In Memoriam - Remembering Sergio Oliva

Sergio was born in Cuba in 1941, and he later became an outstanding weightlifter. While competing in Jamaica, he escaped from his team hotel to the American consulate, where he received political asylum and was able to defect to the United States.
He joined the IFBB in 1966 and went on to win the Mr. World and Mr. Universe titles and place 4th in the Mr. Olympia that year. He then won the next 3 Olympias narrowly losing to Arnold in 1970 and again in 1972. He also competed in other federations, including the winning of the WABBA Pro World in 1977.
Sergio's last IFBB contest was the 1985 Mr. Olympia where he placed 8th at the age of 43.

I first met Sergio when he competed in the 1971 NABBA Professional Universe in London, when he was beaten by Bill Pearl. It was a correct decision, as in my opinion, Sergio was still holding fluid and Bill was harder and sharper on the day. A group of us, organized by Wag and Dianne Bennett, then all traveled to Paris for the 1971 Mr. Olympia, to be held one week later. Sad to say Sergio had been banned in Paris for doing the NABBA event the week before.

As there was a sellout crowd, and Olympia promoter Serge Nubret did not want to disappoint the huge number of fans who had come to see Sergio do battle with Arnold, the IFBB agreed that Sergio could guest pose. He literally brought the house down, looking much sharper and tighter than he did in London one week before. It was such a pity he could not have been judged side by side with Arnold, but it was not to be. Arnold won that Olympia unopposed.

My next meeting with Sergio was in London, two days after he had lost the 1972 Mr Olympia to Arnold in Essen, Germany. Wag Bennett had set up the film and photo shoot for me, meeting at his gym in East London. I will never forget seeing Sergio coming through the door, with his huge wide shoulders and great lats narrowing down to this tiny waist, huge triceps hanging out of his tank-top. He was in incredible site to behold and had such a God-given genetic shape.

We subsequently had a fantastic shoot at a wetland area nearby, and when it came to doing more photos of Sergio after doing the movie film shooting, he said he had had enough  for the day and so that was it. I only regret that I did not get more photos, although I would mention that Sergio was never all that keen on doing photography!
Others say this was the best film footage ever recorded of Sergio, and for this fact, I am indebted to the great man for this experience and opportunity.

I last spoke to Sergio backstage in the pump room at the 2010 Olympia where the past winners were gathered to be presented on stage with Joe Weider. Sadly Sergio is now the first Olympia winner that we have lost.

He will always remain as one of the greatest physiques of all time. I am privileged and grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Sergio twice, and to call him a friend. In the words of Peter McGough, "there will never, ever be another Myth."
Our condolences to the Olliva family. Sergio Oliva, 3-time Mr. Olympia, RIP.

Wayne Gallasch,
GMV Productions

In the top photo below, you see my first ever photo taken with Sergio, from the Wanstead Heath shoot, London, in 1972.

In the second photo you see our last photo of Sergio, taken backstage at the 2010 Mr. Olympia when the past Mr. Olympias were presented on stage with Joe Weider. Photos copyright GMV.

SERGIO OLIVA – “The Myth” .  This DVD contains all the footage we have from throughout Sergio’s illustrious career, plus an amazing photo gallery and more. See a full description of contents by clicking on the thumbnail image. "It has been 12 months in the planning and making and is my tribute to his life in bodybuilding. Sergio is probably the most genetically gifted and totally amazing bodybuilder I have ever seen in all my 42 years of shooting top bodybuilders. Wayne Gallasch, April 2008" GMV-690DVD | $49.95