The Real Reason Behind Arnold Schwarzenegger Losing His First Mr. Universe Competition Revealed

In the world of bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger is a household name. Even people not well-versed with the sport can recite the former bodybuilder’s list of accomplishments, including the seven Mr. Olympia titles.

However, the former Mr. Olympia did not always have a successful career in bodybuilding and had to rise the ranks through hard work and dedication. Moreover, the star did not win his first Mr. Universe title on his first run.

Fans of the sport will vouch for Arnold being the youngest person to win the Mr. Universe title at age 20. However, what’s not common knowledge is that the Terminator star won his first title during his second run of the contest.

How Arnold lost his first attempt at Mr. Universe title?

Schwarzenegger debuted in his first Mr. Universe event in 1966. He was competing in the amateur category. However, the then-19-year-old was only starting out as a professional bodybuilder. Therefore, his legs lacked the muscle definition expected in top-tier competitions.

DIVE DEEPER- How Many Kids Does Bodybuilding Legend Arnold Schwarzenegger Have?

That year, Arnold lost the title to Chester Yorton as the judges preferred the leg definition of the experienced bodybuilder. However, the Austrian Oak came second in the event, and it garnered the attention of Charles Bennett, who was serving as one of the judges at the event.

After the competition, Bennett offered to coach Schwarzenegger. Moreover, Charles invited him to stay at his family home, owing to Arnold’s monetary constraints. The duo worked towards improving the muscle definition of his body, especially his legs.

The training proved fruitful as he would go on to win the Mr. Universe title the following year. It was a significant victory for Arnold, and it opened up myriads of opportunities for the athletes in the coming years.

Triumphant bodybuilding years of Arnold Schwarzenegger

Moreover, Schwarzenegger continued to work on his muscle definition over the next decade. During this time, he won numerous significant accolades in bodybuilding, including six Mr. Olympia and four more Mr. Universe titles.

However, Arnold announced his retirement from professional bodybuilding after winning his sixth consecutive Mr. Olympia title in 1975.

WATCH THIS STORY- Arnold Schwarzenegger Teaches Alphabet With Hilarious Fan-Made Compilation of His Dialogues

But staying true to his ‘I’ll be back’ catchphrase that will famously be associated with the star in less than a decade returned to the bodybuilding stage for a final time to win his seventh Mr. Olympia title in 1980.