Despite Being Bodybuilding Legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger Had a Fear of Exposing His One Body Part During 1980 Mr. Olympia

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the undisputed king of bodybuilding in the eyes of many fans. The Austrian, won six Mr. Olympia titles from 1970 to 1975. The bodybuilding icon also contributed to the sport throughout his reign. He did frequent interviews, and tried a lot to make the sport mainstream. Arnold retired in 1975, but came back and won the Mr. Olympia title again in 1980.

However, Arnold’s 1980 win was shrouded in controversy. While the five-time Mr. Universe trumped his opponents psychologically, he may have been afraid to expose one body part on the stage. When called out to display his triceps, Arnold did something else entirely.

Arnold Schwarzenegger refused to comply

Judges called the five-time Mr. Universe winner, and others on stage to hit the tricep pose. However, instead of following the instructions, Schwarzenegger hit a different pose. On stage was the defending champion, Frank Zane, Mike Mentzer, and then future Mr. Olympia, Chris Dickerson. While all three competitors fully complied with the judges, Arnold hit a variation of the mantis pose.

While the variation of the mantis was one of Arnold’s best poses, it shows off the biceps much more than the triceps. But why would Schwarzenegger not comply even after being called out? Many fans and experts still argue that in 1980, Arnold was not even close to his prime physique. The seven-time Mr. Olympia knew his biceps were better than his triceps, so Arnold didn’t even give the judges a chance to judge a weak body part.

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This wasn’t the only time Arnold refused to comply with the judge’s instructions. Throughout the show, Arnold distracted both competitors and judges by cracking jokes. While that gave Arnold, the psychological edge and more confidence, he also played to his biggest strengths.

Arnold repeatedly showed off his best body parts and hit his most famous poses. A master of posing, the Austrian Oak was also among the tallest on stage. The legend took full advantage of that and hit poses that showed off his size. In the end, the comeback was successful, and the icon won his seventh Olympia title. 

The aftermath of the 1980 Mr. Olympia contest

The reaction from fans, experts, and competitors was extreme. Fans booed the record-setting bodybuilder, while he received his seventh Sandow. Competitors such as Frank Zane, and Mike Mentzer, also reacted badly. Mentzer was so displeased by the decision that he retired from the sport. Zane, on the other hand, boycotted the Olympia the following year.

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While controversial, Arnold won the 1980 Mr. Olympia contest. The Austrian Oak played to his strengths and tapped into his Hollywood star charisma to win over the judges. Do you think Arnold deserved the win? Let us know in the comments.