoff, how many of you are wearing pro football jerseys that have someone's name (not your own) on the back? Case in point!

Admit it--you might like to try being Coleman or Ruhl for a day or a month, but for lifelong living, a Benfatto body would last longer!

(any and all puns, hidden and secondary meanings intended!)

Mdlftr

[BIGPECS]

I Think Albert Beckles Made A Return A While Back And Did Pretty Good And He Didnt Do Masters Either.....huge Muscle Bellies ...amazing Physique And I Think He Was In His Fifties ..

[johntlewis]

[johntlewis]

[Lifter73]

Originally Posted by johntlewis

A different but still great physique....especially for his age!

It must be the pose, but it looks as if he could use some more pectoral development/size. Too flat in comparison to the rest of his huge thick physique. How tall is this guy anyway?

And yes, it looks like he has visited the GH/Insulin House, but what pro hasn't? It is the price of admission to compete at this level.

I wish him luck!

[Bull]

Yeah, it looks like there is something going on with his right pec. I wonder if he tore it. If so, his returning to competition is a waste of time, as symmetry was always his strong suit.

[DaBigGuy1]

Originally Posted by Bull

Yeah, it looks like there is something going on with his right pec. I wonder if he tore it. If so, his returning to competition is a waste of time, as symmetry was always his strong suit.

Exactly.

Yes, I had read something about Benfatto having suffered a pec injury some time ago that left his pec disfigured. And although much larger now that when he was competing in the past (At the '91 Olympia, he was 78 kilograms [172 pounds], but at the 2006 Australian Grand Prix, he was about 90 kilograms [198 1/2 pounds] at prejudging and 92 kilograms [almost 203 pounds] at the evening show) the chest will prove to be a liability for him in his placings.

I myself loved his physique..the epitome of muscle and symmetry.

Ron III---III

[mutador]

The man looks gorgeous and thick as hell!
I don't know if it's roids or great genetics or both but he's got something to be proud of