By the time Draper won the and 1966 Mr. Universe, he was a staple on Weider magazine covers. He appeared on 25 between 1963 and 1971 and in countless ads (many in comic books) and upon countless products: vitamin bottles, , weight sets, training courses, etc., all without being directly compensated. His very nickname, “The Blond Bomber,” was based on Weider hyperbole about “bombing” muscles with Weider workout techniques. (He hated it at first but later embraced it.)
Dave Draper was always shy, but his personality shined in his excellent and prolific writing in magazine columns (he was the rare champ who wrote his own), on , in email newsletters, and in such books as Brother Iron, Sister Steel and Iron On My Mind. He was the reluctant icon, the inspiration to a generation, the Jersey boy in Cali who never stopped loving the individual challenge of a barbell and the next set. The Blond Bomber was a true original who did it his way. He was a legend, and his legend lives on. Our condolences to his family, friends, and many fans.
The Blond Bomber: The Life of Dave Draper (1942-2021)
DAVE DRAPER: THE BLOND BOMBER
Boxing sensation Ebanie Bridges juggles her life as a mathematics teacher at Sydney's Westfields Sports High School while also remaining undefeated in the ring with the nickname 'Blond Bomber'.
