Ed Corney: Life, Career, and Legacy in Bodybuilding

Ed Corney was a legendary bodybuilder known for his incredible physique and graceful posing. He became a symbol of classic bodybuilding during the 1970s and inspired countless fitness enthusiasts with his dedication and artistry.

From winning major competitions to appearing in iconic documentaries like Pumping Iron, Ed Corney left a lasting impact on the sport. This article explores his life, achievements, and the legacy he created in the world of bodybuilding.

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Short Summary

• Bodybuilding Legend: Ed Corney was a renowned bodybuilder famous for his classic physique and exceptional posing skills.
• Golden Era Icon: He rose to fame during the 1970s and became a key figure in the golden era of bodybuilding.
• Competition Success: Corney won numerous bodybuilding titles, including Mr. Universe and Mr. America.
• Pumping Iron Star: He gained global recognition through his appearance in the movie and book, Pumping Iron.
• Recommended Supplement: For those looking to build muscle effectively, Try Anafuse, our best muscle-building supplement, and see the difference.

About Ed Corney

Ed Corney was a famous American bodybuilder, born on November 9, 1933, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is best known for his incredible posing skills and his impressive physique, which made him a standout competitor during the golden age of bodybuilding in the 1970s. Ed started his bodybuilding journey later in life, around his late 20s, but quickly made a name for himself.

Throughout his career, Ed won several prestigious titles, including Mr. America and Mr. Universe. He was recognized not only for his physical strength but also for his artistic posing routines that captivated audiences and judges alike.

Athlete Statistics

Here are some key statistics about Ed Corney's bodybuilding career:

• Full Name: Edward CharlesCorney
• Date of Birth: November 9, 1933
• Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
• Competition Weight: Around 190 to 200 pounds (86 to 91 kg)
• Era: Competed primarily in the 1960s, 1970s ("Golden Era")
• Died: January 1, 2019

Ed Corney Biography

Early Years

Ed Corney was born in Hawaii, USA, and developed a passion for fitness during his childhood. He participated in various sports, including volleyball, body surfing, and canoe paddling. Despite his active lifestyle, he never thought about competing in bodybuilding as a teenager.

At 17, in 1950, he started working at an airport where he met bodybuilder Millard Williamson. After a volleyball game challenge, Ed was inspired by Millard's physique and decided to start working out.

Although Ed began lifting weights in his late 20s and early 30s, he quickly made impressive progress. His great genetics, combined with hard work and discipline, helped him build a strong, stage-worthy body. Still, Ed had no plans to compete in bodybuilding for 17 years.

Competitive Bodybuilding Career

At the age of 33 and weighing 160 pounds, Corney entered his first competition, the Mr. Fremont contest in Northern California, in 1967—and won. The following year, he continued his success by winning titles such as Mr. Heart of California, Mr. Northern California, and Mr. Golden West.

Ed continued winning titles, including the 1970 Iron Man, 1971 Mr. California, 1971 Mr. USA, and 1972 Mr. America. In 1972, he also won the IFBB Mr. Universe in Baghdad, Iraq. After competing in numerous amateur contests over eight years, Corney became an IFBB professional at age 41.

Corney achieved wider public recognition through his appearance in both the book and film versions of "Pumping Iron: The Art and Sport of Bodybuilding" by Charles Gaines and George Butler. He was featured on the book cover and the movie posters. The film showcased Corney training alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, his training partner.

Over his 21-year career, Ed competed in 49 more contests and won 12 trophies. His most notable wins were the 1972 Mr. America and Mr. Universe titles.

Corney continued competing into the 1980s. In a 1985 interview, he acknowledged using steroids, but emphasized that his success was primarily due to "97 percent training and three percent steroids.

After competing in the Super Bowl of Bodybuilding in 1989 at age 56, he decided to take a break from competition.

Ed's innovative posing transitions set him apart from his peers at that time, and his remarkable stage performances continue to be admired and imitated today.

In 1994, Corney returned to the stage, winning the 60+ division of the Masters Olympia in both 1994 and 1995. He placed 11th overall in 1996 and took second in the 60+ division in 1997.

Ed competed in the only Masters event at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic in 1998. At 65, in 1998, Corney retired from competition. In 2004, he was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame.

Ed Corney suffered a brain aneurysm on December 25, 2018, and passed away on December 1, 2019, at his home in Manteca, California, at the age of 85.

