“One of the First to Bring Steroids to America”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Rival ‘The Myth’ Once Detailed the Reality of Bodybuilders Back in the Golden Era

The use of steroids in bodybuilding is a sketchy subject. Several competitions have banned anabolic steroids in favor of a relatively clean approach. However, back in the 1970s, multiple bodybuilders used these steroids. According to ‘The Myth’, Sergio Oliva, one of the first people to bring steroids to America, was Arnold Schwarzenegger. Oliva mentioned how Arnold introduced them.

Although everyone used them earlier, Oliva found it surprising to understand Schwarzenegger’s denial of using steroids. It prompted him to explain the way Arnold brought the culture to America. Therefore, Oliva earlier went on a rant about Arnold’s use. 

Did Arnold Schwarzenegger use steroids?

Oliva is one of the three men to defeat Arnold Schwarzenegger and handed him a loss in the 1969 Mr. Olympia contest. During those days, Arnold knew the sensational Oliva and admired his outstanding physique. Sergio mentioned how bodybuilders used steroids and found it surprising to see him denying the use of enhancers. 

“I even saw in one of the big magazines that Arnold denies having used them, but Arnold was one of the first to bring steroids over to America,” said Oliva while mentioning other bodybuilders to use steroids. He continued, “And everybody in the old days used them: Zane, Columbu, myself, Arnold, Larry Scott, Harold Poole, Dave Draper, and even Steve Reeves. There’s no way to deny it. It wasn’t much, nothing like today.”

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He stated how these drugs are developed differently now. Earlier, Oliva used Decca and Dianabol as he mentioned how the former was not too bad. But these days, bodybuilders fluctuate their weights from 200 to 250-300 pounds in a time of six months. Thus, this left him surprised. Using steroids can amp up a bodybuilder’s appearance, but his health condition probably deteriorates. 

The harmful effects of steroids

Using anabolic steroids promotes protein synthesis as it helps in muscle building. Anabolic steroids are androgenic and enhance male characteristics like body hair, muscle, and male genitalia, and they get a deeper voice. However, there are some detrimental effects on the human body. 

It can develop acne, aggressive behavior, heart problems, liver diseases, and other complications. Therefore, using steroids is banned in many sports. An example would be Ben Johnson, who won gold in the 100-meter race at the 1988 Olympics. The organizers found him using stanozolol and eventually received a ban while tarnishing his legacy. Steroid use can lead to harmful problems, and it is best to stay away from it. 

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