“Golden Era of Bodybuilding”: Samir Bannout Reminisces About the Good Old Times With Unseen Pictures

The 1950s to 1970s is believed to be the golden era of bodybuilding. These two decades saw bodybuilding reach its peak. This era also witnessed many legendary bodybuilders cement themselves in the history of the sport. Some of these bodybuilders included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, Samir Bannout, and many others.

This Mr. Olympia 1983 winner made his pro-debut in 1974, becoming a part of the golden era while it was nearing its end. Samir Bannout, who is now 67-year-old recently shared some photos reminiscing the golden era. The Lebanese bodybuilder calls it a beautiful dream that he managed to turn into reality. The images that Bannout shared in his post have never been seen before.

Samir Bannout takes a trip down the memory lane

On 8th February 2023, Samir Bannout posted five photos from his prime days as a bodybuilder. The cover photo featured Bannout posing for the camera with Mike Mentzer and Casey Viator on either side. The photo was taken in the Gold’s Gym situated in Santa Monica in 1979. Adding a caption, he wrote, “Once again, from the unforgettable golden era of bodybuilding when it was much more fun @ least for me…”

“These photos with some of the greats, Mike Mentzer, Casey Viator, Dennis Tinerino, Serge Nubret, of course Art Zeller were a huge part of it …,” he continued. Grateful for that phase of his life, Bannout added, “Incredible period of my life…I was very lucky to be there…it was like a beautiful dream to me that turned into a reality!!👌🏼🤷‍♂️💪🏼 Keep it Oldschool”

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Veterans from that period have often been seen reminiscing about those days of bodybuilding. As some bodybuilders of the golden ear are still up to date with the modern bodybuilding era, they claim it’s just not the same. This makes one wonder what the golden ear was like.

The Golden Era of Bodybuilding

As mentioned above, the golden era of bodybuilding was from the 50s to the 70s. This was the time when bodybuilders were all about the muscles and symmetry, collectively termed aesthetics in bodybuilding, rather than the mass. As common as the mass monsters are these days, they were so during the golden days.

Many veterans believe that bodybuilding has lost its touch in the modern era. It has become more about the title and less about the impact. Some assert that Mr. Olympia has lost its identity and Arnold Classic has lost its reputation.

Watch this story: Golden Era vs Modern Bodybuilding Showcases the Sports’ Evolution Throughout the Years- Here’s How

It is a never-ending debate about who is better. While the golden era bodybuilders think bodybuilding was at its peak during their days, Modern ear bodybuilders believe that they are taking the sport to a newer height.