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Natural
Bodybuilding Legend and European Champion Mike Williams passed away on
June 27 of 2006. Mike Williams was a true pioneer within the Natural
Bodybuilding community, having set a standard of definition, symmetry
and presentation that will continue to inspire thousands of other
competitive athletes. His multiple titles are evidence of a man not only
dedicated to the sport of bodybuilding, but dedicated to life as well.
Mike added a sense of passion to all that he touched, and his loss will
be felt deeply within the natural bodybuilding community and beyond.
Mike
Williams wining his 5th European Title! |
"Mike never used to shake my
hand either, he always said to me from an early age that you shake the
hand of someone you don’t really know, Mike always hugged me!"
Tony Montalbano
"I can truly say he was one
of the nicest blokes I've ever met"
Ian Stocks
"His enthusiasm and
exuberant approach to all things Bodybuilding and life in general was
amazing. He remains a genuine inspiration to us all."
Mark Oakes
"he touched everyone in the
same positive , friendly way, bodybuilding wont be the same without him."
Brandon Marjoram
"I always looked upon Mike
as my toughest challenge, he truly was a fantastic natural bodybuilder,
arguably the best that this Country has ever produced." Rob Feesey |
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MIKE WILLIAMS
1956 – 2006
As I write this it is a day since my
very good friend Mike Williams passed away.
His wife
Janet called me yesterday afternoon to give me this devastating news.
I feel numb
as I type this, and will miss Mike so much. He was such a helpful,
respectful, modest, and humble Champion and person who would go out of
his way to help anybody. He was so friendly and approachable, always
smiling as he greeted you with the famous Mike Williams hug - there will
never be anybody like Mike Williams.
When the NPA was formed I remember
calling Mike and I could feel the enthusiasm in his voice as we spoke
over the phone. As we put the Committee together I was delighted that
someone of Mike’s standing was willing to support us, and his first trip
abroad under the NPA banner was the UIBBN Europeans. He comfortably took
the European title and later in the year won the Pro-Am and World title
too. As he got older he got better! In Italy for the Worlds 2004 I saw
first hand how respected Mike was. People would come over to shake his
hand, they were in awe of him, and I was flattered just to be in his
company. Mike was a legendary figure in Natural Bodybuilding, he had
more titles behind his name than anybody else. He had competed with
NABBA, EFBB, and the ANB over the years, and was now playing a major
role in the development of the NPA. As pleased as I was to have Mike and
Janet involved with the NPA, I was more honored to have them become
close friends of myself and my wife Diane. The last couple of years Mike
and Janet came up to Holmfirth to stay for a couple of days for the NPA
Yorkshire Championships, and they were more than welcome guests at our
house the day before the contest, as we and some close mutual friends
happily socialized into the night. Happy and precious days indeed.
Only 2 weeks
ago I roomed with Mike for the UIBBN Europeans in Barcelona, and we had
such a good time, surrounded by close and genuine friends. As I close my
eyes I can see him there. On the Saturday evening after the contest we
went out for a meal, and had a great evening. As we walked around close
to the hotel there were people from other teams’ countries acknowledging
him as we walked past them, that’s how it was when you were in Mike’s
company. I find it very hard to believe he has gone, and I am sure that
I speak for many when I say that Mike will be sorely missed by everybody
who knew him. As a bodybuilder and as a person, Mike is irreplaceable.
On behalf of everybody connected to the NPA my thoughts and deepest
condolences go to Janet, their children, and family.
Michael
Phillips
28th June
2006 |
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