Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s dominance in the bodybuilding world was unparalleled in the golden era for reasons more than one. Some like Mike Mentzer believed that judges were partial toward the Austrian Oak. Others were simply intimidated and dared not to stand up against him. Such was his influence that many presumed his friends to enjoy an unfair advantage in all things bodybuilding. These rumors sparked after Schwarzenegger’s best friend Franco Columbu won the 1981 Mr. Olympia shortly after the Austrian retired after winning his last Mr. Olympia title the previous year.

Many, including three-time Mr. Olympia Frank Zane, believed Columbu didn’t deserve the spot. Zane has even gone on record to call Columbu’s win the worst decision ever made in Olympia history. According to Zane, Danny Padilla was in better shape than Columbu that year. Now, as Padilla’s photos from the time have resurfaced, netizens call his loss the biggest robbery.

Franco Columbu v/s Danny Padilla

The 1981 Mr. Olympia goes down in history as one of the most controversial events. That year, Franco Columbu had come out of retirement to sweep the Mr. Olympia title one last time. His best friend Schwarzenegger had pulled the same stunt the previous year, resulting in many top guns skipping the contest in 1981. Likewise, Arnie’s 1980 win too was surrounded by controversies with veterans alleging he did not deserve the title.

Once again the matter has been brought to light after an Instagram page named “thegoldendays” shared a picture of Danny Padilla from that year. Adding a caption to the picture collage, they wrote, “1981 MR.OLYMPIA, Danny Padilla ‼‼💯 LOOK AT HIS FACE💀… RIPPED TO THE BONES. Unbelievable Structure & SYMMETRY. Deep cuts.”

Read More: “No Way Arnold Schwarzenegger Deserved to Win”- Former Mr. Olympia Questioned Bodybuilding Legend’s 1980 Win

At first glance, fans were left in awe of his physique. However, others were quick to point out their dissatisfaction over Padilla’s 5th position finish. Soon they took to the comments section too vent their anger.

Fans call out the misjudgment at the 1981 Mr. Olympia

The common theme of discussion seemed to around how Columbu’s win was a robbery of sorts. This fan wrote, “The true champ of ‘81. 80 and 81 were the biggest robberies of all time. Back to back nonetheless. 🤦🏻‍♂” Countering that Platz could’ve won too, another added, “You can even argue Tom Platz could’ve won over Franco, regardless it was a robbery to the sport of bodybuilding.” A third fan added,”Definitely Danny at his best. Such a balanced and complete physique.”

Recalling Columbu’s form, a fan commented, “The first GIANT KILLER!! I agree! Padilla should’ve won that Mr. O. Franco was so off.” Hinting towards Schwarzenegger’s influence over the results, a fan wrote, “Danny should have won that Olympia. He had better symmetry and conditioning then Franco…and Franco clear gynecomastia. Franco won due to his connection to Arnold and due to politics.” Another one added, “Danny Padilla was definitely the winner.”

Watch this story: Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Andre The Giant: Who Is Stronger?

Looking at Padilla’s physique in the pictures, do you think he deserved the title more than Columbu? Let us know in the comments.