Ed Corney Competition History

• 1967
  • Mr. Fremont: 1st Place
  • Mr. Central California: 1st Place
• 1968
  • Mr. Heart of California: 1st Place
  • AAU Mr. Northern California: 1st Place
  • Mr. Westerner: 1st Place
  • Mr. Golden West: 1st Place
  • AAU Mr. California: 5th Place
• 1969
  • AAU Mr. Western America: 1st Place
• 1970
  • Mr. Pacific Coast: 1st Place
  • Iron Man: 1st Place
  • AAU Mr. America: 11th Place
  • AAU Mr. California (Most Muscular): 2nd Place
• 1971
  • AAU Mr. America: 4th Place
  • IFBB Mr. America (Short): 1st Place
  • AAU Mr. California (Most Muscular): 1st Place
  • IFBB Mr. USA (Short & Overall): 1st Place
  • IFBB Mr. Universe (Medium): 3rd Place
• 1972
  • IFBB Mr. America (Short & Overall): 1st Place
  • IFBB Mr. International (Short): 1st Place
  • IFBB Mr. Universe (Medium & Overall): 1st Place
• 1973
  • IFBB Mr. World (Medium): 1st Place
• 1974
  • IFBB Mr. International (Short): 1st Place
  • IFBB Mr. World (Short): 1st Place
• 1975
  • Mr. Olympia (Lightweight): 2nd Place
  • IFBB World Pro Championships (Lightweight): 2nd Place
• 1976
  • Mr. Olympia (Lightweight): 3rd Place
• 1977
  • Mr. Olympia: 3rd Place
  • Mr. Olympia (Short): 2nd Place
• 1978
  • IFBB Night of Champions: 4th Place
  • Mr. Olympia:
    • Overall: 7th Place
    • Lightweight: 4th Place
• 1979
  • IFBB Canada Pro Cup: Did Not Place
  • IFBB Grand Prix Pennsylvania: Did Not Place
  • IFBB Night of Champions: 8th Place
  • Mr. Olympia (Lightweight): 9th Place
  • IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Invitational: 8th Place
  • IFBB Southern Pro Cup: 7th Place
  • IFBB World Pro Championships: 5th Place
• 1980
  • IFBB Grand Prix Miami: 6th Place
  • IFBB Grand Prix Pennsylvania: 6thPlace
  • IFBB Night of Champions: 4thPlace
  • Mr. Olympia: 11thPlace
  • IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Invitational: 6thPlace
  • IFBB Universe Pro: Did Not Place
  • IFBB World Pro Championships: Did Not Place
• 1981
  • Mr. Olympia: 13thPlace
• 1983
  • Mr. Olympia: 14thPlace
• 1989
  • Superbowl of Bodybuilding PBA: 4thPlace
• 1994
  • Masters Mr. Olympia: 10thPlace
  • Masters Mr. Olympia (60+ Category): 1stPlace
• 1995
  • Masters Mr. Olympia: 11thPlace
  • Masters Mr. Olympia (60+ Category): 1stPlace
• 1996
  • Masters Mr. Olympia: 11thPlace
• 1997
  • Masters Mr. Olympia (60+ Category): 2ndPlace
• 1998
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (Masters): 10thPlace

Ed Corney Workout

Ed Corney was a prominent figure in the golden era of bodybuilding, and like many bodybuilders of his time, he primarily relied on barbells for his training. 

His training focused on the three major lifts—squats, bench press, and deadlifts—while also incorporating other compound and isolation exercises to build a balanced and well-rounded physique.

Training Split

During his peak years, Ed trained six days a week, focusing on both upper and lower-body workouts. His training schedule was divided into two main parts.

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Chest, shoulders, biceps, and calves
• Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday: Abs, legs, back, and triceps

Ed Corney’s Nutrition

While precise details of Ed Corney's diet throughout his career are limited, it's reported that he aimed for approximately 200 grams of protein and 150 grams of carbohydrates daily during competition periods. His diet primarily consisted of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of green vegetables.

To meet his nutritional needs, Ed also used supplements. Like many bodybuilders of his time, he included liver tablets, multivitamins, and protein powders in his regimen to support his training and recovery.

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FAQs About Ed Corney

Q: Who was Ed Corney?

A: Ed Corney was a legendary bodybuilder from the golden era of bodybuilding. He was known for his impressive posing routines and competitive achievements.

Q: Did Ed Corney ever compete in Mr. Olympia?

A: Yes, he competed in the Mr. Olympia contest several times, achieving notable placings.

Q: What were some of Ed Corney's major achievements?

A: He won the IFBB Mr. America and IFBB Mr. Universe titles in 1972, among other victories. He also won the Masters Olympia over-60 division twice.

Q: Did Ed Corney use steroids during his career?

A: In a 1985 interview, Ed acknowledged using steroids but emphasized that he attributed most of his success to hard work and training rather than solely relying on performance-enhancing substances.

Final Thoughts

Ed Corney's contributions to bodybuilding extend beyond his impressive physique and competitive achievements. This article has explored his journey, from his early interest in fitness to his lasting influence on the sport. 

His emphasis on artistry, particularly his approach to posing, helped shape the aesthetic standards of bodybuilding and continues to inspire athletes today.

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Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Corney

https://www.greatestphysiques.com/male-physiques/e...

https://fitnessvolt.com/15681/ed-corney-edward/

http://www.edcorney.net/