{"id":6449,"date":"2026-01-09T15:49:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T15:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=6449"},"modified":"2026-01-09T15:49:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T15:49:55","slug":"bodybuilding-champion-rafael-vera-diaz-still-going-strong-at-80-years-old","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=6449","title":{"rendered":"Bodybuilding Champion Rafael Vera Diaz Still Going Strong at 80 Years Old"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Diaz is a former world champion who continues to train at a high level.<\/h2>\n

Many fitness enthusiasts have dedicated their life to the industry and have shown that age can be just a number. Former bodybuilding champion Rafael Vera Diaz <\/strong>has proved this by continuing to keep up with his fitness and maintain a ripped build at 80 years old.<\/p>\n

[RELATED: 100-Year-Old Veteran Becomes World\u2019s Oldest Bodybuilder<\/a>]<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Diaz is a three-time World Champion who also has a gold medal from the 2003 Mr. Olympia Masters USA and 2013 Arnold Classic Europa. The Spanish bodybuilder routinely shared videos of himself in the gym and on stage over the course of his career. Despite turning 80 years old at the end of August, Diaz has maintained his daily routine and lifestyle that he created at a young age.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis sport is what makes me feel like a young guy and age is nothing but just a number.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Diaz spoke in a video shared by Healthy Living with Ray<\/em> about his passion for fitness. He began as a gymnastics coach with over 25 years of experience. His own fitness journey began at 35 years old as he wanted to jump into a sport where his work would pay off. For Diaz, the plan was simple \u2014 focus on healthy eating and training in the gym. Diaz, who admitted to never drinking alcohol or smoking, believes that a healthy lifestyle \u201csolves all problems.\u201d His lifestyle has kept him active in the gym to this day while still competing on stage as well.<\/p>\n

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Age Is Just A Number In Bodybuilding <\/h3>\n

Rafael Diaz is a great example that age is just a number in the fitness world. Another prime example is Andrew Bostino, who is considered the world\u2019s oldest bodybuilder<\/a> after stepping on stage at 100 years old. Bostino is not currently recognized by Guinness because he is not currently an IFBB Pro. The oldest recognized competitor is Jim Arrington<\/a> at 92 years old.<\/p>\n

Bostinto took the stage in the NGA Gator Classic on May 10 where he was able to continue his lifestyle of physical fitness. The National Gym Association announced the achievement. Known as the \u201cgodfather of\u00a0natural bodybuilding<\/a>,\u201d Bostinto founded the National Gym Association in 1979. This is a non-profit organization that remains active to this day. Bostinto has been able to continue his support of natural\u00a0training<\/a>\u00a0within the organization by encouraging other athletes.<\/p>\n

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Bostino celebrated his 100th birthday with a workout. This is not surprising when looking at his track record. Training since 1938, Bostinto has devoted his life to being a natural bodybuilder who supports drug-free strength training.<\/p>\n

Along with his incredible achievements in bodybuilding, Bostinto earned the Bronze Star for his contributions during World War II. Bostinto has also worked as an official during many events. This includes the 1970 and 1971 Olympia. He made friends with some of the best competitors of all-time such as\u00a0Arnold Schwarzenegger<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Lou Ferrigno<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n