Danny Padilla, left, has joined the executive board of IFBB Physique America, whose executive assistant to the President, Jim Rockell, is accompanying him ©IFBB

Danny “The Giant Killer” Padilla has been named to the Executive Board of International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Physique America.

Padilla, described as "the greatest short man in the history of bodybuilding",  will thus join another legend of the sport - Robby "The Black Prince" Robinson, who arrived on the Board in December.

While still in High School, Padilla started his career by winning his first show in 1970, becoming Mr Rochester.

He followed that up by winning the overall title at the 1975 IFBB Mr USA and the 1977 IFBB Mr America.

In 2009, Padilla was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame.

Wayne S DeMilla, IFBB Physique America’s chief executive and President, pictured at the IFBB World Congress, believes the addition of Danny Padilla to his Executive Board is another important step for the sport in the US ©IFBB
Wayne S DeMilla, IFBB Physique America’s chief executive and President, pictured at the IFBB World Congress, believes the addition of Danny Padilla to his Executive Board is another important step for the sport in the US ©IFBB

Wayne S DeMilla, IFBB Physique America’s chief executive and President, commented: “This is just another step in the groundwork.

"We are building a foundation that will allow us to go higher than anyone projected or anticipated."

IFBB Physique America is the only United States federation affiliated to and recognised by IFBB International.

After its participation in the recent World Bodybuilding Championships and Annual Congress, the organisation has published its list of IFBB events for 2018.

The first event to which IFBB Physique America will be sending athletes is the Arnold Classic South America, due to be held in São Paulo in Brazil, from April 20 until 22.