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Arnold Schwarzenegger created a legacy that only a few could challenge. As a bodybuilder, model, and actor, his regime was untouched by most of his rivals. The people who won in attempting to overthrow Arnold can be counted on fingers. One of those few people is Frank Zane.

Frank Zane is an American bodybuilder and author. The three-time Mr. Olympia winner once revealed how he defeated the legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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When Frank Zane won against Arnold Schwarzenegger

In an interview with Muscle and Strength, Zane opened up about the 1968 Mr. Universe contest he won against Schwarzenegger. Zane said he had just won the Mr. America title and didn’t intend to enter the Mr. Universe contest.

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People talked him into signing up for the contest, and that’s when he created history by defeating Arnold. Reportedly, Arnold was eating cake and was out of shape when Frank first saw him. Defining Arnold’s appearance, Zane said, “He was big, white, and smooth and was eating cake. And he was not in shape, simple as that.” He added, “He was just big, no quality, whereas I was tan and really defined. It wasn’t really even a contest.

READ MORE: “Got Beat by a Chicken With 17-Inch Arms”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Was Left in Disbelief After Facing Defeat by 5 Inches Shorter Frank Zane Back in 1968

Frank claimed that he won the contest easily with his perfectly toned body. Notably, Frank Zane is also called “The Godfather of Aesthetics” for owning the most aesthetically muscular physique of all time.

The bond between Schwarzenegger and Zane

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Arnold Schwarzenegger, visibly bulkier than Frank Zane, could not digest his defeat against him. According to Frank, Arnold said, “I lost Mr. Universe to a chicken with 17-inch arms.” Generally, such a statement would have sparked the fire of enmity between any two competitors, but that didn’t happen here.

 

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After the contest in 1968, Frank and Arnold became training partners. Frank enjoyed the time he spent training with Arnold and other great bodybuilders. Zane later moved to California for training and worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Gold’s Gym.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Millionaire Female Co-star Once Opened up About their 35-Year-Old Close Relationship

What do you think about the bond between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane? Tell us in the comments!