“You Must Compete”- Arnold Schwarzenegger Recalled Having a Zen Moment Before Entering the Controversial 1980 Mr. Olympia Contest Once

Arnold Schwarzenegger established himself as a legend in the sport of bodybuilding by winning seven Mr. Olympia titles. His interest in bodybuilding developed from a very young age. Arnold won numerous accolades in bodybuilding contests throughout his career.

Arnold’s first participation in Mr. Olympia was in the year 1969 when he was just twenty-two years old. However, he could not win the title that year. He lost to three-time Mr. Olympia champion, Sergio Oliva. Arnold returned to the contest in 1970 and won it, making him the youngest bodybuilder to win the Mr. Olympia title.

Arnold’s participation in the controversial 1980 Mr. Olympia 

Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s participation in the 1980 Mr. Olympia involved a lot of controversies. After retiring from bodybuilding in 1975, Arnold shifted his focus to his acting career. He repeatedly assured the media and his fellow competitors that he had no intention of coming out of retirement. His acting career was reaching new heights after his selection for the leading role in the high-profile film ‘Conan the Barbarian’ However while preparing for the film he had to build a body that would properly reflect the muscular image of Conan. Initially, the production of the film was scheduled to start in January but, it was preponed to October.

With Arnold starting his rigorous training schedule in August, he had to bet ‘big and fast’ within a short period of three months. Along with his old training companion Franco Columbu, Arnold adopted a rigorous ‘six day a week’ training program. Soon after the commencement of his training, his friends suggested that he should consider participating in Mr. Olympia as he was 80-90% in contest shape.

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Arnold was contemplating the decision in his mind but the final decision before entering the 1980 Mr. Olympia came to him in a Zen moment. Recalling the incident he said,” One day, just a few weeks before the contest, I woke up and the idea of competing was fixed firmly in my mind. ‘Yes’, my mind seemed to be saying to me, almost beyond my control, ‘you must compete.” 

Unbelievable records set by Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold’s soccer coach introduced him to bodybuilding by taking him to a local gymnasium. Arnold started his professional career as a junior. He won the Junior Mr. Europe contest in 1965 which was his first major title. Since then, he never looked back.

Arnold won his first Mr. Universe title in 1967 when he was just twenty years old. He added five more Mr. Universe titles to his name throughout his career. Additionally, he won the Mr. Olympia contest seven times and was the undefeated champion in that contest for six years. After retiring from bodybuilding, he established himself as a very successful actor. Fans await his movie releases and deem the film to be blockbusters even before it hits the theaters.

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The former bodybuilder turned superstar actor has proved that he can be successful in whatever he puts his mind to.