“He Destroyed Me”: Bodybuilding Legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, Was Forced to Accept Second Place After Man Known as ‘The Myth’ Outclassed Him, During Mr. Olympia in 1969

Have you ever wondered how dominant Arnold Schwarzenegger was in the Mr. Olympia contests? He won six straight Mr. Olympia titles and retired from bodybuilding. After that, Arnold returned and won yet another title in 1980. However, he lost his title to Sergio Oliva during his first attempt. The man often labeled as the Myth, he handed Arnold his first loss in the Mr. Olympia title. 

The Austrian Oak recalled the brilliance of Oliva and paid his respects to the legendary bodybuilder. Arnold explained the grandeur of Oliva back in the late 1960s. Thus, it was a surprise to Arnold, who could not believe the events which unfolded. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger handed a loss

Before the 1969 Mr. Olympia competition, Arnold won two consecutive titles in 1967 and 1968. Soon after, Arnold was on fire and made his way to the event. In 1969, he won the Mr. Universe title but met a man with massive tree trunks. The sheer sight of him took Arnold aback and explained the Myth. 

“I understood why they called him The Myth. It was as if I’d walked into a wall. He destroyed me. He was so huge, he was so fantastic, there was no way I could even think of beating him,” said Arnold, who stood in awe with his physique. It was the first time Arnold had lost, and he explained the shocking moment.

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“I settled for second place before we walked out on the stage…I never like to admit defeat, but I thought Sergio was better. There were no two ways about it,” said Arnold. At their peak, Arnold and Oliva had similar body measurements. Oliva measured 22.5-inch arms, 59-inch chest, and measured 27-inch waist. In the meantime, Arnold had 22-inch arms, a 57-inch chest, and a 30-inch waist. After the loss in 1969, things changed. 

Never back down!

The legendary Austrian won his first Mr. Olympia title in 1970, and since then, Oliva did not return to the helm, finishing second. The year after saw a controversial moment as they banned Oliva from entering the contest. They gave reasons for how he competed in the rival NABBA Mr. Universe event. Controversy arose as Arnold did the same and could compete in that event. 

In 1972, Schwarzenegger defeated Sergio again, but many experts smelled foul play. Oliva remained adamant that Joe Weider fixed the competition. Those incidents marred the event, and Oliva took a break from the competition. He returned in 1984 and finished eighth. The rivalry between these two mammoths was a treat for the bodybuilding fraternity. They set the benchmark for young bodybuilders.

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