Tom Platz was one of the most beloved bodybuilders of the late 1970s and 1980s. Known by his adoring fans as the “Golden Eagle,” Tom competed in and won multiple professional bodybuilding competitions throughout his era, most notably taking a controversial third place finish at the 1981 Mr. Olympia. Perhaps most recognized for his remarkable leg development, Tom made a professional bodybuilding comeback in 1995 and was awarded honorary Mr. America. Now at the age of 53, the Golden Eagle is again strongly thinking of making another comeback. I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Tom recently to discuss the possible comeback among other things.

Q: When did you begin bodybuilding? What motivated you to pick that particular sport and how did you retain that motivation throughout your career?

A: I could probably talk for an hour about that! Well, I began bodybuilding when I was 9 years old and I became very serious about it in a short period of time. When I saw Dave Draper in the movie Don’t Make Waves, I was absolutely mesmerized. I thought, my God, look at that guy! To a young kid looking for an identity, looking to gain some notoriety, it was that movie and also a particular fitness advertisement of Mr. Draper endorsing Weider exercise equipment that really got me inspired to be a bodybuilder. I told my dad, “when I grow-up, I want to be like him (Dave Draper), that’s what I want to do!” My life changed forever and was essentially shaped in a sense by seeing Dave Draper in those two things.

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