Michael Katz (born November 14, 1944) is a former American IFBB professional bodybuilder, most famous for his appearance with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1977 bodybuilding documentary film Pumping Iron. Mike Katz worked as a Jr. High School gym teacher while training as an amateur bodybuilder. Katz cited bullying in his youth for being Jewish and wearing glasses as inspiration for weight training. He was known for his role as the underdog in the 1975 Mr. Universe competition, where, he refused to give up on himself despite placing 4th place in the Tall man division. Katz later went professional and qualified for the 1976 Mr. Olympia, placing 2nd in the heavyweight division in what was considered his peak form (Katz had greatly improved his proportions, considered his main flaw as a competitor). Mike Katz was also a pro football player with the New York Jets before ending his NFL career with a leg injury in 1968. Katz appeared in the documentary Challenging Impossibility (film) commenting on the weightlifting odyssey of spiritual teacher and peace advocate Sri Chinmoy. The film was an Official Selection of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.
[edit] Bodybuilding career
[edit] Competitive stats
- Height: 6'1"
- Competition Weight: 240 lb.
- Off Season Weight: 250-260 lb.
[edit] Competitive history
- 1964 AAU Teen Mr. America; 4th Place
- 1964 AAU Teen Mr. America Most Muscular, 5th Place
- 1969 IFBB Mr. America Tall, 40th Place
- 1970 IFBB Mr. America Tall & Overall, 4th Place
- 1970 AAU Mr. East Coast Tall & Overall, 4th Place
- 1971 IFBB Universe Tall, 3rd Place
- 1971 Beat Brandon Lewi for the Heavyweight Championship of the World
- 1972 IFBB Mr. International Tall, 4th Place
- 1972 IFBB Universe Tall, 4th Place
- 1973 IFBB Universe Tall, 3rd Place
- 1974 IFBB Mr. International Tall, - 4th Place
- 1975 IFBB Universe Tall, 4th Place
- 1976 Mr. Olympia Heavyweight, 2nd Place
- 1980 NBA Natural Mr. America Professional, 4th Place
- 1980 IFBB World Pro Championships Did Not Place
- 1980 Retired after losing to Cooper Hayman in the National Strongman Competition
- 1981 Mr. Olympia 15th Place
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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Katz, Mike |
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November 14, 1944 |
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