Franco Columbu, a Sardinia-born athlete, secured two Mr. Olympia titles in 1976 and 1981 before establishing a multifaceted career in film and chiropractic medicine. Moving from a background as a shepherd and boxer in Ollolai, he gained prominence in California during the late 1960s as a prominent figure in international bodybuilding and physical strength performance.
Early Development and Athletics
Born to Maria Grazia Sedda and Antonio Columbu on August 7, 1941, he initially worked as a shepherd. His early physical discipline began with boxing, a sport he pursued for over 30 bouts before transitioning to weightlifting. After meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger in Stuttgart in 1965, the two moved to California to work with Joe Weider. To support themselves while training, they operated a bricklaying company, European Brick Works, established in 1969.
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Standing at 5 feet 5 inches with a competition weight of 185 pounds, Columbu achieved success in international titles, including IFBB Mr. Europe, Mr. Universe, and Mr. World. His competitive career peaked with Mr. Olympia victories in 1976 and 1981. His strength was quantified by significant personal records: a 525-pound bench press, 655-pound squat, and 750-pound deadlift. In 1977, he competed in the inaugural World's Strongest Man event, placing fifth despite an injury to his left knee sustained during the competition.
Film and Professional Interests
Beyond athletics, Columbu pursued a career as an actor, writer, director, and producer. He appeared in the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron and featured in films such as Conan the Barbarian, The Terminator, and The Running Man. Later, he directed and produced projects including Beretta's Island and Ancient Warriors, often filming in his native Sardinia. He earned a degree from the Cleveland Chiropractic College in 1977 and practiced as a licensed chiropractor while based in Los Angeles.
Final Years
Columbu became a naturalized United States citizen in 1983. He maintained his ties to Italy, frequently returning to Ollolai for local events. On August 30, 2019, he died at age 78 following a health emergency while swimming off the coast of San Teodoro. He was subsequently transported to a hospital in Olbia. A funeral took place in Ollolai on September 3, 2019, followed by a memorial service in Los Angeles on October 6, 2019.
Fast facts
- Born: August 7, 1941, Ollolai, Italy
- Died: August 30, 2019, Olbia, Italy
- Mr. Olympia Titles: 1976, 1981
- IFBB Hall of Fame Induction: 2001
- Naturalized U.S. Citizen: 1983
- Chiropractic Degree: Cleveland Chiropractic College, 1977
- Deadlift Record: 750 pounds
- Burial Site: Ollolai, Italy
Questions readers ask
What was Franco Columbu's most notable athletic accomplishment?
He won the Mr. Olympia title twice, in 1976 and 1981, and held significant powerlifting records including a 750-pound deadlift.
Did Columbu have a career outside of competitive bodybuilding?
Yes, he worked as an actor, film producer, director, writer, and as a licensed chiropractor.
