ARnold schwarzenegger
(born July 30, 1947) is an Austrian-American former professional bodybuilder, actor, model, businessman and politician who served as the 38th Governor of California (2003–2011). Schwarzenegger began weight training at 15. He was awarded the title of Mr.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Is known all over the globe for his many accomplishments: world champion bodybuilder, Hollywood action hero, successful businessman, environmentalist, philanthropist, best-selling author, and California's 38th Governor
Schwarzenegger, who worked under the pseudonym Arnold Strong in his first feature, HERCULES in New York, quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood. In 1977, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association recognized him with a Golden Globe® fork New Male Star of the Year for his role in STAY HUNGRY opposite Sally Field. His big break came in 1982 when the sword and sorcery epic, CONAN THE BARBARIAN, hit box office gold. In 1984, Schwarzenegger blew up the screen and catapulted himself into cinema history as the title character in James Cameron's sci-fi thriller, TERMINATOR. He is the only actor to be in both categories of the American Film Institute's Hundred Years of Heroes and Villains for roles he played in the film. To date his films have grossed over $3 billion worldwide.
In 2003, Schwarzenegger became the 38th Governor of the State of California in a historic recall election,
And as governor ushered in an era of innovative leadership and extraordinary public service. Schwarzenegger's most notable accomplishments while governor include the nation-leading Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 - a bipartisan agreement to combat global warming by reducing California's greenhouse gas emissions - and overhauling the state's workers' compensation system - cutting costs by more than 35 percent. In addition,
Schwarzenegger was the first governor in decades to make major investments in improving California's aging infrastructure through his Strategic Growth Plan, helping to reduce congestion and clean the air. He established the Hydrogen Highway and Million Solar Roofs Plan, continuing his leadership in creating a greener environment. In November 2009, more than three years of leadership by Governor Schwarzenegger culminated with the passage of the Safe, Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010.
As governor, he was California's most effective marketing tool.
The Traveling across the country and around the world promoting California-grown products, cutting-edge technologies and the state's diverse travel destinations. In addition, using his background as an internationally recognized athlete, Schwarzenegger made restoring health and fitness a top priority. He signed legislation making the state's school nutrition standards the most progressive in the nation and continues to promote healthy habits by taking harmful trans fats out of California restaurants and ensuring nutritional information is available to diners. To improve classrooms across the state and ensure that all California's students have access to the world-class education they need to grow, thrive and succeed, Schwarzenegger led the reform to make California competitive for up to $700 million in federal Race to the Top funds.
In recognition of these efforts, Schwarzenegger has been rewarded for his great leadership and vision many times over in many arenas, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center's "National Leadership Award" and the American Council On Renewable Energy's "Renewable Energy Leader of the Decade."
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Arnold Schwarzenegger
American politician, actor, and athlete
Also known as: Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger, the Austrian Oak, the Styrian Oak
Written and fact-checked by
Last Updated: Feb 17, 2024 • Article History
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Arnold Schwarzenegger (born July 30, 1947, Thal, near Graz, Austria) Austrian-born American bodybuilder, film actor, and politician who rose to fame through roles in blockbuster action movies and later served as governor of California (2003–11).
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Arnold Schwarzenegger
Politics, Law & Government
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History & Society
Arnold Schwarzenegger
American politician, actor, and athlete
Also known as: Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger, the Austrian Oak, the Styrian Oak
Written and fact-checked by
Last Updated: Feb 17, 2024 • Article History
Recent News
Feb. 15, 2024, 9:05 PM ET (The Hollywood Reporter)
Josh Gad Shares Part of Screenplay for Nixed Twins Sequel ‘Triplets’
Feb. 2, 2024, 8:10 PM ET (AP)
Carl Weathers, linebacker-turned-actor who starred in 'Rocky' movies and 'The Mandalorian,' dies
Top Questions
How many times did Arnold Schwarzenegger win Mr. Olympia?
When did Arnold Schwarzenegger make his film debut?
When was Arnold Schwarzenegger elected governor of California?
What is the name of Arnold Schwarzenegger's memoir?
Arnold Schwarzenegger became an international movie star with which film
Read a brief summary of this topic
Arnold Schwarzenegger (born July 30, 1947, Thal, near Graz, Austria) Austrian-born American bodybuilder, film actor, and politician who rose to fame through roles in blockbuster action movies and later served as governor of California (2003–11).
