A bodybuilding champion and former Mr. Universe has died at 57 — with his rivals describing him as a “legend” of the sport.
Six-time Spanish bodybuilding champion José Antonio Hernandez Torres, who was known affectionately as “Jocha,” died in Tenerife just a month before his 58th birthday, Spanish outlet Revista el Verdano reported, without giving a cause of death.
The hulking athlete won the Mr. Universe in 2004 during a career spanning more than four decades.
He opened the Jocha fitness gym in Tenerife after retiring from competition.
“With over 40 years’ experience in sport, as well as his entrepreneurial endeavours with his famous gym, we have lost the most internationally decorated sportsman in the history of La Verdellada-Barrio Nuevo,” the local neighborhood association said online, without revealing a cause of death.
Fellow strongman Jose Maria Garcia described Jocha as a “legend of our sport” in an online tribute.
“One of the first Spaniards who, in the 1980s, was on a par with the world’s best, representing our country at various international events. We will always admire him,” he said.
Alejandro Mena, a former bodybuilder turned cop, finished runner-up to Jocha in the 1989 Spanish championships.
“Beyond the results, I will always remember him as a wonderful person, an excellent friend and a role model for all of us who love bodybuilding,” he said.
“’His humility, camaraderie and passion for this sport left an indelible mark on all of us who were lucky enough to know him.”
