“Didn’t Really Want to Be a Part”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Bodybuilding Rival Denied Working With Him in Pumping Iron Due to the 8-Time Mr. Olympia

Back in the 80s, former bodybuilders Frank Zane and Arnold Schwarzenegger shared a great rivalry in the sport. Although it has been decades since the two competed, the 3-time Mr. Olympia recently revealed why he stepped away from being a part of the bodybuilding documentary that Arnold was also a part of.

As American bodybuilder, Frank Zane sat for an interview with Lisa Alastuey, the three-time Mr. Olympia winner who had a lot to share. Known for his legendary aesthetics and monstrous physique, Frank was considered one of the best. The 1980 rival of seven times Mr. Olympia winner Arnold Schwarzenegger, Zane as a person, is very particular about his decisions.

Though it may come as a surprise, Frank Zane willingly stepped away from being a part of the cult-classic bodybuilding documentary “Pumping Iron.” Spilling the beans on the same, Mr. America had a lot to say.

Arnold’s rival shares the secret of not being a part of the documentary 

Released in 1977, “Pumping Iron” is a documentary highlighting the bodybuilding world intricacies. It did not just help popularise bodybuilding in mainstream life but also uplifted Arnold as a youth icon. However, unlike others, Frank was not really impressed, as he felt the name of the documentary was misspelled.

Talking a slight dig, he remarked, “You should call it Pumping Arnold instead; it is all about you.” Making his stand clear, Zane revealed, “And I didn’t really want to be a part of that.” Happy with his own pace, he added, “I was always pretty much on my own and independent when it came to things like that.”

Read More: Taking Inspiration From MTV Show, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 14-Year-Old Son Once “Pimped Out” His Car.

For those unversed, Arnold and Frank shared the stage in 1980. That year was Arnold’s comeback year. After a gap of five years, Arnie decided to run for the title, leaving everyone shocked. Even though he secured a comfortable win, Arnold’s iconic picture with fellow-competitor Zane grabbed the limelight.

The iconic 1970 picture of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane

As Frank and Arnold stood side-by-side in the pre-judging around. Frank couldn’t help but ask Arnold, “How does it feel competing after not being on stage for five years?” As Arnold replied, “It’s really hard,” the two could not help but share a laugh. The moment was captured, and it later went viral for all the wrong reasons.

Even though the moment shared between Arnold and Zane was a healthy one, the said picture, which also appeared in the ‘Arnold Encyclopedia,’ remained one of the most misunderstood moments in bodybuilding history. The picture was shared with the caption, “Arnold tells Zane a joke during the Olympia competition, so he’d break his concentration and laugh.”

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Do you think Frank’s not being part of the documentary was the right decision? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!