THE world of bodybuilding is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Big Lenny Persin has passed away aged 60. Here we take a look at his life.
The sportsman was a much loved star[/caption]
Born in 1964, Lenny Persin, known as Big Lenny, was a much-loved star in bodybuilding.
Over the years he took part in multiple competitions.
His last known one was in 2017 when he participated in the NPC Ruby Championship and finished in second place.
Before getting ill, Big Lenny told fans he hoped to take part in the same competition in 2024.
Passing away
Sadly it was revealed in October 2024, that he had passed away.
The news were confirmed in a YouTube video by fellow bodybuilder Dave Palumbo.
He said: “Big Lenny Persin is no longer with us. He passed over the last couple days, we’re not really sure exactly what day.
“He was suffering from congestive heart failure for quite some time now.
“Big Lenny was an icon in the sport. He carved out a unique niche for himself, leading a group of bodybuilders who went by the name of the Del Rey Misfits.
“He was their fearless leader.”
Health issues
Although his cause of death is yet to be revealed, the legendary competitor was suffering from congestive heart failure prior to his death.
Lenny previously posted a video from a hospital bed, where he talked through his health struggle.
Speaking with a breathing tube in his nose, he said: “I have congestive heart failure.
“This means the left ventricle of my heart doesn’t pump blood as it properly should.”
Tributes have poured in for Big Lenny[/caption]
Paying tribute
Tributes poured in for the late star, as the world of bodybuilding paid their respects to Lenny.
One person wrote: “Such a great guy and always fun to be around! Will miss you Big Lenny!”
While another said: Damn, he was a big inspiration back in 2015/2016 for working out. Rip.”
This one tweeted: “Lenny was super positive he will be missed. Rest in Peace Lenny.”
Another wrote: “Now this is heartbreaking because that big gentle giant meant no ill will towards anyone that he might offended.”
Industry expert Jon Bravo also paid tribute in a touching YouTube video.
He said: “I had a chance to know him and he was a gentle giant, you know.
“One of the biggest guys, the biggest guy in the room and, you know, if there’s one thing we can all learn from Big Lenny is that he lived each day to the fullest.
“It didn’t matter if he lived in a rundown apartment filled with roaches and dirt and mould, each day, he had a smile on his face, and each day he found a way to make himself happy.”
Jon added: “I want to send my regards to all his fans, he was well loved in the fitness industry for so many years.
“He’s a staple of the fitness industry and he’s another one that we have lost too early.”
Congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure means that the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly. It usually happens because the heart has become too weak or stiff.
Heart failure does not mean your heart has stopped working. It means it needs some support to help it work better.
It can occur at any age, but is most common in older people.
Heart failure is a long-term condition that tends to get gradually worse over time.
It cannot usually be cured, but the symptoms can often be controlled for many years.
Symptoms of heart failure:
- Breathlessness after activity or at rest.
- Feeling tired most of the time and finding exercise exhausting.
- Feeling lightheaded or fainting.
- Swollen ankles and legs.
Information supplied by the NHS.
