Albert "Al" Beckles (born July 14, 1930, as stated by Albert himself on John HansenâÂÂs Bodybuilding Legends podcast) is a former IFBB pro bodybuilder and Mr. Universe. He was a three-time New York City âÂÂNight of Championsâ winner. He was celebrated for being competitive at the top level in his fifties. He is the oldest professional male bodybuilder to win the overall of an International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Professional League (IFBB Pro League) contest at the age of 60 years old.
Beckles was born in Barbados but immigrated to London. In the mid-1960s, he won several British regional titles before winning the 1969 and 1970 NABBA Mr. Britain titles. In 1971, Beckles joined the IFBB, earning the overall at the IFBB "Mr. Universe."
Beckles was one of the most active participants in bodybuilding history, having been in over 100 contests. In 1982, at the age of 52, he won the Night of Champions competition in New York.
Becklesâ 13 forays into the IFBB Mr. Olympia have yielded six placings among the top five, including coming second to Lee Haney in 1985 at the age of 55.
In 1991, at the age of 60 years, he won the Niagara Falls Pro Invitational.
Beckles resided in Los Angeles.
Beckles was a "pollo-vegetarian", which means he ate poultry but no red meat.
Height: 5'6âÂÂ
Weight: 218 lb
Neck: 17
Waist: 31
Thigh: 28
Calf: 16þ
Arms: 19âÂÂ
Chest: 48.5âÂÂ