A star was born on July 30, 1947 in Thai, Austria who is a fitness freak, victorious politician all suitably fitted in one body, one soul. It was Arnold Schwarzenegger and his initial approach to bodybuilding was quite uncharacteristic. At the age of 13, he started playing soccer but was not convinced. So he tried other sports like track and field, boxing,javelin throw and weightlifting. While playing all these sports his coach advised him to work on his legs by doing some weights, where he found his ultimate vocation. When he entered the gym for the first time he was awestruck to see all the Herculean muscles around. But his dream of Mr. Olympia was already set. That’s where he made up his mind that he had reached his destiny.Later he told about it that, each hour in gym was reducing his distance to goal- the Champion. At the age of 16, he began his bodybuilding career, the classic beginning of an epitome of a bodybuilder.
He started working out rigorously. As the physique started developing so did his confidence. Very soon he discovered the power of size. During the process,he committed a few mistakes which he left after realizing its foolishness. Then came the time what Arnold was waiting for- His first victory, as a junior Mr.Europe, in a championship which took place at Stuttgart in 1965. He even left his stint in Army on non-issuance of leave for participating in the contest,but he was taken back on his stupendous victory. Even Arnold found his idol,Reg Park and started training with him. Park was such an accomplished personality that he helped Arnold to get rid from his behavioral issues as well. Arnold lost his first attempt in Mr. Olympia, but work hard and learned tips from Park on bodybuilding. In 1967, he ascended back to super stardom and went back to London to compete for NABBA Mr. Universe. In 1970, he won his first Mr. Olympia title and thereafter for consecutively six times.
Arnold retired from his magnificent bodybuilding career, after winning the title for the 6th time in 1975. Schwarzenegger has remained a prominent face in the bodybuilding sport. Perhaps one of the most famous Arnold Schwarzenegger quote is “You have to see yourself winning before you win”, where he is advising the future generations to believe in self-faith. He used to tell about the hard workout training and the effect of last reps in the growth of muscles. He proved from his career that failures make one stronger and smarter and that build-up and consistent efforts is vital to success.
Author: David C.