The decade of 1960 saw a significant change in the evolution of bodybuilding. It was the decade of progress. On every aspect bodybuilding and the standard of the physique was pushed to a higher level than what many of the time thought was possible. The 60’s saw significant advancements in training, diet and of course the introduction of dianabol to many (but not all) of the stars of the period. There is no question that the use of this muscle builder wonder drug had a profound impact on the size and quality of the physiques. I don’t wish to dwell on this aspect of the sport, nor do I want to speculate and pass judgement on which athletes are enhanced and which are not. However, I would be naïve not to acknowledge the wider spread use of this bodybuilding wonder drug DURING THIS TIME.
Now for the stars. I have selected twelve of the elite. Some had established themselves during the prior decade and concreted their stardom in the 60’s. Others used the decade to establish their greatness. Whilst others showed signs of greater things to come but had impacted the sport non the less. Obviously, I am only focused on the 60’s, so any accomplishments outside this period will not come into consideration. Thus, those that had a presence throughout the decade will be more prominently placed than those that don’t.
I will base judgment and selection on the overall muscular development, symmetry, balance and size of each physique. Due consideration will also be placed on competition results, marketability and magazine presence. Obviously, personal preference always comes into play but I will endeavor to be as impartial as one possibly can be.
Now for the elite 12 that have made the cut for judgement:
Reg Park (6 ft 1 in - 220 lbs)
Reg Park is an immortal of bodybuilding and for good reason. He was the first super physique star of the ‘60s. He started competing in 1946 and won his first title in 1949 the Mr Britain competition. He would win the Mr Universe NABBA in 1951 and the Universe Pro NABBA in 1958. During the decade of investigation Reg would compete only once winning the 1965 NABBA Pro Universe. Reg beat out the highly credentialled Paul Wynter. Park was also renowned for his strength, which he often demonstrated in contests and strongman exhibitions. He was also one of the first men to bench press 500 lbs. No one could rival Reg in the early ‘60s. He developed muscle size not seen before him, with sharp definition and intense muscularity. He was the start of the new era of bodybuilding. Reg graced the cover of many bodybuilding magazines during the 60’s (most prominently the UK published Health & Strength) and his opinions and training strategies graced their pages as an inspiration to the readers.
Bill Pearl (5 ft 9 in - 200 lbs)
Another immortal of bodybuilding is the legendary Bill Pearl. Bill registered the same impact on American bodybuilding as Reg had in Britain. Bill set a new goal for bodybuilders to shoot for – excellent overall proportions, massive chest and arm volume with a small, shapely muscle waist. He had a lower body that matched, with full rounded thighs and calves with a density, depth and thickness not seen before. Bill started competing in 1952 and won his first major titles in 1953 (1953 AAU Mr America and 1953 NABBA Mr Universe). He would win all but one contest he entered between 1953 and 1971. Jack Delinger defeated Pearl in the 1956 NABBA Pro Mr Universe. Bill competed twice in the 1960’s winning the 1961 NABBA Pro Universe and the 1967 NABBA Pro Universe. In 1961 Bill accounted for the challengers of both Earl Maynard and Len Sell. Both Prominent musclemen of the era. With these victories Bill was evaluated as one of the greatest ever bodybuilders of the time. In 1967, at the age of 36, Bill was in his best ever condition bringing the house down with his superb display of muscular posing and great showmanship. Bill graced the covers of every major muscle magazine of the decade and was featured even more.
Chuck sipes (5 ft 9 in - 220 lbs)
Chuck Sipes was a mainstay of the ‘60s and was billed as “The Prince of Bodybuilders”. He competed throughout the decade and always presented at a high standard. I personally think Chuck developed a physique during the ‘60s that set the standard for the decade. Chuck won the 1960 IFBB Universe, the 1967 NABBA World Championships and the 1968 IFBB Mr World. He also competed in the 1966 and 1967 Mr Olympia competitions, placing 3rd and 2nd respectfully. Chuck had an incredibly muscled physique. He built massive arms, shoulders, chest and legs whilst still holding an incredibly small waist with abs that were not equaled during this time. Chuck featured in many of Weider’s magazines during the period and was clearly one of the premier bodybuilders of the decade.
Larry Scott (5 ft 7 in - 205 lbs)
Larry was the glamour boy of the decade. His physique was a mixture of maximum muscular development combined with sheer beauty of form. At his best he had everything required and expected of a muscle star. He was able to exploit the development of massive muscular arms without neglecting any other part of his body. He began training at age 16 and won the Mr. Idaho competition in 1959 at age 20. After moving to California, he promptly won the 1960 AAU Mr California, the 1961 AAU Mr Pacific Coast, the 1962 IFBB Mr America, and the 1964 IFBB Mr Universe. When Joe Weider created the IFBB‘s Mr. Olympia title, Scott won the first two contests in 1965 and 1966. During this time period he beat such notable muscle stars as Rock Stonewell, Harold Poole, Earl Maynard, Chuck Sipes and Sergio Oliva. Larry was Weider’s key promotional tool during the mid-60s and appeared on many magazine covers during this period.
