Showing athletic interests early in life, he dedicated his teenage years to excelling in football, where he played in the reserves for Leeds United FC.

Upon learning that Cohen lifted weights at a friend's house, Park joined in out of curiosity; his resulting legendary physique would soon begin to grow from barbells, dumbbells, and a simple chinning bar.

The competition saw John Grimek beating Steve Reeves in controversial fashion, and it was this contest that inspired Park to compete.

[5] Standing 6 ft 1 in and with a top weight of 250 lb, he was known for his mass and was a forerunner to the size-focused aspects that dominate modern bodybuilding.

Park moved to South Africa at an unknown date; up to the time of his fatal illness in 2007, at the age of 79, he continued to train clients at the Morningside Virgin Active Gym in Sandton.

Eight months after being diagnosed with skin cancer that soon spread to the rest of his body, Park died on 22 November 2007 at his home in Johannesburg at the age of 79.