“Big” Craig Monson was one of the most impressive bodybuilders of his generation. He gained worldwide popularity thanks to his monstrous physique, dominated by huge arms and proportionally perfect legs. But his muscles were not just for admiring on stage – he regularly impressed visitors and passers-by with his extreme feats of strength at the famous Gold’s Gym in Venice and the adjacent Muscle Beach.
Although he never became as mainstream a name as his more famous contemporary Arnold Schwarzenegger, Monson was a hugely respected figure in the industry. Among other things, he proved his quality on the amateur scene when he placed 12th in the prestigious NPC USA Championships in 1985. More than for his competitive ambitions, however, he was beloved by fans and fellow athletes who found his brutal heavyweight workouts to be a breathtaking spectacle. He is often referred to by experts as one of the greatest and true “street bodybuilders” of the time.
The “great” Craig Monson has died. The bodybuilding community pays tribute
The sad news of his passing was first shared by the Rx Muscle – Truth in Bodybuilding platform:
“One of the GREATEST (and true ‘street bodybuilders’ of the 80’s) and a stalwart of Gold’s/Muscle Beach Venice, ‘THE GREAT’ Craig Monson, has passed away at the age of 75. He was one of the true physical uniques of the 80’s, gaining worldwide popularity due to his incredible size. Monson often drew crowds to Venice Beach to watch him lift mammoth weights.”
Immediately after the news was announced, fans began gathering on social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to the giant. Many recalled how he was a role model to them in their youth to start lifting weights in the first place. Others, in turn, shared a hilarious story once told by strength phenomenon C.T. Fletcher. In his video, he mentioned that those around him once nicknamed him “Little Craig Monson.” Fletcher raved at the time that he was definitely not anyone’s “little…” But that’s what he thought until he saw Craig Monson with his own eyes.
Legends of the golden era are leaving
Unfortunately, Monson is not the only prominent bodybuilder from the “Golden Era” who has left us recently. Pat Neve, the former Mr. Universe and Mr. America titleholder who stood on the podium alongside such names as Robby Robinson in his day, also passed away recently at the age of 78.
Craig Monson left a huge mark on the iron world, motivating legions of exercisers to reach their full potential and will forever remain an icon of California’s Muscle Beach.
Our condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, legend.
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