Written by Peter McGough
26 November 2013

 

RIP GREG KOVACS

IFBB Pro Greg Kovacs Passes Away at the age of 44

 

Canadian bodybuilder Greg Kovacs died today (November 25, 2013) from a reported heart attack aged only 44 years of age. Born in Niagara Falls, Canada, on December 16, 1968 Kovacs was at one time the most publicized bodybuilder in the world. This was during the period of 1996 onwards due to his mass (mass being the operative word in every sense) exposure in the MuscleTech ads of that era which promoted his 400 plus pounds physique and detailed a list of superhuman lifts.

The biggest bodybuilder in the world the headlines screamed, so surely he was the baddest also? No, he wasn’t. I met Greg many times during that period with his lovely wife Kim, who managed all aspects of the business side of things. He was quite humble; somewhat genuinely embarrassed by the claims being made on his behalf, and like a lot of Canadians he possessed a dry sense of humor. When we showed him an advance copy of the magazine containing a feature and shots proclaiming him to be the “Biggest bodybuilder in the world” he quipped, “I’m the same size as Lee Priest in the magazines.” (He was referring to the standard 10 7/8” x 8 3/8” magazine page size.)

Its difficult and sad reflect on Greg as similar to the put upon giant boxer in the legendary Budd Schulberg novel (later made into a movie) The Harder They Fall. His career followed a similar trajectory; the hype bigger and infinitely more unattainable than the sad crushing outcome of actual competition.

In his highly anticipated pro debut at the 1997 Night of Champions the hype of the “next big thing” bubble burst and evaporated in an instant as he didn’t make the top 15. Less than a year later he entered the 1998 Ironman and was 16th. Three years passed and he entered and did not make the top 17 of the Night of Champions.

His most notorious contest expedition was his 13th and last place at the 2004 Arnold Classic. His midsection was unlike any midsection seen on a bodybuilding stage, like an Aliens type moment was about to occur. He blamed an intestinal virus as the cause of his appearance but by this time it was clear that Greg’s passion and drive to compete – God bless him -- superseded critical self-analysis. And let it be shouted from the rooftops Greg loved bodybuilding; loved being in the gym and lifting weights. His last contest was the 2005 Toronto Pro were he failed to make the top 16 cut.

I seldom saw him over the last decade but whenever we met he was friendly and easy-going. Some time ago he befriended me on Facebook and spoke of times gone past and was eagerly looking forward to the next stage of his life. His life ended way too young at age 44 and in lamenting his passing I have to record I really liked the guy – the real Greg Kovacs. Sincere condolences from all at MD to his family and close friends. Rest in peace big fella.

Postscript
Greg Kovacs, unfortunately, will not be the only 44 year old to die of a heart attack in North America this week. But being a bodybuilder of such dimensions speculation will understandably focus on his bodybuilding strategies. In time this humble scribe will join the debate, but in light of the freshness of Greg’s passing, now is not that moment.

DISCUSS THIS NEWS ON THE MD FORUM