Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Shocking 1980 Controversy Stained His Legacy and Changed Bodybuilding Forever

Ever since his emergence in the bodybuilding circuit, Arnold Schwarzenegger became a household name. The Austrian popularized the sport and was also responsible for bringing it to a ‘respectable’ standing in the sports world. Even the ones who didn’t know much about bodybuilding knew who Schwarzenegger was. Such was the impact of the ‘Austrian Oak.’

But, as successful as Schwarzenegger’s life is, it isn’t without controversy. He has been on the receiving end of criticism many times. Incidentally, his return to competition in 1980 was also controversial.

The controversy of 1980 around Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger was the undisputed bodybuilding champion for six consecutive years, from 1970 to 1975. In 1977, he appeared in the film named ‘Pumping Iron,’ a documentary focused on the 1975 Mr. Olympia competition. This played a pivotal role in bringing him and bodybuilding to mainstream media. Fans and participants of the sport owe a lot to him, and only a few would question his legacy.

A few who question his legacy is those familiar with the controversy of 1980. Nearly six years after his retirement, Schwarzenegger made a shocking comeback to the sport of bodybuilding. A day before Mr. Olympia 1980, he announced the news. The news received a mixed reception.

Upon hearing the news, co-competitor Mike Mentzer tried to attack Schwarzenegger during a press conference. Meanwhile, Frank Zane and Boyer Coe pitied Schwarzenegger’s decision and thought he would stain his legacy. An older bodybuilding legend was no match for the newer, younger generation of bodybuilders. But he still won.

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The audience booed at the decision as competitors stepped off the stage, and some even retired from the sport. TV Networks pulled out of the contracts. New rules about the judging of the contests were announced.

The by-product of the competition

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s victory received instant criticism from bodybuilding magazines. The ‘Iron Man’ magazine had to edit out the testimonies from fans because of the explicit nature. In the big-picture scenario of things, CBS, who, in 1980, agreed to broadcast three Mr. Olympia events, denied producing future events.

Immediately after the competition, big-name bodybuilders like Mentzer retired from the sport. At the 1980 IFBB Congress, they completely overhauled the judging protocols. Previously, the event organizers would choose the judging panel, but the new rules forbade them to do so. Instead, an independent judging director would choose the judges’ panel.

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The 1980 Mr. Olympia results continue to be one of THE most controversial victories in the sport’s history.