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger
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Category: History & Society
In full: Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger
Born: July 30, 1947, Thal, near Graz, Austria (age 76)
Title / Office: governor (2003-2011), California
Political Affiliation: Republican Party
Notable Family Members: spouse Maria Shriver
Schwarzenegger was known as the Styrian Oak, or Austrian Oak, in the bodybuilding world, where he dwarfed his competition. He won his first amateur Mr. Universe title in 1967. After moving to California in 1968 to train and compete in bigger events in the United States, he won three more Mr. Universe titles and then the professional Mr. Olympia title six years in a row (1970–75) before retiring. He surprised the bodybuilding world by returning to competition one more time to claim the Mr. Olympia title in 1980. Bodybuilding was the subject of several of his books, including the autobiographical Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder (1977; written with Douglas Kent Hall) and The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding (1998; written with Bill Dobbins).
Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger pursued his childhood dream of acting in movies.
In his first film, Hercules in New York (1970), Schwarzenegger played the lead, but another actor was used to dub his dialog. Schwarzenegger’s native charm and wit finally came through in the acclaimed documentary Pumping Iron (1977), which led to his starring role in Conan the Barbarian (1982). He became an international star with The Terminator (1984) and over the next 20 years appeared in two sequels (1991 and 2003). His other films during this time included Predator (1987), Kindergarten Cop (1990), Total Recall (1990), True Lies (1994), and The 6th Day (2000).
Schwarzenegger became a U.S. citizen in 1983 and married reporter Maria Shriver in 1986.
During the 1990s he became increasingly active in the Republican Party at both the state and national levels, and in 2003 he was elected governor of California in a recall election. In his initial years in office, Schwarzenegger pushed for a number of restrictive measures that proved unpopular, especially with organized labour. Nevertheless, he was reelected in 2006. He earned key legislative victories on issues relating to the environment, including a landmark act to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in California, and successfully advocated for ballot propositions to reform the state’s redistricting process and political-primary format.
At the same time, his governorship was encumbered by the state’s enormous budget deficit, which ballooned to $26 billion in 2009. Despite a battery of service reductions and salary cuts enacted to stem the fiscal crisis, the state’s economy continued to struggle, and Schwarzenegger suffered from consistently low approval ratings. Because of term limits, he did not run for reelection in 2010. In May 2011
Schwarzenegger and Shriver announced that they were separating; a few days later it was revealed that he had fathered a child with a woman who had worked in the household staff. Shriver subsequently filed for divorce.
Although Schwarzenegger had put his movie career on hiatus to devote attention to politics, in 2010 he made a cameo in The Expendables, an action film that brought together several aging stars of the genre. He also appeared in the movie’s 2012 and 2014 sequels. The Last Stand (2013) marked his first leading role in 10 years. He later starred with Sylvester Stallone in the action thriller Escape Plan (2013), took top billing in the action drama Sabotage (2014), and reprised his Terminator role in Terminator Genisys (2015) and Terminator: Dark Fate (2019).
In July 2011 a museum dedicated to Schwarzenegger’s life opened in his childhood home in Thal
Austria. The following year he published the memoir Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story (written with Peter Petre
Maria Shriver (born November 6, 1955, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.) first lady of California (2003–11) and American television journalist best known as a reporter for the NBC (National Broadcasting Company) program Dateline and as the host of First Person with Maria Shriver, an interview-based program featuring public figures.
Bodybuilding Competitions
1963 Steirer Hof Competition in Graz, Austria (runner-up).
1965 Junior Mr. Europe in Germany
1966 Best-Built Athlete of Europe in Germany
1966 International Powerlifting Championship in Germany
1966 Mr. Europe – amateur in Germany.
1966 NABBA Mr. Universe – amateur in London, England
1967 NABBA Mr. Universe – amateur in London, England
1968 German Powerlifting Championship in Germany
1968 IFBB Mr. International in Tijuana, Mexico
1968 NABBA Mr. Universe – professional in London, England
1968 IFBB Mr. Universe in Miami, Florida (tall class winner)
1969 IFBB Mr. Universe in New York
1969 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York (2nd place to Sergio Olivia)
1969 NABBA Mr. Universe – professional in London, England
1969 IFBB Mr. Europe – professional in Germany
1970 NABBA Mr. Universe – professional in London, England
1970 AAU Pro Mr. World in Columbus, Ohio
1970 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York
1971 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Paris, France
1972 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Essen, Germany
1973 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York
1974 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York
1975 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Pretoria, South Africa
1980 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Sydney, Australia.
