Bodybuilding has many legends, but at times, some legends remain underrated or are forgotten. Let’s remember one of those icons who defeated Arnie. Chester Yorton, better known as Chet, was one of the best bodybuilders in the golden era. Unfortunately, he went through a cosmic accident that could have taken away his life. But in a good turn of events, it made his career in bodybuilding.
An Instagram post from @instituteofiron reiterated the horrific accident and the things following the event.
Chester Yorton, the golden era hero
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Instagram post showed a compilation of videos and photos of the bodybuilder who defeated Arnold Schwarzenegger. The captions went something like this, “I will never forget the tense, prolonged time it took during the prejudging posedown before the decision was announced. As I sat studying each contestant while they moved from pose to pose, two or three British judges were behind me making their decision. I heard them all agree that it was Chet Yorton’s calves that gave him the edge over Arnold; so Yorton won by a pair of larger, better-developed calves.” Surprisingly, the part where Yorton was injured the most, won him Mr. Universe.
View this post on Instagram
The post reiterated the story where Chester’s hips were ripped open from their sockets and his things were shattered along with his forearm due to a massive accident. Doctors even considered amputating Yorton’s legs, but they tried their best by doing a 4-hour-long surgery. 5-inch steel plates and eight screws were inserted into the legend’s body. Finally, after months of recovery in a wheelchair, he got drawn to bodybuilding, and that was it. No one could stop him.
The man of great strength was so amazing that he even defeated Arnold in the 1966 Mr. Universe.
The Father of Natural Bodybuilding made history by defeating Arnold
Arnold’s career is a rollercoaster ride to the top but even then, he had a strong contender. Chester Yorton was one legendary bodybuilding champion who had defeated him in Mr. Universe. A throwback image was from NABBA Mr. Universe where The Father of Natural Bodybuilding defeated the Austrian Oak.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Winning against Arnold was one of the highlights of Yorton’s career. Even after going through a fatal accident, Chet strived and became a natural bodybuilder.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story | Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Sylvester Stallone Height Comparison
What do you think of his strength? Write down in the comments!