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Born in Sardinia, Franco Columbu first engaged in the sport of boxing. He met Arnold in Munich in 1965 and was henceforth forever stamped as Schwarzenegger’s sidekick. In 1969, he followed the Oak to California and they became bodybuilding’s main duo, but all friendship ceased whenever they were vying for the same title, although Columbu never beat Schwarzenegger.

Columbu won the 1970 IFBB Mr. Europe and IFBB Mr. Universe titles, the 1971 IFBB Mr. World, and later took the lightweight class at the 1974 and 1975 IFBB Mr. Olympia before winning the overall in 1976.

In 1977, Columbu broke his left leg while grappling with a refrigerator during the World’s Strongest Man contest. However, this Sardinian refused to be canned - with phenomenal fortitude, he began a rehab program using his skills as a chiropractor and, after Schwarzenegger’s 1980 IFBB Mr. Olympia comeback victory in Sydney, Columbu made his own comeback by taking the 1981 IFBB Mr. Olympia title. It would be his final competition. 

Columbu zoomed fast-forward along the pioneer’s path that Jack Delinger braved for shorter men in the 1940s. Known for his incredible deadlift ability and for the horizontal crease in his pecs, Columbu transferred the knockout punch he perfected in his boxing days in Italy to the dais of muscle and became a bodybuilder who, by anybody’s standards, looked strong.

Columbu has appeared in movies as "Ancient Warririos", "Beretta's Island", "Pumping Iron", "The Terminator", "Conan the Barbarian" and the most recent "Dreamland", written some training books, has his own website, and is CEO of Eclipse Entertainment Group Inc.

	Franco Columbu Store Online - Franco Columbu Mr. Olympia Knit Shirts, Autographed Photos, and Posters. Choose from a selection of photos or posters that Franco will autograph for you! http://www.columbu.com/store.html
	1970 IFBB Mr. Europe & 1971 IFBB Mr. Universe - In the Short Class, Franco out-muscled his main rival, Europe’s Mr. Abdominals, Pierre Vandensteen from Belgium. The fantastic, rock hard and symmetrical physique of Giuseppe Deiana of Holland could only make 3rd place... http://www.gmv.com.au/
	2009 Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award - Franco Columbu receives the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Arnold Schwarzenegger. http://www.youtube.com/
	Hall of Fame 2001 IFBB: Franco Columbu - We are honored to celebrate with you the enduring achievements of those who truly made a memorable and lasting impact on our sport. By Joe Weider. http://www.ifbbpro.com/
	The Bodybuilder's Nutrition Book - Dr. Franco Columbu, well-known expert on nutrition and kinesiology, not to mention two-time Mr. Olympia, presents the most successful strategies and diet plans for achieving a superior physique. http://www.goodreads.com/
	Dreamland: La Terra dei Sogni - Dreamland, it is the last movie of Franco Columbu. Directed by Sandro Ravagnani. Cast: Ivano De Cristofaro, Tony Sperandeo, Marco Balestri. Dreamland, is the 1st movie of a trilogy. "Il Giorno Dopo" it's already in production. http://www.laterradeisogni.it/