Arnold Schwarzenegger is not only a legend in bodybuilding, but also in many other areas.

He is an Austrian-American actor, publicist, author, entrepreneur and former US politician. From 2003 to 2011 he was the 38th Governor of California.

The Beginnings in Bodybuilding

At the age of 14, Schwarzenegger entered a weightlifting studio for the first time to train his legs. He quickly developed a love for strength training and began going to the gym regularly with friends. He acquired his knowledge of training mainly through American specialist magazines - a passion that later inspired many young athletes, including athletes such as Urs Kalecinski, Wesley Vissers and Mike Sommerfeld, who now compete in the IFBB or NPC.

First Successes and Breakthrough in the IFBB

At the age of 19, in 1966, Schwarzenegger took part in a bodybuilding competition for the first time, at that time still under the NABBA association. He immediately won the world championship and became the youngest Mr. Universe.

This victory made him internationally famous, which is why Joe Weider, founder of Mr. Olympia, took notice of him. Weider invited him to compete in the IFBB. Schwarzenegger accepted the invitation and emigrated to California.

The Rise to Bodybuilding Legend

In 1969, he won the IFBB World Championship, a milestone in his career. Schwarzenegger won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title a total of seven times, laying the foundation for the Classic Physique category. His relentless work ethic and adherence to a rigorous bodybuilder fitness plan established him as the ultimate bodybuilder pro in his era.

The Farewell from the Stage and the Legendary Comeback

In 1975, Schwarzenegger officially announced his retirement from competitive bodybuilding and began focusing on his acting career. However, in 1980, he made one final comeback and won the Mr. Olympia again before finally retiring from the competition stage due to a lack of motivation.

His passion and his heart still beat for the sport of bodybuilding, which is why he founded his own competition named after him, the “Arnold Classic”, in 1989.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Today

To this day, the “Arnold Classic” competition is the second most prestigious competition after the Mr. Olympia.

Schwarzenegger was the most successful bodybuilder of his time, with a total of seven Mr. Olympia titles (1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1980) and five Mr. Universe titles. In 1999, the IFBB inducted Schwarzenegger into the Hall of Fame.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has four children with his ex-wife Maria Shriver.

Today he lives in California with his American wife Heather Milligan, who is almost 30 years younger than him.

The two have been a couple for almost 10 years.

Schwarzenegger can often be found at Golds Gym Venice Beach, as well as at the Arnold Classic Ohio and UK.