IFBB Pro Bodybuilder ‘Mighty Mike Quinn’ Dead at 61 After Suffering from Illness

Mike Quinn has unfortunately died at the age of 61 following a battle with a long-term illness. His sister, Kellie Quinn reported the sad news on May 30, 2023, in a Facebook post. 

Quinn was a highly respected bodybuilder competing throughout the 1980s and 90s. He was also a trailblazer in many respects given his entertaining nature and charismatic attitude. Though, perhaps Mike was most well-known in the community for his bold personality, freaky physique, and massive biceps. 

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Quinn wasn’t opposed to discussing sensitive topics, such as steroid use. Never afraid to speak his mind, Quinn understood the sport on a deep level and fans picked up on that.

While navigating his career, Quinn took part in a total of four Mr. Olympia competitions. His best finish came in his debut at 1988 Mr. Olympia where he finished fifth, an event that was won by eight-time champ, Lee Haney. In addition, Mike Quinn won the NABBA Mr. Universe London, an honor he shares with legends Arnold Schwarzenegger and Steeve Reeves. 

‘Mighty Mike Quinn’ Dead at 61, Family and Bodybuilding Community Mourn 

Kellie Quinn, Mike’s sister, revealed the tragic news on Facebook. 

“After a long illness, my brother Mike, a.k.a. “Mighty Mike Quinn”, has received his angel wings.

Michael touched many lives, and will be missed.

We’ll love you always,
Kellie ❤️?❤️” Kellie Quinn wrote. 

Many believe the sport of bodybuilding has seen a rise in deaths recently. Ever since the passing of Shawn Rhoden in 2021, some worry that over-eating and drug use have become rampant, especially in the Men’s Open division. Last March, Cedric McMillan died at 44, which served as another wake-up call for the community. Bodybuilders have since spoken out against abusing steroids given the concerning trend. 

In addition to those he touched personally, Mike Quinn was held in high regard for his intense training strategies. During his career, Quinn practiced short-duration high-intensity movements and utilized short rest periods. Quinn favored an array of exercises but often used barbell squats, bench presses, and overhead presses. 

Mike Quin’s Bodybuilding Competition History

1981

• AAU Mr. America, HeavyWeight – 10th place
• AAU Teen Mr. America, Heavyweight & Overall – 1st place

1982

• NPC Junior Nationals, HeavyWeight – 2nd place
• NPC Nationals, HeavyWeight – 7th place

1983

• NPC USA Championships, HeavyWeight – 4th place

1984

• AAU Mr. America, Medium – 3rd place
• NABBA Mr. Universe, Medium – 1st place
• NABBA World Championships, Medium – 2nd place

1986

• NPC Nationals HeavyWeight – 4th place

1987

• NPC USA Championships, HeavyWeight & Overall – 1st place
• IFBB Detroit Pro Invitational – 4th place

1988

• England Grand Prix, IFBB – 5th place
• France Grand Prix, IFBB – 5th place
• Grand Prix Germany, IFBB – 4th place
• Italian Grand Prix, IFBB – 7th place
• Grand Prix Greece, IFBB – 4th place
• Grand Prix Spain, IFBB – 4th place
• IFBB Grand Prix US Pro – 5th place
• Mr. Olympia – 5th place
• IFBB World Pro Championships – 4th place

1989

• IFBB Grand Prix England – 7th place
• Finnish Grand Prix – 8th place
• IFBB Grand Prix Holland – 7th place
• Mr. Olympia – 7th place

1990

• IFBB Grand Prix Holland – 12th place
• Mr. Olympia – 11th place

1991

• WBF Grand Prix – 12th place

1993

• IFBB Night of Champions – (no place)

1994

• IFBB Night of Champions – 5th place
• Mr. Olympia – (no place)
• IFBB San Jose Pro Invitational – 11th place

1999

• IFBB Night of Champions – (no place)
• IFBB World Pro Championships – 17th place

RELATED: History of Mr. Olympia – Details & Results

Having made a substantial impact on the Men’s Open division in the 80s and 90s, Mike Quinn will not only be remembered for his outspoken demeanor but for the incredible physique he built at the height of his career. Fitness Volt wishes his friends and family strength and our deepest condolences.