Uncovering the Story of an 82-Year-Old Bodybuilder Who Trained Alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger: “Couldn’t Go Any Higher Because…”

The essence of bodybuilding stems from the passion that athletes have for the sport. Regardless of past hurdles and natural consequences, this relentless bodybuilder powered through and won the NPC Masters title at the age of 80, 7 years ago. If that does not seem impressive, his sheer endurance came to the front after he survived a major heart attack and got back to competing soon after. 

In a previous interview by NPC News Online on YouTube, the iconic journey of Arthur Peacock, a veteran competitor in the industry was brought to light. Within the span of his 50-year career, he won over 100 shows and 57 titles. Throughout endless training routines, he once had an opportunity to train with a bodybuilding legend ahead of competing. Let’s dig into his story. 

The bodybuilding voyage of Arthur Peacock

“After competing for 50 years, winning this title is just the ultimate,” Peacock revealed. According to the sources, the English competitor embarked on his athletic career in 1965 and decided to retire in 2015 after he won the NPC Masters National Bodybuilding Championship over-70 Category. Peacock claimed to have worked out alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in Venice and California, back in his days. 

Furthermore, Peacock connoted the lack of opportunities due to his non-American status, quoting, “I couldn’t go any higher because I wasn’t a naturalized American.” He disclosed that he received citizenship in 1995, and only after that was he able to ace the Masters Mr. America three times and Mr. California five times. He was also deemed as the runner-up in his foremost National event behind the icon, Ken Waller. 

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Apart from his age, his swift recovery from heart surgery and his eventual comeback heightened his stardom in the community. After the 82-year-old earned his IFBB and Fitness Pro card, he said, “Now I’m an IFBB professional, which means I can’t do any more amateur shows.” Significantly, the London native was among the original members of the renowned Gold’s Gym after it was established in 1965. However, he simply practiced the sport as a hobby then. “I have an original tank top,” he told sources. In contrast, another notable 80-year-old powerlifter stood in opposition to pursuing the sport last year. 

Frank Zane’s viewpoint on bodybuilding as a career

As per a 2021 interview, the 3x Mr. Olympia got candid and highlighted the setbacks of the iron-pumping sphere. He implied that success in the field is driven by age and physical restrictions might conclude one’s career. “Even if you do make it in bodybuilding to some extent, this isn’t a lifelong occupation,” he detailed. 

Despite Zane’s great achievements, he vouches to aware the world of the instability of the bodybuilding domain. He denoted it to be pursued only as a hobby, and one must indulge themselves in a backup plan to neutralize the failures in the profession. Aligning with his beliefs, he has successfully established a gym, Zane Heaven, is an author, and also sponsors protein supplements. Not to forget, he still maintains his shredded form even at 80. 

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Peacock triumphed at an age when most sought to spend their lives in serenity. His zeal and superior physical aptitude are prime instances to alter perspectives on dotage. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.