Awards and honors
Seven-time Mr. Olympia winner
Four-time Mr. Universe winner
1969 World Amateur Bodybuilding Champion
1977 Golden Globe Award winner
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
International Sports Hall of Fame (class of 2012)
WWE Hall of Fame (class of 2015)
Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy (part of the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California) named in his honor
Arnold’s Run ski trail at Sun Valley Resort named in his honor. The trail is categorized as a black diamond (high difficulty level)
“A Day for Arnold” on July 30, 2007, in Thal, Austria
Arnold Schwarzenegger The Self-Made Man
A warrior for the golden state, a tireless leader, a bodybuilding icon, an action movie sensation and an inspiration for millions everywhere. These are just some of the things Arnold has been known for. His domination drive and unwavering focus have placed him in the limelight for decades.
In the movies :
he’s been an all-time classic action hero where he’s become famous for his incredibly funny and unforgettable one-liners. Also, not to forget, he’s become the best and most famous bodybuilder of all time in the process.
Setting his sights further and ticking all the boxes on his life’s goals. It’s clear to see that Arnold’s drive and intense focus is hard to match.
There have been some negative allegations made against the Austrian Oak at times, but one thing will always stand true when his name is spoken. He will be remembered for centuries to come as one of the most inspirational characters the world has ever seen – both in the movies and real life.
It all started in 1947, way back in a sleepy Austrian village on July 30th
If you want to turn a vision into reality, you have to give 100% and never stop believing in your dream.”
Early Life :
Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born in a small village in Austria on July 30th, 1947. The village names Thal borders the Styrian capital of Graz.
His parents, Gustav Schwarzenegger (17 August 1907 – 13 December 1972), and Aurelia (née Journey; 29 July 1922 – 2 August 1998) were both the local police chiefs. They married on October 20, 1945 – Gustav was older at 38, and Aurelia was a young 23-years-old.
Gustav, Arnold’s father : voluntarily served in World War II under the Nazi party in 1938. He served in Hauptfeldwebel of the Feldgendarmerie and was discharged in 1943 after he was found to have caught malaria.
“Back then in Austria it was a very different world, if we did something bad or we disobeyed our parents, the rod was not spared.”
Schwarzenegger was a caring and humorous child, but his father had a preference for his older son, Meinhard (17 July 1946 – 20 May 1971). Understandably, this caused Arnold some great upset during his youth. According to the Austrian Oak, Gustav believed that Arnold was not his biological child. Arnold said that he was “strong and blatant,” about his affection for his older brother.
Schwarzenegger’s descriptions regarding his father have always been reserved, but he did say that his father had: “no patience for listening or understanding your problems.” However, in contrast to his troubled relationship with his father, Arnold always had a good connection with his mother. He kept in touch with until her death.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger
Bodybuilder, Actor, Movie Star, Producer, Activist, Businessman, Inventor, Writer, Politician
Arnold Schwarzenegger –
He’s been named the Austrian Oak, The Terminator, John Matrix, Mr. Freeze, The Governator, and to many of his fans just Arnie. Not only is he known as one of the greatest bodybuilders in history, but also as an action movie star, and an American politician.
Arnold began his journey after seeing the iconic idol Reg Park appearing as Hercules. This, Arnold says, “is when I saw the entire plan laid out before me.”
Being “the figurehead” and “the golden boy” of the “golden era,” Arnold brought bodybuilding to the mainstream. He soon appeared on the big screen, commercials, magazines, and advertisements across the entire country.
In later years, he has been known for bringing equality and equal rights to the forefront of political campaigns, fighting for environmental issues and social reformation. His one-liners, humor (on and off the stage) and larger than life personality continue to echo through the minds of fans around the world to this day. If there was ever a poster child for the American dream, Arnold’s the one.
This is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s story :
“For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.”
