Tony Emmott

Postman, Professional Bodybuilder, Gym Owner

Tony Emmott is one of the greatest bodybuilders to come out of England. His physique proves that he was one of the best in the world, competing against legends in the sport during the 1960-70’s.

Tony was covered in numerous fitness magazines and placed highly in the prestigious Mr. Olympia shows. But he started out as a youngster in a small town in England.

This is his story:


 

12797844_1132564953434673_324343558_n

Athlete Statistics

Full Name: Tony Emmott
WeightHeightArmsChest
185 - 195lbs (83.9 - 88.5kg)5'10" (177.5cm)20"50"
 
WaistThighsCalves
32"26.5"18"
 
Year of BirthNationalityProfession
1938BritishPostman, Professional Bodybuilder, Gym Owner
 
Era
1960, 1970
Weight185 - 195lbs (83.9 - 88.5kg)
Height5'10" (177.5cm)
Arms20"
Chest50"
Waist32"
Thighs26.5"
Calves18"
Year of Birth1938
NationalityBritish
ProfessionPostman, Professional Bodybuilder, Gym Owner
Era1960, 1970

 

tumblr_nvgrolpr3j1ut2zt9o1_500

Accomplishments

Competitions

  • 1960 NABBA Mr. Universe, 4th
  • 1961 NABBA Mr. Britain, 3rd
  • 1969 NABBA Mr. Britain, 3rd
  • 1971 NABBA Universe Pro, 3rd
  • 1972 NABBA Universe Pro, 3rd
  • 1972 WBBG Pro Mr. World, 2nd
  • 1973 NABBA Universe Pro, 2nd
  • 1973 WBBG Pro Mr. World, 3rd
  • 1974 NABBA Universe Pro, 3rd
  • 1975 NABBA Universe Pro, 3rd
  • 1976 WBBG Olympics, 3rd
  • 1976 NABBA Universe Pro, 1st
  • 1976 NABBA Universe Pro, 2nd
  • 1976 WBBG Olympus, 1st
  • 1977 NABBA Universe Pro, 1st
  • 1977 WABBA World Championships, 2nd
  • 1978 IFBB Olympia, 5th
  • 1979 IFBB World Pro, 3rd
  • 1979 IFBB Universe, 3rd
  • 1979 IFBB Grand Prix Pennsylvania, NP
  • 1979 IFBB Canada Pro, 5th
  • 1980 IFBB Night of Champions, 7th
  • 1980 IFBB Olympia, 12th
  • 1981 IFBB Pro World, NP
  • 1983 Grand Prix Portland, 9th

 

tumblr_o6zmtl5a111uvyc5ao1_1280

Biography

Postman

Born in Ilkley (Yorkshire), England, Tony Emmott grew up as a fitness fanatic. From an early age, he began lifting weights in the gym – he was determined to sculpt his dream physique.

However, he didn’t always consider a career in bodybuilding – in his youth, Tony worked as a Postman, living an ordinary life away from the stage.


 

emmotttony


Competitive Bodybuilding

At the age of 22, Tony’s fascination for the sport had led him to compete in his first show – the 1960 NABBA Mr. Universe.

Although he didn’t win, he placed a respectable 4th in his debut contest. Tony was encouraged by his performance and decided to enter another contest a year later.

He improved on his previous competition by placing in the top 3, but he still didn’t consider changing his profession at this point. For the next 8 years, Tony returned to his life as a Postman in his small town, Ilkley.

But he never stopped training in the gym and developing his physique.


 

9ade2f0f2f663415a47929eb5bb4023d


Return to the Stage

In 1969, at 31-years-old, Tony made the big decision to pursue his passion and make a name for himself as a bodybuilder. He returned to the NABBA Mr. Britain that year, placing in the top 3 again.

This achievement earned him his Pro Card. But he took 2 years away to sculpt his body and be able to compete with the big boys of the sport.


