The bodybuilding world witnessed many legends during its history of over 100 years. The Golden Era brought new light to the sport as Arnold Schwarzenegger spearheaded the movement of bringing bodybuilding under the limelight. His physique from Pumping Iron inspired many to take up the sport. Dorian Yates’s granite-like physique and Ronnie Coleman‘s mass monster avatar further enhanced the glory of the sport.

One such bodybuilder who is inspired by the legends recently is Vitaliy Ugolnikov, a Russian bodybuilder who is gearing up for the upcoming bodybuilding events including the 2023 Mr. Olympia.

The Russian Bodybuilder inspired by the Legends

Bodybuilding is a sport of physique where bodybuilders train day and night to attain their desired physique and flaunt their muscle gains in front of the Mr. Olympia crowd. But only hand-picked bodybuilders create history with a series of wins. Arnold Schwarzenegger became one of the earliest bodybuilders to amass the highest number of Sandow trophies before Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman surpassed him.

Many bodybuilders are motivated by such legendary bodybuilders running for the Mr. Olympia championship every year. The Russian bodybuilder Vitaliy Ugolnikov is one of them. A recent YouTube video shared by AhadStrengthMotivation narrates the inspiring story of Ugolnikov.

“He was motivated by illustrious bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, and Dorian Yates and set out to dominate the sport,” the video clarifies. Having taken to bodybuilding at the age of 18, the bodybuilding prodigy is shaping himself into a muscle monster. Not just Ugolnikov, but many others are inspired by Coleman and Schwarzenegger.

Why are Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman legends?

The 7x Mr. Olympia, Arnold Schwarzenegger, started his bodybuilding career as a teenager and still contributes to the sport through his Arnold Classics. He is running a newsletter that offers fitness principles in simple methods. At 76, the bodybuilding icon still hits the gym and pumps iron like no other. 

Now, the 8x Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman, is another legend of the sport. The G.O.A.T. is known for his heavy-weight duties at the gym during his prime. But the after-retirement life of The King turned tragic as he was left in a wheelchair because of botched surgeries performed to fix his herniated disc. However, Coleman still hits the gym and pumps iron with the same spirit. 

Read more: “This Is an Embarrassment to the Highest Level”: Arnold Schwarzenegger, 76, Who Once Deadlifted Mind-Numbing 710 Lbs Feels “Insulted” Against Bodybuilding Goat Now on Crutches

The bodybuilding world is blessed to have legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, and Dorian Yates, who have relentlessly contributed to the sport’s development. Not just Ugolnikov but many other bodybuilders take inspiration from these legends.

Watch This Story: “I’m Proud of You”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Joins Bodybuilding World in Praising 396 Lb Man’s Wild Transformation