“Sorry for Your Loss”: Bodybuilding World Mourns With Arnold Schwarzenegger as His 96-Year-Old Friend Passes Away

The famous Arnold Schwarzenegger has earned a renowned honor received by no other bodybuilder. He has the prestigious bodybuilding event -The Arnold Classic competition, named after him. Unfortunately, the event’s co-founder and a close friend of Schwarzenegger – Jim Lorimer, recently passed away.

As a special tribute, the legendary bodybuilder shared an emotional message for his late friend on his social media, while his fellow athletes reacted in the comments.

Famous bodybuilders and celebrities react to Schwarzenegger’s emotional post

Lorimer, aged 96, passed away on November 24th, 2022. Besides being a co-founder and organizer of the Arnold Classic event, Jim Lorimer also worked as an FBI agent, a mayor, a national track coach, and took up several other roles.

Lorimer and Arnold Schwarzenegger had aimed at making bodybuilding a popular sport. To make that happen, the two founded the Arnold Classic event in 1989, which became the second most prestigious bodybuilding event. In his tribute, an Instagram post for his lifelong friend, Schwarzenegger, wrote, “I am devastated that I won’t sit with him again and hear his wisdom, or critique bodybuilders together, or just laugh and laugh.”

Both Lorimer and Schwarzenegger can be considered pioneers of bodybuilding. During President George H. W. Bush’s era, Schwarzenegger worked as one of his key members. The bodybuilder recalled how his dear friend Lorimer had helped him make the right decision as a chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Many other bodybuilders and celebrities commented on Schwarzenegger’s post and paid their condolences in the comments.

A few legendary bodybuilders like Jay Cutler wrote:

“Sad news RIP”

“So glad I got to meet him while competing 🙌”

“RIP Jim 🫡”

“That tribute is felt through heart and soul – all the way to the bones. So powerful, enlightening and so very true. 🙌 Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP Jim…🙏🏻. Your spirit lives on ❤️”

While others wrote:

“life is an exciting adventure! passes quickly! let’s live here and now, loving and delighting loved ones🔥🔥🔥❤️”

“Sorry for your loss….”

“🙏”

“Blessings”

Read More: “…I Am His Father”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Once Described His Relationship With Bodybuilder Best Friend Who’s Not Alive Anymore

In his post, Schwarzenegger also sent his thoughts and best wishes to Lorimer’s family.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer’s friendship

The bodybuilding legend and the organizer’s friendship started way back in 1970 when Lorimer had invited a young Schwarzenegger to an event in Columbus, Ohio.

Soon, the two became great friends and made an unofficial agreement to make bodybuilding a known sport in the States. In 1989, Schwarzenegger and Lorimer started the Arnold Classic event, which became one of the most famous sporting events.

Watch This Story: Wicked story behind Alien’s creators James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger

Schwarzenegger and many other athletes credit Lorimer for the success of bodybuilding and other sports in Columbus and other cities. His passion and love for sports helped him achieve huge goals and success in life.