Some athletes with gynecomastia get them after bulking using steroids. That is because steroids are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone, and when they are taken in large quantities, they can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body.
Steroids can cause the body to produce more estrogen. It is a female hormone, and this can lead to the development of breast tissue in males. This is a common side effect of steroid use, and it can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort for many bodybuilders and athletes.
In addition to gynecomastia, steroid use can cause a number of other side effects. They include acne, hair loss, mood swings, and an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems. Instead of using steroids, you can use natural supplements to help you bulk up faster.
Some of the athletes with gynecomastia in the course of their bodybuilding careers include the following.
Athletes with Gynecomastia in the Body Building
1. Zac Diles played in the NFL
NFL player, Zac Diles, suffered from gynecomastia for years. He played in the National Football League (NFL). He was a linebacker who played for several teams during his career.
The teams included the Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, and Arizona Cardinals.
The Houston Texans, in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft, drafted Diles, and he played for them for three seasons before moving on to other teams. He retired from the NFL in 2014 after playing for seven seasons.
During his NFL career, Diles was known for his special team play and his ability to make tackles. He played in 94 games and recorded 264 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
2. Franco Columbu 1981 Mr. Olympia
Franco had no legs(leg injury), and he had gynecomastia in both his pecs. He won the Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition in 1981. Mr.Olympia is a premier professional bodybuilding competition, and the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) holds it annually.
Columbu, who was born in Italy in 1941, began his bodybuilding career in the 1960s. He was a close friend and training partner of Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the two men trained together for many years.
Columbu won a number of bodybuilding titles throughout his career, including the Mr. Universe competition twice and the Mr. World competition once.
In the 1981 Mr. Olympia, Columbu beat out a field of top bodybuilders, including Chris Dickerson, Tom Platz, and Samir Bannout, to take home the title.
Columbu’s victory was particularly impressive because he was 40 years old at the time, and many people thought he was past his prime. He retired from competitive bodybuilding in the mid-1980s, but he remained active in the fitness industry throughout his life.
He worked as a personal trainer, chiropractor, and strength coach, and he also appeared in a number of movies, including several films alongside Schwarzenegger. Columbu passed away in 2019 at the age of 78.
3. Ronnie Coleman 1998
Ronnie Coleman, one of the most successful bodybuilders, had substantial gynecomastia around his left nipple when zoomed in during his posing. Coleman won his first Mr. Olympia title in 1998.
The Mr. Olympia contest is the most prestigious bodybuilding competition in the world, and the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) holds it annually.
Coleman, born in 1964 in Louisiana, had been a police officer before becoming a professional bodybuilder. He had been competing in bodybuilding competitions since the early 1990s, and his impressive physique and powerful, muscular physique quickly made him a fan favorite.
In 1998, at the Mr. Olympia competition in New York City, Coleman beat out a field of top bodybuilders to take home the title. His victory was particularly noteworthy because he had placed eighth in the competition the year before, and many people did not expect him to win.
However, his massive size, incredible muscularity, and unparalleled strength impressed the judges, and he was awarded the top prize.
Coleman went on to win the Mr. Olympia title seven more times, tying the record set by Arnold Schwarzenegger, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
After retiring from competitive bodybuilding in 2007, he has continued to be involved in the fitness industry. He is now an influential figure, particularly in the realm of strength training.
4. Ulysses JR
Ulysses had displayed gynecomastia, a common side effect of steroid usage, while posing on stage during his career. Fans know him as “The Body Sculptor” Jr., a fitness personality, personal trainer, and social media influencer.
He is notorious for his impressive physique, which he has developed through bodybuilding, calisthenics, and other forms of physical training. As a result, he is among the top athletes with gynecomastia.
Ulysses Jr. was born in 1986 in New York City, and he began his career in his early twenties.
He quickly gained a following on social media for his motivational posts and impressive workout videos, and he has since become one of the most popular fitness influencers on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
In addition to his work as a social media influencer, Ulysses Jr. has also worked as a personal trainer and fitness coach.
He has created several workout programs and nutrition plans designed to help people achieve their fitness goals, and he has worked with clients around the world.
Ulysses Jr. has won several bodybuilding and fitness competitions over the years and he continues to be a major influence in the fitness community.
Many recognize him for his dedication to his craft, innovative training methods, and ability to inspire others to live healthier and more active lifestyles.
5. Craig Golias
Craig Golias is an American bodybuilder and fitness personality. He was born in New Jersey in 1988 and began lifting weights at the age of 14. He quickly developed an interest in bodybuilding and started competing in local competitions.
However, he has struggled with gynecomastia for quite some time. Golias gained a following on social media for his impressive physique and his dedication to training. Fans know him for his massive size and muscularity.
And he has competed in a number of bodybuilding competitions over the years.
In addition to his work as a bodybuilder, Golias has also worked as a fitness model. A number of fitness and bodybuilding magazines have also featured him. He has also worked as a personal trainer and nutrition coach and has helped many people achieve their fitness goals.
Golias has faced criticism in the past for his use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and for his extreme size. Such performance drugs include anabolic-steroids. However, he has defended his choices and has continued to be a popular figure in the fitness community.
He’s recognized for his commitment to bodybuilding and pushing his limits to achieve his goals.
6. Roelly Winklaar Nordic Pro 2014
Roelly Winklaar, the Dutch professional bodybuilder, won the 2014 Nordic Pro competition. The Nordic Pro is an annual bodybuilding competition that takes place in Lahti, Finland, and is open to professional bodybuilders from around the world.
However, during the competition, he had obvious gynecomastia.
Winklaar competed professionally since 2009, and achieved a number of impressive results before his win at the Nordic Pro in 2014. He is known for his muscularity and his impressive size and is often considered one of the most powerful bodybuilders in the sport.
At the 2014 Nordic Pro, Winklaar beat out a field of top bodybuilders to take home the top prize. His victory was particularly impressive because he had been battling injuries in the lead-up to the competition, and many people thought he might not be at his best.
Following his win at the Nordic Pro, Winklaar continued to compete at the highest level of the sport. He has achieved a number of impressive results in the years since his win, including a fifth-place finish at the 2018 Mr. Olympia competition.
He remains one of the most popular and respected bodybuilders in the world and is known for his impressive size and his dedication to his craft.
What causes gynecomastia among athletes?
Most athletes with gynecomastia often get it from the use of performance-enhancing substances, particularly anabolic steroids. If you are an athlete, who is concerned about gynecomastia or other side effects of performance-enhancing substances, you can consult a health professional.
