Arnold Schwarzenegger is an indelible mark in the history of American bodybuilding and indeed that of the word. To document his rise to bodybuilding fame, let us go back to the history of the Mr. Olympia title, which is where Arnold won the honor as the best of the best.

The Mr. Olympia title was launched in 1965 with the finest of all time, Larry Scott winning the title for two consecutive years. After he retired, Sergio Oliva came into the scene in 1967 with pomp and color. Known as, The Myth, Oliva was at his very best. He was to win the 1968 too but this time unopposed. People could not imagine any mortal who could challenge Oliva in the near future. But they had not foreseen the humble entry of a young Austrian into the ultimate bodybuilding contest.

The 1969 contest was Arnold’s first Mr. Olympia appearance although he had won the Mr. America and Mr. world titles already. It was Oliva’s greatest challenge ever although he still won the third title. The battle was so very, very close. It was after the loss that Arnold swore publicly that Sergio would never beat him again. The following year saw the two men train to the ultimate and in 1970, Arnold kept his promise. Being the third man ever to hold the Olympia title, he swore again in public that he would hold on to the title until his retirement, without ever tasting defeat.

Arnold had managed to endear himself to the hearts of bodybuilding fans all over the world. He was impressive, so young and so big. It was not surprising at all when he stood unopposed in 1971’s New York contest. Even when the contest moved to Paris in the next year, Arnold was unchallengeable. In fact, most professionals chose to contest in the NABBA Universe title held ion the same day at London. Arnold therefore won the IFBB contest without whims, for the third year running.

Germany hosted the 1972 Mr. Olympia contest in Essen. It was here that the epic battle between Arnold and Sergio was replayed. Up to today, fans all over the world still debate on who should have become the champion. On a judge’s vote of 4-3, Arnold fulfilled his promise and floored Sergio forever. Arnold Schwarzenegger was becoming a demi god in professional bodybuilding. He was the first ever Olympia champion to hold the title for four consecutive years and there was no competition in sight. In fact, in the 1973 Mr. Olympia contest, he won over Serge Nubret and Franco Columbu in an easy fight. Fans who witnessed the New York win still regard it as a ‘no-competition-for-Arnold’ at all.

1974 however turned to be the greatest in terms of competition for the title. Arnold was to meet his greatest competitor ever in Lou Ferrigno. Again, the contest was in New York’s Madison Square Garden. But this great body builder, Arnold was still the king. For the fifth year in a row, he won the Olympia title and people were sure that he would never loose it before he retired, just as he had promised.

He went on to win the 1975’s Mr. Olympia title in South Africa. Immediately after lifting the trophy, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his retirement, in glory, honor and respect. It had been a glorious career, the pinnacle of success in professional bodybuilding.

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