Despite Pioneering Symmetry and Aesthetics, 81-Yo Legend Wanted To Pursue a Different Sport Before Bodybuilding

Back in the day, the standards of the sport were a lot different compared to today. Even then, Zane made sure to portray a perfectly lean and vascular physique every time he stepped on the stage. A 3x Mr. Olympia Frank Zane made sure to register his name in the history of bodybuilding by making a legacy for himself. He was one of the few three bodybuilders ever to beat the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger. What gave Zane the edge against Schwarzenegger and against every other athlete was his insane symmetry and aesthetics. 

However, fate does not always care about the desires of individuals. While most people were unaware of this, the reality was that Zane was a very bright student growing up. He discovered the sport of bodybuilding later in his life. Earlier, he wanted to pursue a different sport. As he talks about this in a recent podcast with IFBB Pro Nyle Nayga, let’s take a look at what was the initial interest that Zane was willing to follow. 

Frank Zane makes an exciting revelation 

What separated Zane from the rest of the herd was his knowledge and qualifications. While most bodybuilders were not highly educated, Zane was an exception. His education and knowledge helped him in every aspect of life as he used these skills in bodybuilding as well, learning every possible detail of the sport which helped him nail his condition on the show day. After retiring from the sport, Zane also ventured into the realm of writing and authored several books, including ‘The Zane Way to a Beautiful Body Through Weight Training for Men and Women.’ 

Recently, while being on a podcast hosted by veteran bodybuilder Nyle Nayga, he admitted that his initial calling was archery and not bodybuilding. “I had my wishes, I wanted to become better at what I did. I was very interested in archery and wanted to become a better archer,” Zane revealed. 

Read More: Despite Winning 3 Mr. Olympia Titles, 80-Year-Old Frank Zane Once Admitted to Having Done Some ‘Stupid Stuff’ During His Career

Continuing further, he added, “Then when I discovered bodybuilding, I wanted to become better at that. So I trained at a private gym as well as the YMCA, and I was around people who were maybe a little more skilled at it than me and that motivated me to train, to try harder, and I started entering competitions, and then I started winning competitions.”

What Zane pointed out is a very good point indeed. In order to improve, one has to be surrounded by better individuals who can act as a motivation as well as help. Zane’s will to improve himself in everything he did was what made him a champion. What are your views on this? Let us know in the comments.

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