In the world of bodybuilding, to become the best, the competition is against the best physiques in the world. Every single year, thousands of competitors surface on stage to exhibit their prolonged trained bodies and acclaim the titles that they have snatched from others. Bodybuilders across the globe cannot deny the eminence of having the pride that one gains after defeating one of the formidable competitors and the greatest of all bodybuilding legends. And Frank Zane is considered one of the toughest competitors in the history of bodybuilding.

Owing to his victory over none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, he is still revered graciously by the community. However, Zane has never paid heed to the belief that his identity relies only on one particular win.

Frank Zane’s crucial win in his career

In his latest Instagram reel, Frank posted a clip from his interview on the podcast with Scott Danner. When the latter asks Zane, “What was the best moment of your competition year?” Frank does not utter a single word regarding his triumph over Arnold back in 1968. Albeit, that was certainly one historical win in bodybuilding records.

Frank Zane instantaneously reports, “It was probably winning Mr. Olympia for the third time in 1979.” The three-time Mr. Olympia winner thus does not credit an inch of his success to be dependent on another famous bodybuilder’s defeat. He proved his individualism sails above all. With his own accord, Frank had been able to bag the most prestigious titles of his time. These include his Mr. Universe, Mr. World, Mr. America, and Mr Olympia wins.

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All in all, Zane had been the master of his craft. It is needless to say, his thorough training to build his physique helped him win several trophies. However, when he competed against Arnold for the Mr. Universe title, the budding bodybuilding legend was in disbelief to have lost to Frank.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s defeat in 1968

1968 Universe was the first major competition for Arnold in America. He lost to Zane, and when he was asked about his loss, Schwarzenegger commented, “I just got beat by a chicken with 17-inch arms.” While Frank was evidently 5 inches shorter than Arnold, he still had a much more precise body. He knew his win was settled against Arnold, as he later said, “He was just a big smooth guy without a tan. I didn’t see him as competition in that show.”

To conjecture the psychology behind Zane’s conception of his career’s biggest hit is not very complex. Throughout his career, he had believed in his physique and the need to prove himself through its portrayal. As he never felt the necessity to gain fame only after wounding Arnold, Frank remains one of the toughest legends in the history of bodybuilding.

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