Throughout his career, Arnold Schwarzenegger had many mentors and friends who helped him reach incredible heights. From Kurt Marnul, who taught Arnie weightlifting, to Joe Weider, who helped the Austrian realize his American dream. However, one man stood out among all his peers, like Frank Zane, Dave Draper, Ed Conery, and others. In his latest Netflix documentary, Arnold, the 75-year-old revealed no man was closer to him than Franco Columbu.

In the documentary, the seven-time Mr. Olympia plaid tribute to his late friend. While talking about the Italian bodybuilder, the former Mr. Olympia revealed why Columbu was his best friend and why he felt “sensitive” about the two-time Mr. Olympia winner.

Arnold Schwarzenegger wouldn’t leave Columbu behind

Schwarzenegger and Columbu’s friendship began when the two met at a bodybuilding contest in Minich, Germany. The two became friends and soon started training together. The Italian and the Austrian trained to achieve their bodybuilding dreams. In the documentary series, the five-time Mr. Universe said no other bodybuilder trained with him more than Franco Columbu.

Hence, the Austrian Oak decided he would never leave his friend behind, no matter what he did. After coming to America in 1968, the then-future Mr. Olympia began training with the best bodybuilders in the world. However, after settling in, Schwarzenegger looked for ways to bring Columbu to America. In the end, he convinced Joe Weider to bring the two-time Mr. Olympia to California.

Similarly, he didn’t leave the former boxer behind when he earned Hollywood fame. Despite being talented, Columbu didn’t get the “notoriety” he deserved. “It’s always like the tall guy who in the end wins. So I was very sensitive about him being left behind,” Arnie said in Part 3: The American. Hence the actor tried to his best friend into as many movies as he could.

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The friends stuck together through their darkest times and supported one another during their success. “This has been the greatest, the closest relationship that I’ve had with any guy,” confessed the 75-year-old. However, the bodybuilding legend is equally indebted to everyone who helped him.

A bitter-sweet tribute to his mentors

Besides Franco Columbu, Arnold Schwarzenegger also paid tribute to everyone who helped. While the five-time Mr. Universe might look like a self-made man, he dislikes the moniker. In the docu-series, the 75-year-old thanked Kurt Marnul, Freddy Gerstl, Wag Bennet, Reg Park, and others.

According to the former Governor of California, he wouldn’t be where he is if it weren’t for their contribution. However, he also felt profound sadness because he has lost everyone he named. “These are all people I’m indebted to,” said the actor. 

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The Austrian Oak is grateful to every great person who inspired him. However, Columbu was a special friend, and the 75-year-old wanted everyone to have a friend like him.