Harold poole (6 ft 0 in - 220 lbs)
Harold Poole began as a teenage marvel in the early ‘60s and his immense potential was clearly evident to all from the very beginning. He evolved year on year finally reaching the epitome of muscular development to the point that there were very few that could compare to his peak. He had a depth of muscle that was unmatched. His trapezius, deltoids, arms and chest were beyond belief and it was strongly supported by a powerful lower body. Harold was very active throughout the decade and competed in every year with the exception of 1969. If he wasn’t winning events, he was collecting the most muscular award as a consolation to bias judging. He won the 1963 IFBB Mr Universe and the 1964 IFBB Mr America. Taking the scalps of such bodybuilders as Larry Scott, Chester Yorton, Don Howorth, Hugo Labra, Freddy Ortiz and Joe Nista with these two victories. He competed in the first two Mr Olympia’s taking second to Larry Scott in both events. He conceded that Larry had his measure in 1965 but was considered unlucky in 1966. The contest was so close that it has been said that Harold had initially had the judges vote but after 20 minutes of consideration the crown was finally awarded to Larry Scott. Chuck Sipes and Sergio Oliva come in third and fourth respectively. He competed again the following year finishing third to Sergio Oliva. After this result Harold would jump to the WBBG federation established by Dan Laurie and win the 1967 and 1968 Pro Mr America. He wasn’t marketed by the Weiders in their magazines to the extent of his abilities appearing only on four covers of Muscle Builder.
Dave Draper (6 ft 0 in - 225 lbs)
Like Larry Scott, Dave Draper, with this All-American good looks was able to cast a spell over his audience. He was most definitely one of the greats of his period. Drapers’ arms were amongst the most spectacular of his time. That said, they complemented his overall package and sat in harmony with the rest of perfectly sculped body. He was able to be well defined whilst retaining a high level of mass. Dave Draper entered and won his first competition in 1963. Shortly after he was employed by the Weider’s for the remainder of the decade. This gave him significant exposure within the Weider magazine publications. He would be a constant on the cover of both Muscle Builder and Mr America publications. Draper competed four times in the decade. Winning his debut in 1963 and then following that up with prestigious victories in the 1965 IFBB Mr America and the 1966 IFBB Mr Universe. His only defeat come in the 1967 Mr Olympia contest. He finished behind all other competitors – Sergio Oliva, Chuck Sipes and Harold Poole.
Sergio Oliva (5 ft 10 in - 225 lbs)
Genetics is spoken of widely in bodybuilding and based on genetics Sergio Oliva is a class above. Possibly his physique could be considered the most spectacular of all before him. He had a big chest, tiny tapered waist and swelling thighs. His dramatic size and proportions were hard to match when at his best. His hardness of muscle was his challenge and he lagged behind Poole and Sipes, but most did. Sergio entered and won the first two competitions he entered. The 1963 Mr Chicago and the 1964 Mr Illinois. His first major competition was the 1964 AAU Mr America which was won by Val Vasilieff. Sergio would finish seventh in this competition and third in the most muscular award. Peary Rader in his September 1964 edition of IronMan commented ‘We would say that Sergio Oliva is one of the most muscular men we have ever seen, yet it is not his muscularity which impresses us so much as his unusual shape. His shoulders are very, very broad and tremendously muscled, and he tapers down to an unbelievably small waist. His legs are very outstanding as are his arms. One of his back poses is just unbelievable. He has a physique which is sure to win him the top titles in the world.’ So a lot like Poole, Sergio’s results initially didn’t reflect the true quality of his physique. He would continue to compete in the AAU in 1965 and 1966 winning the 1966 Junior Mr America and placing second in the 1966 AAU Mr America. Winning the Most Muscular ‘consolation prize’ in every competition he entered during this time. Rader would continue to speak the praises of Olvia in his publications providing his unbiased view. It wasn’t until Sergio switched the IFBB that his competition luck began to change. After placing fourth in the 1966 Mr Olympia he would go undefeated for the remainder of the decade winning the 1966 IFBB Mr World, 1967 IFBB Mr Universe, and three consecutive Mr Olympia’s in 1967, 1968 and 1969. In doing so he would overcome challengers by Chuck Sipes, Harold Poole, Dave Draper, Frank Zane, Rick Wayne and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He would go on to grace the covers of many of Weider’s publication in the later part of the decade.
Boer Coe (5 ft 9 in - 215 lbs)
Boyer Coe made his impact at the back end of the decade. His development was exceptional, especially his lower body. His one area of improvement was his lack of completeness in the development of his midsection. Boyer started competing in 1964 finishing second at the AAU Mr Texas. He would go on to win that competition in 1965. As well as placing second behind Dennis Tinerino at the AAU Teen Mr America. Coe would remain active during this period and would win his first major title in 1968 the AAU Junior Mr USA and follow that up in 1969 winning the AAU Mr America, the AAU Junior Mr America and the NABBA Mr Universe. In 1969 he beat such notables as Chris Dickerson, Ken Waller, Roy Callender, Albert Beckles and Franco Columbu. Boyer’s star was on the rise come decade end as he made the covers of multiple publication in 1969.
