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Rich Piana Bodybuilder Then And Now

By Cornell Scott / March 12, 2024

Rich Piana Then

Richard Eugene Piana was born in Whittier, California, on September 26, 1970. He began lifting weights at the age of 11 and quickly developed a passion for bodybuilding. In 1990, he won the NPC Mr. California competition, and in 1998, he won the NPC Mr. USA competition. Piana competed in the IFBB Mr. Olympia competition from 2003 to 2009, placing as high as fifth in 2003 and 2004. He retired from competitive bodybuilding in 2009.

Piana was known for his massive size and muscularity. He stood 6’2″ tall and weighed over 300 pounds at the peak of his career. He was also known for his controversial use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs. In 2015, Piana was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack. He died on August 25, 2017, at the age of 46.

Competitive History

1990 NPC Mr. California – 1st place
1998 NPC Mr. USA – 1st place
2003 IFBB Mr. Olympia – 5th place
2004 IFBB Mr. Olympia – 5th place
2005 IFBB Mr. Olympia – 7th place
2006 IFBB Mr. Olympia – 6th place
2007 IFBB Mr. Olympia – 7th place
2008 IFBB Mr. Olympia – 8th place
2009 IFBB Mr. Olympia – 9th place

Life History

Piana was married to Sarah Piana from 2015 until his death in 2017. They had one son together, Rich Jr. Piana was also a successful businessman, owning a line of nutritional supplements called 5% Nutrition. He was also the founder of the Rich Piana Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to bodybuilders in need.

Rich Piana Now

Rich Piana died in 2017 at the age of 46. His legacy as one of the most iconic bodybuilders of all time continues to live on. His story is a reminder of the dangers of steroid use and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
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