Gustavo Badell Biography & Wikipedia – Who Was The Freakin Rican?

Gustavo Badell was a Venezuelan-born Puerto Rican bodybuilder also known as The Freakin Rican who passed away in July 2023.

Badell rose to fame due to his performances as a bodybuilder, building an impressive resume throughout his career.

Gustavo Badell sadly died at the age of 50 years old in July 2023 due to complications from a heart attack.

In this article, Nigeriabombshell.com presents Gustavo Badell biography & wikipedia, age, career, wife, children, Instagram, death etc.

Gustavo Badell biography & Wikipedia

gustavo badell biography

Gustavo Badell was a Venezuelan-born Puerto Rican bodybuilder known as The Freakin Rican who sadly died in July 2023.

Badell was born on November 3, 1972 in Venezuela, making him 50 years of age at his death in July 2023.

The young Badell spent his childhood and adolescence in Venezuela, coming from humble beginnings with four siblings. 

From a very young age, Gustavo Badell was interested in sports, getting into boxing when he was just 15 years of age.

His start in bodybuilding came completely by accident. Perhaps feeling physically inadequate to the task of boxing, he decided to increase his size and strength by lifting weights at a local gym. Badell soon discovered that he had a natural talent for bodybuilding and gained muscle incredibly fast.

He entered his first bodybuilding competition, the 1991 Junior Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships, when he was 19 years old and won it. He then moved to Puerto Rico when he was around 22 years old and continued to compete in regional and national events. He turned professional by winning the 1997 Caribbean Championships and made his IFBB debut in the 1998 Grand Prix of Germany.

Initially, his bodybuilding career was close to a bust as he had very little success. However, things changed from 2003 onwards when he started racking up some impressive accolades.

With the help of fellow bodybuilder Milos Sarcev, Gustavo Badell started to improve his diet, training, and posing. Sarcev also introduced him to some of the top bodybuilders in the world. Badell’s physique transformed dramatically and he became more confident and charismatic on stage.

These changed led to immediate success as he won his first pro title at the 2004 San Francisco Pro Invitational and followed it up with another win at the 2005 Ironman Pro Invitational. He also placed third at the 2004 and 2005 Mr. Olympia, behind Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler. 

Badell became known for his impressive conditioning, symmetry, and muscularity, especially in his arms and chest – earning him the nickname “The Freakin’ Rican” for his freaky size and shape.

Badell competed in many prestigious events such as the Arnold Classic, the Night of Champions (later renamed as the New York Pro), and the World Pro Championships. He also appeared in many fitness and magazine articles, as well as on the cover of Flex magazine. He was sponsored by MuscleTech and featured in their advertisements for Nitrotech Hardcore and Masstech weight-gain powders.

Badell retired from competitive bodybuilding in 2010 after placing 16th at the Mr. Olympia. He then focused on coaching other bodybuilders and running his own gym in Orlando, Florida. 

In July 2023, the Freakin Rican sadly died. According to reports, he died from complications due to a heart attack.

Gustavo Badell was survived by his wife Mariangel Badell and had seven children: Gustavo Andres, Liz Valeria, Barbie Ann, Nicole Marie, Michael Gustavo, Christian Carlos, and Sabella.

May he rest in peace.

Death

Gustavo Badell’s death was announced by a friend, Eddie Abbew on Thursday, July 13th 2023.

”’I woke up this morning to information that Gustavo has passed away. My heart goes out to his family and friends,’ Abbew wrote. ‘Gustavo was ten years younger than me. It is always sad when a young person is taken away long before their time. Rest in peace Gustavo and know that you will be missed.” Abbew wrote.

Muscle Tech, a supplement company that worked with Badell, also paid homage to the retired bodybuilder. 

‘It was an honor to be represented by a man who was a consummate professional and one of the hardest working bodybuilders of his generation,’ read a tweet from the company’s account. ‘Today we remember the lives Gustavo touched and the legacy he left.’

A devout Christian, Badell often thanked God for his achievements. He was also a fan of salsa music and dancing. His death shocked and saddened the bodybuilding community, who remembered him as a great competitor, friend, and mentor. His family and fans paid tribute to him on social media and at his funeral service.

‘Rest In Peace champion,’ wrote bodybuilder Angela Debatin. ‘I had the honor to share the Olympia stage with you, we did a guest posing together here in Orlando in 2005.

‘After years, you helped me pre contest to compete at Tampa Pro 2019. We trained together and, I will keep those memories for ever in my mind!’

Gustavo Badell Wife & Children

gustavo badell wife & children

Gustavo Baddel wife Mariangel Badell. He had seven children: Gustavo Andres, Liz Valeria, Barbie Ann, Nicole Marie, Michael Gustavo, Christian Carlos, and Sabella.

Then body builder was married twice, first to Jessica Rodriguez, who supported him during his rise to fame in professional bodybuilding. They were married for several years and had four children: Barbie Ann, Nicole Marie, Michael Gustavo, and Christian Carlos. 

However, they eventually divorced amicably and remained committed to co-parenting their children. 

Badell later remarried to Mariangel Badell and had three more children: Gustavo Andres, Liz Valeria, and Sabella

Instagram

Gustavo Badell was on Instagram @ifbbprogustavobadell

Gustavo Badell Height, Weight & Body Measurements

gustavo badell height, weight & body measurements

Badell had a height of 5 ft 7.7 in (172 cm) and a contest weight of 245 lb (111 kg). 

His off-season weight was around 260-265 lb (118-120 kg). His body measurements were as follows:

Arms: 21 in (53 cm)

Chest: 52 in (132 cm)

Waist: 32 in (81 cm)

Thighs: 30 in (76 cm)

Calves: 19 in (48 cm)

Gustavo Badell trained six days a week, focusing on one or two body parts per day. He used heavy weights and high intensity techniques such as drop sets, supersets, and forced reps. He also did cardio three times a week for about 30 minutes each session.

Badell followed a high-protein, low-carb diet that consisted of lean meats, eggs, fish, vegetables, nuts, and supplements. He ate six to eight meals a day, totaling around 5,000 calories. He also drank plenty of water and avoided alcohol, sugar, and salt.

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