“Friends Helped Me to Raise Money”: Now Worth $450 Million, Arnold Schwarzenegger Couldn’t Even Afford a Flight Ticket for a Bodybuilding Competition in 1966

IFBB legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s latest docuseries on Netflix, which premiered yesterday, reveals fascinating details about his high-achieving career. In the first episode of the series, the bodybuilder shared that in the early days of his professional journey, he could barely afford life in Munich, Germany. However, his immense potential got him selected for the 1966 Mr. Universe in London.

The bodybuilder didn’t have enough money to afford even a flight ticket. Thus, his friends came to the rescue and raised funds for the champion. Now worth a grand $450 million, Arnie reminisces about those humble times and feels grateful for his good friends. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s friends helped him be a champion 

Per the documentary, the 75-year-old pro recalled the time when he just got out of the military to grab an opportunity he got to work as a fitness trainer in Munich. Despite having no money, he hardly had second thoughts about his decision. He felt fortunate to have a gym at his hand all the time, giving him more time to work out.

Meanwhile, Arnie also made great friends with the gym fellows, particularly an Italian bodybuilder, Franco Columbu. Soon, he was ready to go to the 1966 Mr. Universe contest in London. But it was an expensive trip from Germany to England. Hence, his buddies helped him out at that time. “My friends helped me raise money for an airline ticket to compete in the Mr. Universe contest,” the seven-time Mr. Olympia disclosed. 

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Further expressing his gratification for the opportunity, Arnie recounted in the Netflix documentary, “So imagine, just a few months before you’re in the military, and now you’re traveling to London to go to the Mr. Universe contest.” This was only the start of the icon’s mighty athletic escapade. Moreover, the bodybuilding competition was an eye-opener for the athlete. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s potential stood beyond his expectations 

After landing in London, out of his homeland in Austria for the first time, Arnie was overwhelmed with all the specifics. The competitors were at higher levels and flaunted equally competitive physiques. Hence, he had planned to place in the top 6 contenders of the Mr. Universe contest that year.

To his astonishment, the Austrian Oak did better than that. “But I placed second with the age of 19!” he chimed in. This urged him to a point of realization that regardless of his experience and background, he finished as the second-best competitor. Hence, he recalled thinking, “Next year I’m gonna win!”

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The degree of success Arnold Schwarzenegger achieved was truly beyond what he had imagined. He never let his humble background or past experiences catch up with his present. Thus, it amounted to the iconic stardom he boasts of today. Besides, Arnie was fortunate enough to have the greatest of friends who helped him embark on his illustrious bodybuilding journey.