The champion bodybuilder Shigeru Sugita, who is considered one of the most influential sportsmen in his field, has died aged 78.

Winning the Mr Universe title in 1976, the bodybuilder’s calves were said to have been a source of jealousy for internationally renowned hunk Arnold Schwarzenegger.

When he was asked what his secret was to flaunting such enviable calves, Mr Sugita said ‘there’s nothing to explain. I was born with these calves,’ it was reported in Tokyo Sports.

His quick-witted remark left The Terminator star speechless and became an iconic story among bodybuilding circles.

Mr Sugita is said to have passed away from natural causes on April 13 and was buried the next day.

After finding initial success nationally and being crowned Mr Japan in 1972, the bodybuilder went on to establish himself globally as one of the best.

He became the first Japanese man to win the Mr Universe competition, only for his admirer, Mr Schwarzenegger, to win the same competition a year later.

When Mr Sugita was given his title, he posed for photos with his two fellow contestants and country men, Masashi Enomoto and Kozo Sudo, in Hyde Park but caused quite the ruckus for passerbys.