Arnold Schwarzenegger (6 ft 2 in - 240 lbs)
Schwarzenegger was a physical phenomenon and had untapped potential for someone his age. He had the advantage of colossal size and a vast potential to improve on an already incredible physique. He was making great and rapid strides in improving both his mid-section and lower body by decade close. Not only that he had a poise and confidence to back up his physique even at a young age. Arnold won his first competition in 1966 the Mr Europe title. In the same year he entered the NABBA Mr Universe finishing second behind the well credentialled and seasoned Chester Yorton. Between 1967 to 1969 Schwarzenegger would compete eight times winning six and placing second twice. He would claim the 1967 NABBA Mr Universe, 1968 NABBA Pro Mr Universe, another Mr Europe title in 1969 as well as the IFBB Mr International, the IFBB Mr Universe and the NABBA Pro Mr Universe. Schwarzenegger was taking the bodybuilding world by storm and was getting extensive coverage in all magazine publication from 1967
Earl Maynard (6 ft 1 in - 235 lbs)
One of England’s finest was Earl Maynard. He displayed an ideal combination of bulk and cuts, massively developed with sharp definition. He had tremendous chest, arm and shoulder development. Earl competed in the first half of the decade winning the 1960 Mr Europe, the 1964 NABBA Pro Universe and the 1965 IFBB Universe title. Earl beat such notables as Frank Zane, Rick Wayne, Rock Stonewell and Serge Nubret. He also participated in the first Mr Olympia title placing third behind Larry Scott and Harold Poole. Earl pursued a professional wrestling career after this time. He was a featured in the British Bodybuilding magazine ‘Health & Strength’ appearing on multiple covers throughout the decade.
Frank Zane (5 ft 9 in - 200 lbs)
Frank Zane started competing in 1961 and by the end of the decade he was really coming up fast. He had a great lower body with a symmetry and balance to his overall physique. Zane came to prominence in 1965 winning his weight class at the IFBB Mr Universe. In 1966 he won his first major titles the IFBB Mr East Coast and the IFBB North American Championships. In 1967 he won his class in the IFBB Mr America before falling short of the overall title won by Don Howorth. He also placed third in the 1967 IFBB Universe behind overall winner Sergio Oliva. He would not loose again for the remainder of the decade winning three contests in 1968 – the IFBB Mr America, the IFBB Mr International, and the IFBB Mr Universe. He followed that up with a win in the 1969 IFBB Mr World. During this period he beat such notables as Don Peters, John DeCola, Rock Stonewall, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Roy Callender, Frank Richards, Serge Nubret, Albert Beckles and Franco Columbu. Frank featured in numerous Weider publications from 1960 to the decades end.
Paul WynTer (5 ft 8 in - 180 lbs)
Paul Wynter had a classic physique that rivalled the great Steve Reeves. He had a wide taper that led to a waist of steel. This fantastically developed phenomenon had a lower body to match with a fantastic set of diamond calves. Wynter was first awarded the title of NABBA Mr Universe in 1960 beating the highly credentialed Len Sell. He then went on to win his class in the 1965 NABBA Pro Universe falling short of the overall title won by the legendary Reg Park. He returned again in 1966 to win the title in his last appearance in a competitive bodybuilding competition for the decade. During his career as a bodybuilder, he was admired for having one of the most perfectly symmetrical bodies in the world. He was a mainstay with the British Bodybuilding magazine ‘Health & Strength’ appearing on multiple covers throughout the decade.t
Notable exceptions
It is hard to overlook the accomplishment of prominent bodybuilders such as Freddy Ortis, Chester Yorton, Dennis Tinerino, Don Peters, Rick Waye, Rock Stonewell, Albert Beckles, John Citrone, Bob Gajda or Don Howorth. Any one of these athletes could debatably be in the list above.
the verdict
Before coming to conclusion, it must be stated how my decision was made.
Reg Park and Bill Pearl were excluded from my final decision due to their lack of competition presence during the decade. Although both remained undefeated during the 60’s the volume of competition impacted their chances in this analysis. If we were judging ‘the greatest of all time’ their contributions to bodybuilding could not go unnoticed.
Also, a number of the stars listed above were at the beginnings of their greatness or impacted only a portion of the decade. As such Schwarzenegger, Coe and Zane will be exclude from final analysis.
Scott and Draper where exceptional and were strongly promoted by Weider. However, in my eyes their physiques fall inches short of the best of the decade. Same can be said for Maynard and Wyner who would fall a further step behind Scott and Draper.
Sergio Oliva was in a class of his own. However, despite his great gifts he never achieved the hardness of the final two. For this I rank him third overall.
Now for the final two.
Both Chuck Sipes and Harold Poole where mainstays of the decade. At their best, they had a granite hardness to match their perfect proportions. Chuck Sipes is potentially the physique I admire most and if I could have the physique of ANYONE IN HISTORY it would be his. However, in final adjudication I cannot judge anyone above Harold Poole. To me he was unmatched and the results of his competitions did not reflect the overall excellence of his physique. Unlike the judges of the 60’s I cannot keep victory from him and for what it is worth he is my ‘greatest bodybuilding Star of the ‘60s’.
