Robert Steven Gajda (September 14, 1940 – January 16, 2022) was an American bodybuilder and performance training pioneer.[1]

Bob Gajda
Bob Gajda Mr. América 1966 y Humberto Garcia Mr. México 1964 en Ciudad de México, en el Restaurante Gitanería≤
Bob Gajda Mr. América 1966 y Humberto Garcia Mr. México 1964 en Ciudad de México, en el Restaurante Gitanerías
BornSeptember 14, 1940
DiedJanuary 16, 2022

Life and career

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Gajda was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 14, 1940.[2]

He held the title of AAU Mr. America, which he won in 1966, after defeating his training partner and friend, Sergio Oliva for the title.[3] He also placed first in the 1966 FICH Mr. Universe.

Gajda developed Chicago's Duncan YMCA gym, which was known as "the muscle factory on West Monroe",[4] and played a major role in establishing the Chicago bodybuilding scene.

He died on January 16, 2022, at the age of 81.[2]

Awards

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  • AOBS Hall of Fame[5]

References

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  1. ^ "1966 Mr. America & Sports Performance Pioneer Bob Gajda Discusses Bodybuilding Experiences (Part 1)!". Bodybuilding.com. February 19, 2009. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
  2. ^ a b Khzokhlachev, Yegor (January 17, 2022). "Bob Gajda Tribute". Built Report. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  3. ^ "Bob Gajda Wins Mr. America Title". Reading Eagle. UPI. June 20, 1966. p. 25. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
  4. ^ "THE MUSCLE FACTORY ON WEST MONROE (March 17, 1968)". Retrieved August 3, 2016.
  5. ^ Pohlman, Bill (October 10, 2011). "Palatine Fitness Expert Honored By AOBS Hall of Fame". TribLocal. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved September 22, 2015.