Steve Michalik Dies At Age 63

It is with regret that we report that Mr. USA Steve Michalik has died at the young age of 63. Our thoughts are with his famiky, friends and fans alike. 

Steve was a bodybuilder competing during the 1970s and 80's. He won a number of titles including the 1971 AAU Mr. USA, the Mr. America in 1972 and the NABBA Mr. Universe in 1975 as well as 22 other titles including the 1971 AAU Mr. Apollo and the Most Muscular Man in the USA.

Shortly after the 1975 Mr Universe, Steve was involved in a serious car accident which left him paralyzed from the waist down and relegated to a wheel chair for 3 years.

At the 1980 IFBB Miami Grand Prix event, Steve made his now famous comeback to the stage, where television commentator Arnold Schwarzenegger introduced Steve as the Phantom Bodybuilder. Placing 4th in the event qualified him for the newly formed Grand Prix tour.

Medical History

According to Michalik, he had suffered many serious health problems due to his steroid use. It started with him passing blood in his urine; a sign of the multiple liver tumors doctors later discovered. After recovering from these bouts with cancer Michalik suffered a heart attack, followed by a stroke. Since then, he has been against the use of steroids.

The cause of his death is unknown at this time.