I was sorry to learn today (July 2025) of the recent death of bodybuilding legend Walter O’Malley. He was almost 90 years old. I first filmed Walter in a contest in the 1970 NABBA Universe. He placed 7th in Tall Class 1, which was won by Frank Richard. Walter moved to England when he was young and maintained his Irish heritage where the results listed him as representing N. Ireland / UK.
Walter was a massively keen competitor and competed frequently throughout his career. He rose to become one of British bodybuilding’s most well-known stars, winning World and European titles including the World’s Most Muscular award. He competed both with NABBA and the IFBB.
He subsequently opened O’Malley’s Gym in Warrington where it became quite a Mecca of bodybuilding. It was a great Old School style gym which also included state of the art equipment. It was known as the hidden gem of Warrington.
The last time that I can recall filming Walter was in the 1991 NABBA Mr Universe, Masters Division. Below is his contest history that may not include absolutely all his contests. He did so many.
To the O’Malley family we extend our deepest sympathy. He will be greatly missed as an inspiration to young bodybuilders. By coincidence, I recently made a photo gallery of the best photos I have of Walter from throughout his long career. Wayne Gallasch
Walter O’Malley Contest History:
1969: Mr Universe – NABBA, Tall, 4th
1970: Mr Universe – NABBA, Tall, 7th
1973
Mr Britain – NABBA, 4th
Mr Universe – NABBA, Tall, 2nd
1974
Mr Britain – NABBA, 3rd
Mr Universe – NABBA, Tall, 2nd
Mr World – AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr World – AAU, Tall, 1st
1975
Mr Britain – NABBA, 3rd
Mr Europe, Tall, 1st
Mr Universe – NABBA, Tall, 4th
1976
Mr Britain – NABBA, 6th
Mr Universe – NABBA, Tall, 3rd
1977
Mr Britain – NABBA, 4th
European Championships – NABBA, Tall, 3rd
European Championships – WABBA, Tall, 3rd
1978: Mr Britain – NABBA, Tall, 3rd
1979
Mr Britain – NABBA, 6th
World Championships – WABBA, Tall, 6th
1980
Mr Britain – NABBA, 7th
Mr Universe – NABBA, Tall, 5th
World Championships – WABBA, Tall, 6th
1981: Mr Britain – NABBA, 6th
1982
European Amateur Championships – IFBB, HeavyWeight, 5th
World Amateur Championships – IFBB, HeavyWeight, 12th
Mr Britain (British Championships) – EFBB, Heavyweight Class, 2nd
1983: Mr Britain – NABBA, 7th
1987: Universe – Pro – NABBA, Did not place
1988: Universe – Pro – NABBA, 10th
1991: Mr Universe – NABBA, Masters, Did not place