Thread: Remembering Sonny Schmidt

Remembering Sonny: Masters Olympia champ Sonny Schmidt dies of cancer at age 50

by Jim Schmaltz

Sonny Schmidt, the Samoan bodybuilder known for his quiet intensity and balanced physique, died of cancer in Melbourne, Australia, on January 25. The winner of the 1995 Masters Olympia, Schmidt was diagnosed with the disease in December 2003 and was told by doctors that he did not have long to live. Schmidt died at his Melbourne home surrounded by family and friends. He was 50 years old.

Born Edmond Alten Schmidt in New Zealand on September 19, 1953, Schmidt grew up on the small South Pacific island of Western Samoa. Eventually, he found his way to Australia, where he earned his pro card in 1989. He quickly distinguished himself on the IFBB circuit with his thick powerfully built musculature. The 5'10" 240-pound bodybuilder would compete in nearly 50 pro contests, his final appearance being the 1999 Masters Olympia, where he finished third. The highlight of his career was winning the '95 Masters O.

Tony Doherty, a Melbourne gym owner and promoter of the Australian Grand Prix, knew Schmidt since 1988. Their friendship was such that Doherty asked Sonny to be the best man at his wedding in 1998.

"He was a fun-loving guy who always had time for people," said Doherty, speaking a few days after Schmidt's death. "He never thought he was better than anybody else. He wouldn't leave until he shook the hand of every fan who wanted to meet him. It meant so much to him."

Close friend Milos Sarcev lived with Schmidt in San Diego, California, from 1991-93. He remembers Sonny as a hardworking man of few words, who displayed exceptional generosity to friends and strangers alike.

"I know people use the term a lot, but Sonny really was the epitome of a gentle giant," says Sarcev. "His biggest muscle was his heart. He would help everyone. He was a giver, not a taker."

From Remembering Sonny: Masters Olympia champ Sonny Schmidt dies of cancer at age 50 | Flex | Find Articles at BNET

Sonny Schmidt

Sonny Schmidt was a New Zealand-born professional bodybuilder.

Biography

He was born Edmond Alten Schmidt on 9 September 1953. He grew up in Western Samoa. He later lived in Melbourne, Australia and occasionally travelled to the United States for competitions.

He placed in many events between 1989 and 1999. A highlight for him was when he won the 1995 Masters Olympia. He was 5'10" and weighed 240 pounds at competition weight.

He dated Karen McDonald (Nee West) when he was younger. He was arrested in 2000 on allegations that he assisted Australian drug lord Tony Mokbel to import cocaine from Mexico City into Australia.

Death

He died on January 25, 2004 from cancer.

From Wikipedia


Sonny Schmidt's Competitive Record

1989
Grand Prix Melbourne - IFBB, 7th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 8th

1990
Niagara Falls Pro Invitational - IFBB, 8th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 6th

1991
Grand Prix Denmark - IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Finland - IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Italy - IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Spain - IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Switzerland - IFBB, 5th
Niagara Falls Pro Invitational - IFBB, 2nd
Night of Champions - IFBB, 2nd
Olympia - IFBB, 6th
San Jose Pro Invitational - IFBB, 2nd

1992
Arnold Classic - IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Germany - IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Holland - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Italy - IFBB, 3rd
Olympia - IFBB, 7th
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational - IFBB, 2nd

1993
Arnold Classic - IFBB, 8th
Arnold Classic - IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Finland - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix France (2) - IFBB, 8th
Grand Prix Germany (2) - IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Spain - IFBB, 2nd
Olympia - IFBB, 8th

1994
Arnold Classic - IFBB, 10th
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 10th
Grand Prix France - IFBB, 10th
Grand Prix Germany (2) - IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Germany - IFBB, 8th
Grand Prix Italy - IFBB, 8th
Grand Prix Spain - IFBB, 7th
Ironman Pro Invitational - IFBB, 6th
Olympia - IFBB, 10th

1995
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 7th
Grand Prix France - IFBB, 7th
Grand Prix Germany - IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Russia - IFBB, 7th
Grand Prix Spain - IFBB, 7th
Grand Prix Ukraine - IFBB, 7th
Olympia - IFBB, 13th
Olympia - Masters - IFBB, Winner

1996
Olympia - Masters - IFBB, 2nd

1997
Olympia - Masters - IFBB, 2nd

1998
Arnold Classic - IFBB, Masters, 2nd

1999
Olympia - Masters - IFBB, 3rd

always sad to see someone pass

wish he wouldnt have got sucked into so many problems because of milos