Legendary bodybuilder Beckles passes away

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – One of Barbados’ greatest ever bodybuilders, Albert ‘Al’ Beckles, has died at the age of 95.

His death was reported by RxMuscle on Saturday.

The Barbados-born British bodybuilder, known as ‘The Ageless One’, had an impressive career that included IFBB Universe contests, the Night of Champions, Grand Prix events, World Pro Championships, and 13 Mr Olympia appearances.

Born July 14, 1930, in Barbados, Beckles later moved to London and rose through the British scene.

He placed fifth at the 1965 NABBA Mr Britain, took runner-up finishes at Mr Britain in 1968 and 1969, then broke through in 1970 with wins at NABBA Mr Britain and Mr Europe.

Beckles won four major amateur titles in 1971. He won NABBA Mr Britain, AAU Mr World, the IFBB Mr Universe medium class and overall title, and the NABBA Mr Universe medium class and overall title.

In 1973, he won IFBB Mr Europe in the medium class and overall, then added another IFBB Universe medium-class victory. By 1975, he was already on the Olympia stage, placing third in the lightweight division.

Beckles’ pro wins included the 1981 IFBB Grand Prix New England, 1982 Night of Champions, 1982 World Pro Championships, 1984 Canada Pro Cup, 1984 World Grand Prix, and 1984 World Pro Championships.

At the 1985 Mr Olympia, Beckles finished second to Lee Haney at 55 years old. He also won the 1985 Night of Champions, adding another major title in the same season.

Across 13 Mr Olympia appearances, Beckles recorded six top-five finishes. His best Olympia run included third in 1975, fifth in 1982, fourth in 1984, second in 1985, and fourth again in 1986.

Beckles also won the 1991 Niagara Falls Pro Invitational at 60, making him the oldest professional male bodybuilder to win the overall title at an IFBB Pro League contest.

CMC