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Even the GOAT of bodybuilding Arnold Schwarzenegger was defeated in the history of the sport. But many bodybuilding fans do not know the bodybuilder who retired undefeated, John Grimek. He was an American bodybuilder of the 1930s and 1940s who reigned his times as a champion of the sport earning nicknames such as “The Glow” and “The Monarch of Muscledom.”

Chicago Adonis Bodybuilding Instagram page shared a post of Grimek featuring the Strength and Health magazine in the 1941 December edition.

John Grimek’s unparalleled career

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Sharing a glimpse of the magazine cover featuring the elite bodybuilder, the page captioned, “Weightlifting and bodybuilding legend JOHN GRIMEK (1910-1998) graced the cover of the December 1941 issue of Bob Hoffman’s “Strength and Health” magazine.”

The post quoted the bodybuilder as the “‘Great Grandfather’  of American weightlifting and bodybuilding in the 1930’s and ’40s.” The Glow was adorned by bodybuilding enthusiasts for his muscular build and natural strength.

The bodybuilder was credited with the winning first two Mr. America titles in the years 1940 and 1941. He went on to win the NABBA Mr. Universe competition in 1948. But his last competition, Mr. USA show in 1949, stands out as he defeated elite bodybuilders like George Eiferman, Clarence Ross, Steve Reeves, and Armand Tanny. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger was defeated by three competitors Frank Zane, Sergio Oliva, and Chester Yorton.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was defeated by Frank Zane in 1968

Having taken to bodybuilding at the tender age of 14 years, The Austrian Oak etched his name in the books of the sports with gold. However, the 7x Mr.Olympia star had also faced defeat in his athletic career.

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In 1968, Frank Zane defeated Arnie in the Mr.Universe competition. This didn’t go well with Schwarzenegger and he remarked “I just got beat by a chicken with 17-inch arms.

Read More: “Sergio Was Better Than Arnold”: Bodybuilding Legend Who Defeated Arnold Schwarzenegger Disclosed the Unknown Details About 1972 Mr. Olympia

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The greatest contribution of Arnold Schwarzenegger to the sport of bodybuilding is that he brought it under the limelight with his Pumping Iron documentary. He became an icon attracting many to the sport. Hence, people are inclined to know about great bodybuilders like John Grimek because of their love for the sport.

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