 

22b495f5db85d9419672a4c3d9d4b7ca


Life as a Pro

Tony appeared in his first professional show in 1971 – the NABBA Universe Pro. He did well to place in the top 3, competing against the likes of Frank Zane

Over the next 12 years, he entered a further 21 shows, taking home 3 trophies and placing in the top 3 countless times. During this period, Tony gained recognition for his amazing physique alongside other legends such as Danny Padilla, Ed Corney, Mohamed Makkawy and Frank Zane.


 

tumblr_o3kgne7ln01ut2zt9o1_1280


Retirement

After his successful career spanning 25 competitions and numerous appearances on reputable muscle magazines, Tony had become a legend in bodybuilding. He pioneered the sport in his home country, England, and inspired many athletes to pursue a life in the industry.

However, at the age of 45, Tony pulled the curtains down on his own career. He stepped on stage for the final time at the 1983 Grand Prix Portland.

Although he didn’t finish with a fairytale ending, he placed 9th against much younger athletes like Tony Pearson (26 at the time).


 

52188668981f

What we can learn from Tony Emmott

Tony has taught us to always believe in ourselves. He didn’t think he’d be able to have a career as a bodybuilder, but he competed against some of the greatest icons in the sport, becoming a legend himself.

One thing you can take away from Tony’s story is that time and patience is key to sculpting your dream physique. After winning his Pro Card, Tony was wise enough to take time away from competing and came back stronger to make a name for himself.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


A pity he didn’t make it with the IFBB. They had their way of “punishing” former NABBA champions, like Bertil Fox, who was clearly robbed of the 1983 Olympia title. Only American bodybuilders who had won NABBA titles (Chris Dickerson, Boyer Coe) and Arnold (and Austrian and an American citizen) were forgiven and did well with Weider. Never tell me that contests aren’t fixed by biased judges.

Bertil Fox was robbed, but then again a few years earlier, so was Mike Mentzer.
Thought Tony Emmot did brill, not the size if Fox but usually more cut.

I’m pretty sure my Father in law Tony would side with all the comments. He’s still strong as ever.

Met TE in Belfast around about 1979-80. He was guest posing at a local competition. He was in marvellous shape. But more, much more than that he was an ABSOLUTE gentleman. My pal was doing an art A level and asked TE if he could take some photos afterwards. TE enthusiastically agreed. My mate ended up getting a grade A. Have met many of the so called stars, but TE and his humility and warmth of personality have always stuck in my memory. I still have some of the photos in attic. a TRUE CHAMPION

You might like...

Anthony Mackie Physique

2857 Views

See Profile

Rob McElhenney Physique

2088 Views

See Profile

Cody Rhodes Physique

3249 Views

See Profile

Roman Reigns Physique

5178 Views

See Profile
0

10 Meal Planning Mistakes to Avoid: Get Shredded the Right Way

Preparing food in advance is a tool used by pro athletes and bodybuilders to stay lean, strong and aesthetic all year round. Avoid these meal planning mistakes and sail to single-digit body fat in no time at all. 

Read article

John Cena Physique

3451 Views

See Profile

Jon Jones Physique

2836 Views

See Profile

Nick Jonas Physique and Workout

4480 Views

See Profile

Kevin Heart Physique

5255 Views

See Profile
0

10 Protein-Rich Foods for Vegetarians

If you're a vegetarian who's serious about strength training, you need to know how to optimize your diet to get the best results. Check out our guide to protein-rich foods to help you on your way - a completely new fitness level is just around the corner.

Read article

Joe Manganiello Physique: Achieving an Enviable A-List Fitness Level

5636 Views

See Profile

Tom Hardy Physique

14977 Views

See Profile

Vin Diesel’s Physique

7497 Views

See Profile

KSI Physique: How Did KSI Get In Shape?

7716 Views

See Profile
42

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger - He's been named the Austrian Oak, The Terminator, John Matrix, Mr. Freeze, The Governator, and to many of his fans just Arnie. Not only is he known as one of the greatest bodybuilders in history, but also as an action movie star, and an American politician.

Read article

Jake Gyllenhaal Physique

9321 Views

See Profile

Gerard Butler Physique

9989 Views

See Profile

Henry Cavill Physique

21472 Views

See Profile

Alex Eubank Physique

13501 Views

See Profile