That set up the ultimate rematch in 1972. For a rules infraction, the Myth was forbidden from competing in the 1971 Mr. But after beating Arnold at the 1969 O, he lost to him at the 1970 Pro Mr. Dubbed the Myth for his unbelievable size and proportions, he won three Mr. SERGIO OLIVAĪfter he defected from the Cuban weightlifting team in 1962, Oliva became an American citizen and Chicago policeman. That’s why he welcomed his duels with Sergio Oliva-the one man in the world who could truly challenge him when both were at their peaks. To be his best, Arnold had to beat the best. After Arnold retired in 1975, Arnold and Lorimer began co-promoting contests, a relationship that continues today. JIM LORIMERĪ World War II Navy veteran and former insurance agent, Lorimer promoted the 1970 Pro Mr. The Vet’s special place in Arnold’s heart and bodybuilding lore was secured when Arnold defeated Sergio Oliva (then the reigning and three-time Mr. Six Olympias and 26 Arnold Classics were held there, all co-produced by Arnold and Jim Lorimer. Opened in 1955 and closed in 2014, the Vet in Columbus, OH, was bodybuilding’s most venerable venue. He starred as Herc, just as Park did in the movies that inspired teen Arnold. HERCULES IN NEW YORKĪrnold’s big-screen debut (shot in 1969, released in 1970)-a forgettable, low-budget flick. Universe and four-time cinematic Hercules, Park was making a comeback at 42 when 23-year-old Arnold bested him. When Arnold started bodybuilding, Park was his idol. “You have to think outside the box,” Arnold states. But after consulting with Reg Park, he worked them six days per week-an unorthodox approach that helped turn a weakness into a strength. In 1969, the members included Dave Draper, Frank Zane, Franco Columbu, and the charismatic immigrant who was fast becoming the world’s most popular bodybuilder, Arnold Schwarzenegger.Įarly in his career, Arnold’s calves lagged. Most important, many of the world’s best physiques toiled together there. Gold’s Gym also had heavyweight equipment built (by Gold) to withstand torturous workouts. GOLD’S GYMīuilt by Gold and his muscular friends, it had scarce parking, cinder-block walls, and a concrete floor. He was a member of the Dungeon collective, but he had a plan for a sunnier place. JOE GOLDīy the mid-60s, Joe Gold was a World War II Navy veteran, a retired competitive bodybuilder, and a sometimes merchant marine. After it closed in 1959, much of the equipment and many of the best bodybuilders relocated to a basement, nonprofit gym nicknamed “the Dungeon” in neighboring Venice. The original Muscle Beach, located in Santa Monica, was a magnet for physique stars in the ’40s and ’50s. Rule 5: Choose a Nourishing Environment SANTA MONICA & VENICE The Portsmouth, England, house of Wag and Dianne Bennett was Arnold’s second home during his Munich years. Gym owner Bennett promoted this contest and became an early mentor of the Austrian Oak. He lived in Munich for the next two years, training with new best friend Franco Columbu in a gym Busek managed. In August 1966, shortly after turning 19, Arnold moved to Germany. Busek has been championing his friend’s career for 50 years. ALBERT BUSEKĪlthough only 23, Busek was already editor of a German bodybuilding magazine when he co-produced the Jr. They became training partners in Munich and later training and (bricklaying) business partners in California. The Sardinian Columbu was 24 and competing in a powerlifting meet staged with the Jr. Arnold later applied this success secret to business. So he teamed with powerhouse Franco Columbu for workouts. He knew a strong and knowledgeable partner could assist and motivate him.
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