Bertil Fox

Bertil Fox (Biography, Training, Olympia Career & Case)

Bertil Fox was one of the most muscular and intimidating bodybuilders of the 1970s, 80s, and early 90s. Nicknamed “Brutal Bertil” for his incredibly heavy, high-intensity training style, he became a cult icon in bodybuilding due to his dense muscle mass and raw power.

Born on November 5, 1951 in Basseterre, St. Kitts, he later moved to London, where his bodybuilding journey began.

Early Life & Rise in Bodybuilding

Bertil started lifting weights at age 15 and quickly stood out. Throughout the late 60s and early 70s, he dominated the British bodybuilding scene.

Major Early Wins

Mr. Britain (5× winner)
Mr. Universe (1979 NABBA) – one of his biggest amateur achievements

His size, thick chest, and extreme strength made him one of the most talked-about athletes of his time.

IFBB Pro Career & Mr. Olympia History

Bertil Fox turned professional in the early 1980s and appeared on the biggest stages in the world.

Notable Placements

Mr. Olympia: Competed multiple times, with his best placing being 5th in 1983
Night of Champions: Top contender
Arnold Classic: Competitor

He was known for:

Huge chest
Massive arms
Very dense muscle fibers
Brutally heavy training (squatting and benching unheard-of weights)

His rivalry with other mass monsters of the era (like Tom Platz and Lee Haney) enhanced his legend.

Physical Stats & Measurements

Though measurements varied throughout his career, approximate stats include:

Height: 5’8’’ (173 cm)
Off-season weight: 250–260 lbs
Contest weight: 225–235 lbs
Arms: 21 inches
Chest: 56+ inches
Legs: 30+ inches

Bertil Fox was considered one of the thickest men ever to compete.

Training Style – “Brutal Bertil” Workouts

Fox’s training is legendary. He pushed weights heavier than almost anyone in his era.

Training Characteristics

Extremely heavy bench presses
Very low rest periods
4–5 days/week
Heavy rowing, squats, deadlifts
Minimal machines, mostly free weights
No fancy techniques—just brute strength

Many lifters still study his routines for inspiration.

Diet & Philosophy

Bertil Fox followed an old-school bodybuilding diet:

High protein
Red meat
Eggs
Rice, potatoes
Low supplements
Focus on whole foods

He believed in eating big to grow big.

Crime, Conviction & Prison Sentence

In 1997, Bertil Fox was convicted of a double murder involving his ex-girlfriend and her mother in St. Kitts.
He received a death sentence, later reduced to life in prison.

This became one of bodybuilding’s most shocking scandals.

Release From Prison (2022)

In 2022, after serving 25 years, Bertil Fox was granted clemency and released from prison. He moved back to the UK, living quietly away from public attention.