Who was Rich Piana? Bodybuilding legend who transformed modern bodybuilding
The world of bodybuilding was shocked to its core when the news about bodybuilding icon Rich Piana died in 2017. Piana, who was born in California in 1970, was an essential member of the fitness community, inspiring countless individuals to get a gym membership.
Piana was one of the biggest bodybuilders of his time and was open and transparent about his steroid usage. Understanding his influence on young minds, Piana made sure to never convey the wrong message to his audience by lying about his natty status and creating unrealistic expectations.
Even though the cause of his death is still not known, many believe that it was due to drug use (via Men's Health). However, the autopsy report did not provide a definitive answer.
"I will always remember I was loved by the most amazing man I’ve ever known" - Rich Piana's girlfriend after his death
Days after Rich Piana's death, his girlfriend, Chanel Jansen, opened up about her feelings regarding the tragic incident. In an Instagram post, Jansen wrote a heart-warming message (via People.com):
"I will always remember how much I love holding his hand I will always remember how I felt so loved when he would wake up and kiss me on the forehead I will always remember how I had it great with the love of my life I will always remember I was loved by the most amazing man I’ve ever known,” she wrote.
Talking about her last loving memory with Piana, she added:
"We just finished watching the Notebook yesterday and I said That’s how it was supposed to be. We were supposed to go together. So when it’s my time someday-come find me and take me where we’re supposed to go because I don’t want to go anywhere without you."
Despite his death years ago, Rich Piana still lives in the hearts of bodybuilding fans. The biggest reason behind this is the fact that the bodybuilding community has long presented it as a healthy sport.
Piana was one of the first ones to be transparent about his steroid usage. Using his platform, he educated millions of people about the consequences and dark side of bodybuilding. While he himself used steroids for 27 years, he encouraged young lifters to stay natural and never touch any substance unless they are serious about turning professional bodybuilders.
Rich Piana revealed that most fitness models and bodybuilders use rental cars in their social media posts and are showing off a lifestyle that they don't even have.