Al Beckles: A Tribute:

Albert Beckles RIP. By Wayne Gallasch, May 2026

Photo Gallery
Videos and DVDs featuring Al Beckles
Fabulous Al Beckles Iron Man magazine, by Wayne Gallasch

It is with great sadness that I report the news received from Lee Haney and Shawn Ray that the one and only Albert Beckles has passed away. (15th May 2026)   Albert Beckles has often been referred to as the grandfather of bodybuilding, after he competed in the 1984 Mr. Olympia at the amazing age of 54, as it was reported in the press at that time.

I also have it on good authority that Albert was actually 48 in 1985 when he came 2nd in the 1985 Olympia. Born in Barbados, his correct birth date is 1937 not 1930 as has often been stated. Muscle Memory states Albert’s date of birth as being 14th July 1938. However I also believe that 1937 is correct.

It was a privilege to film and photograph Albert on a number of occasions in the early 1970s, and again when he came to Adelaide, South Australia in 1985 to give a seminar plus posing. At the 1971 NABBA Universe Albert won his Medium Class 2, and I immediately booked him for a film and photo shoot in Hyde Park Square the next day. I seem to recall him telling me that he was aged 34. You will see all these colour photos in the Beckles Photo Gallery.

One week after the 1971 NABBA Universe in London, I travelled with the British team to the 1971 IFBB Mr Universe contest in Paris. This time, at the end of a highly controversial afternoon, Albert was finally awarded the Overall IFBB Mr Universe title. This contest preceded the 1971 Mr Olympia won by Arnold.

Al went on to win 2 Night of the Champions contests in NYC in 1982 and 1985. 1985 was a huge year because Albert had his best ever Olympia placing with his second place to the great Lee Haney.

The most amazing feature of Albert’s physique was without doubt those amazing arms, and that uniquely shaped bicep’s peak. I have never ever seen arms like it. He was truly one of a kind. A true legend of the sport.

It has been my privilege to work with Al and call him a friend. He will be greatly missed. RIP Albert Beckles, Legend of Bodybuilding.

Albert Beckles Contest History.

1965: Mr Universe – NABBA, Medium, 3rd

1966
Mr Britain – NABBA, 5th
Mr Universe – NABBA, Medium, 6th

1967
Mr Britain – NABBA, 3rd
Mr Universe – NABBA, Medium, 1st

1968: Mr Britain – NABBA, 2nd

1969
Mr Britain – NABBA, 2nd
Mr Universe – NABBA, Medium, 3rd
Mr World – IFBB, Medium, 2nd

1970
Mr Britain – NABBA, Winner
Mr Europe, Overall Winner
Mr Europe, Medium, 1st
Mr Universe – NABBA, Medium, 2nd

1971
Mr Britain – NABBA, Winner
Universe – IFBB, Overall Winner
Universe – IFBB, Medium, 1st
Mr Universe – NABBA, Medium, 1st
Mr World – AAU, Winner
Mr World – AAU, Medium, 1st
Mr World – AAU, Most Muscular, 1st

1973
Mr Europe – IFBB, Overall Winner
Mr Europe – IFBB, Medium, 1st
Universe – IFBB, Medium, 1st

1975
Olympia – IFBB, LightWeight, 3rd
Universe – IFBB, Medium, 2nd

1977
Olympia – IFBB, 7th
Olympia – IFBB, LightWeight, 4th

1978
Olympia – IFBB, LightWeight, 8th

1979
Best in the World – IFBB, Professional, 3rd
Grand Prix Pennsylvania – IFBB, 3rd
Olympia – IFBB, LightWeight, 7th
Universe – Pro – IFBB, 2nd
World Pro Championships – IFBB, 2nd

1980
Universe – Pro – IFBB, 4th
World Pro Championships – IFBB, 4th

1981
Canada Pro Cup – IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Belgium – IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix California – IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Louisiana – IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Massachusets – IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix New England – IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix Wales – IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix World Cup – IFBB, 6th
Night of Champions – IFBB, 2nd
Professional World Cup – IFBB, 6th
World Grand Prix – IFBB, 2nd

1982
Grand Prix Belgium – IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Sweden – IFBB, 4th
Night of Champions – IFBB, Winner
Olympia – IFBB, 5th
World Pro Championships – IFBB, Winner

1983
Grand Prix England – IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Las Vegas – IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Portland – IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Sweden – IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Switzerland – IFBB, 5th
Night of Champions – IFBB, 3rd
Olympia – IFBB, 7th

1984
Canada Pro Cup – IFBB, Winner
Olympia – IFBB, 4th
World Grand Prix – IFBB, Winner
World Pro Championships – IFBB, Winner

1985
Night of Champions – IFBB, Winner
Olympia – IFBB, 2nd

1986
Olympia – IFBB, 4th

1987
Grand Prix France – IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Germany (2) – IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Germany – IFBB, 4th
Olympia – IFBB, 7th
World Pro Championships – IFBB, 3rd

1988
Chicago Pro Championships – IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix England – IFBB, 7th
Grand Prix France – IFBB, 11th
Grand Prix Germany – IFBB, 8th
Grand Prix Italy – IFBB, 8th
Grand Prix Spain (2) – IFBB, 8th
Grand Prix Spain – IFBB, 7th
Night of Champions – IFBB, 5th
Olympia – IFBB, 15th
World Pro Championships – IFBB, 10th

1989
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 7th
Grand Prix England – IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Finland – IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix France – IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Holland – IFBB, 11th
Grand Prix Melbourne – IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Spain (2) – IFBB, 10th
Grand Prix Spain – IFBB, 10th
Grand Prix Sweden – IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix US Pro – IFBB, 4th
Night of Champions – IFBB, 8th
Olympia – IFBB, 15th
World Pro Championships – IFBB, 4th

1990
Arnold Classic – IFBB, 9th
Houston Pro Championships – IFBB, 11th
Niagara Falls Pro Invitational – IFBB, 12th
Night of Champions – IFBB, Did not place

1991
Grand Prix Denmark – IFBB, 7th
Grand Prix England – IFBB, 7th
Grand Prix Finland – IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Italy – IFBB, 8th
Grand Prix Spain – IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Switzerland – IFBB, 8th
Niagara Falls Pro Invitational – IFBB, Winner
Night of Champions – IFBB, 7th
Olympia – IFBB, Did not place
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational – IFBB, 12th
San Jose Pro Invitational – IFBB, 5th

1992
Chicago Pro Championships – IFBB, 16th
Niagara Falls Pro Invitational – IFBB, 8th