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Tom Platz

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Tom Platz
Bodybuilder
Tom Platz in 1995
Personal info
NicknameThe Quadfather, The Golden Eagle, Quadzilla
Born (1955-06-26) June 26, 1955 (age 69)
Fort Sill, Oklahoma, United States
Height5 ft 8 1/2 in (174 cm)[1]
Weight225-235 lb (102.1-106.6 kg)[1]
Professional career
Pro-debut
  • World Pro Bodybuilding Championships
  • 1979
Best win
  • IFBB Mr. Universe
  • 1981
Active1973–1987[1]

Thomas Steven Platz (born 26 June 1955) is an American retired professional bodybuilder. He was known for his leg development, which in his prime measured over 30 inches, earning him the nickname The Quadfather.[2]

Platz was part of Vince McMahon's short-lived World Bodybuilding Federation (WBF).[3] He ambushed the closing ceremonies of Mr. Olympia 1990 to announce its formation, after attending the event with McMahon as representatives of Bodybuilding Lifestyles magazine.[4][5]

He is known contemporarily for seminar speeches on his life, work, inspirations, and motivation as well as for helping to train bodybuilders like David Hoffmann.[6]

Early life

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Tom Platz was born on June 26, 1955. Upon looking at a Mr. Universe magazine at the age of 11 he decided to become a professional bodybuilder. At the age of 15, he weighed around 165 pounds.[1] Platz later joined Armento’s Gym and was acquainted with Olympic weight lifters Norb Schemansky and Freddie Lowe and learned the proper way to squat. He developed strength and muscle size rapidly.[7] With $50 to his name, he moved to Venice, California, in 1977 and trained at Gold’s Gym. That same year, he won his class at the Mr. Universe.[8]

1992 "Squat Off"

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In 1992, Tom Platz faced ‘Dr. Squat’ Fred Hatfield in a squat competition. The “squat-off,” as it’s often called, went down in Essen, Germany. It was decided that they’d compete in two phases — a max lift portion and a single set with 525 pounds for the most reps possible. For 525 pounds, Platz completed 23 reps.

Competition record
Bodybuilder
IFBB Mr. Olympia
8th IFBB Mr. Olympia 1979
8th IFBB Mr. Olympia 1980
3rd IFBB Mr. Olympia 1981
6th IFBB Mr. Olympia 1982
9th IFBB Mr. Olympia 1984
7th IFBB Mr. Olympia 1985
11th
World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships
3rd IFBB Mr. Universe 1978


World Pro Bodybuilding Championships
1st IFBB Mr. Universe 1980


AAU Teen Mr. America
2nd AAU Teen Mr. America 1974


AAU Mr. Southeastern USA
1st AAU Mr. Southeastern USA 1977


AAU Mr. Ironman
1st AAU Mr. Ironman 1973


AAU Mr. Adonis
1st AAU Mr. Adonis 1973


AAU Mr. Michigan
1st AAU Mr. Michigan 1975


Junior & Senior State Powerlifting Championships
1st AAU 220 Class Champ 1974


IFBB Night of Champions
12th IFBB Night of Champions 1980
IFBB Detroit Pro Invitational
6th Detroit Pro Invitational 1987

Books

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Pro-style Bodybuilding by Tom Platz (Author), Bill Reynolds (Author), Paperback: 192 pages, Publisher: Sterling (20 May 1985), Language English, ISBN 0806979100, ISBN 978-0806979106

Filmography

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Tom Platz - Greatest Physiques". www.greatestphysiques.com. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  2. ^ McNulty, Rose. "Tom Platz's Legs Look Ridiculous at 65 Years Old". Muscleandfitness.com. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  3. ^ "Vince McMahon's Attempt to Take Over Bodybuilding". Muscle & Fitness. 2019-03-07. Retrieved 2021-05-24.
  4. ^ Muchnick, Irvin (2007). Wrestling Babylon : piledriving tales of drugs, sex, death and scandal. Toronto [Ont.]: ECW Press. ISBN 978-1-55490-761-8. OCLC 244769018.
  5. ^ Dilbert, Ryan. "Vince McMahon's Failed Attempt to Take over Bodybuilding". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2021-05-24.
  6. ^ "Old School Leg Training with Tom Platz - Physical Culture Study". physicalculturestudy.com. 2018-07-02. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  7. ^ Alexander, D'monte. "Best Bodybuilder Of All Time". SportsFighters.
  8. ^ Merritt, Greg. "Tom Platz Workout: Full-Body Ultimate Guide". The Barbell. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
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