Arch Rival Lou Ferrigno Once Confessed What Gave Arnold Schwarzenegger an Edge Over Him: “He Was a Selection Diamond and I Was…”

Lou Ferrigno and Arnold Schwarzenegger are two of the biggest names in the bodybuilding community. Arnold is also known as “The Austrian Oak” and he was almost impossible to defeat during his bodybuilding career. Schwarzenegger and Ferrigno had a battle at the 1975 Olympia, which Ferrigno lost. After losing the battle, Ferrigno didn’t show up the next year. Even Schwarzenegger mentioned that Ferrigno would have taken the next year’s title if he had entered.

Lou Ferrigno is originally from Brooklyn, New York. Ferrigno had a tough childhood because of his loss of hearing. He was three years old when he and his parents got word of his hearing loss. Lou also had a strict father, who was not happy about his career choice of bodybuilding. His father even forced him into playing soccer, which Ferrigno didn’t even like.

The confession of Lou Ferrigno

The age difference of 4.5 years would have been the needle between Ferrigno and Schwarzenegger, Ferrigno thought. Arnold Schwarzenegger being older and experienced, always had an upper grip on the title. “I was like a diamond in the rough,” Ferrigno said and continued with, “He was a selection diamond and I was raw, so if I had more time to train, it would have been completely different.” 

Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “If he stayed in the weight category from Mr. Olympia and he trained and trained and trained four hours a day, in 1976 and 1977 he would have beaten anybody.” This statement was made by Schwarzenegger in the documentary Stand Tall.

While Ferrigno pointed out the age difference, Schwarzenegger was sure about the lack of self-confidence. Even the creator of Mr. Olympia, Joe Weider, stated the lack of self-belief that Ferrigno had. When Schwarzenegger went into the competition, he was all himself, showing off all the charisma he could.

WATCH THIS STORY – Five Years Younger To Arnold Schwarzenegger Lou Ferrigno Looking Like A Beast Next To The Terminator Left Fans Amazed Once 

Despite all the rivalry, Ferrigno and Schwarzenegger are very good friends and workout buddies.

The domination of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ferrigno in Hollywood

The bodybuilding giants, Schwarzenegger and Ferrigno, also have good careers in Hollywood. Schwarzenegger, who thought he would never make it to Hollywood, is one of the leading inspirations for the younger generation. Also, Ferrigno who has played the role of the Incredible Hulk never did disappoint the superhero fans.

They both have their struggle story but were very much successful in both of their careers. Schwarzenegger carried the Terminator franchise, including a lot of other famous movies like Twins.

Hard work is what pays off at the end of the day. Without hard work, nothing is possible. These success stories weren’t just made on day 1. It takes a lot of sweat to reach that level.

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