Athlete Statistics
WEIGHT 225 - 235lbs (102.1 - 106.6kg)
HEIGHT 6'3" (190.5cm)
ARMS 22"
CHEST 57"
WAIST 30"
THIGHS 28.5"
CALVES 20"
YEAR OF BIRTH 1947
NATIONALITY Austrian, American
PROFESSION
Bodybuilder, Actor, Movie Star, Producer, Activist, Businessman, Inventor, Writer, Politician
ALIAS The Austrian Oak
ERA 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010
arnold_in_jeans
“Everything I have, my career, my success, my family, I owe to America.”
69075_arnold-schwarzenegger-bodybuilding-wallpaper-sports-wallpapers_1299x1000
“I just use my muscles as a conversation piece, like someone walking a cheetah down 42nd Street.”
Related article: Best natural testosterone boosting supplements for fast muscle gains
Accomplishments
Bodybuilding Competitions
1963 Steirer Hof Competition in Graz, Austria (runner-up).
1965 Junior Mr. Europe in Germany
1966 Best-Built Athlete of Europe in Germany
1966 International Powerlifting Championship in Germany
1966 Mr. Europe – amateur in Germany.
1966 NABBA Mr. Universe – amateur in London, England
1967 NABBA Mr. Universe – amateur in London, England
1968 German Powerlifting Championship in Germany
1968 IFBB Mr. International in Tijuana, Mexico
1968 NABBA Mr. Universe – professional in London, England
1968 IFBB Mr. Universe in Miami, Florida (tall class winner)
1969 IFBB Mr. Universe in New York
1969 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York (2nd place to Sergio Olivia)
1969 NABBA Mr. Universe – professional in London, England
1969 IFBB Mr. Europe – professional in Germany
1970 NABBA Mr. Universe – professional in London, England
1970 AAU Pro Mr. World in Columbus, Ohio
1970 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York
1971 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Paris, France
1972 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Essen, Germany
1973 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York
1974 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York
1975 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Pretoria, South Africa
1980 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Sydney, Australia
“What is the point of being on this Earth if you are going to be like everyone else?”
Related article: Best muscle building, libido and fat loss supplements for men over 50
Powerlifting/weightlifting
During Arnold’s early years in bodybuilding, he also competed in several Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting contests. Arnold won two weightlifting contests in 1964 and 1965, as well as two powerlifting contests in 1966 and 1968.
In 1967, Schwarzenegger competed in and won the Munich stone-lifting contest. In the event he lifted a stone weighing 508 German pounds (254 kg/560 lbs) between his legs while standing on two foot rests before successfully placing it on the raised platform.
Arnold-warfare
“Positive thinking can be contagious. Being surrounded by winners helps you develop into a winner.”
Arnold’s records
Clean and press – 264 lb (120 kg)
Snatch – 243 lb (110 kg)
Clean and jerk – 298 lb (135 kg)
Squat – 545 lb (247 kg)
Bench press – 520 lb (240 kg)
Deadlift – 710 lb (320 kg)
Schwarzenegger commando
“There are no shortcuts—everything is reps, reps, reps.”
Arnold’s Movies
Hercules in New York 1969 Hercules
The Long Goodbye 1973 Hood in Augustine’s office (uncredited)
Happy Anniversary and Goodbye 1974 Rico
Stay Hungry 1976 Joe Santo
Pumping Iron 1977 Himself
The Villain 1979 Handsome Stranger
Scavenger Hunt 1979 Lars
The Comeback 1980 Himself
Conan the Barbarian 1982 Conan
Conan the Destroyer 1984 Conan
The Terminator 1984 The Terminator
Red Sonja 1985 Kalidor
Commando 1985 Colonel John Matrix
Raw Deal 1986 Mark Kaminsky, aka Joseph P. Brenner
Predator 1987 Major Alan “Dutch” Schaefer
The Running Man 1987 Ben Richards
Red Heat 1988 Captain Ivan Danko
Twins 1988 Julius Benedict
Total Recall 1990 Douglas Quaid / Hauser
Kindergarten Cop 1990 Detective John Kimble
Terminator 2: Judgment Day 1991 The Terminator
Last Action Hero 1993 Jack Slater / Himself
Dave 1993 Himself
True Lies 1994 Harry Tasker
Junior 1994 Dr. Alex Hesse
Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time 1996 The Terminator
Eraser 1996 U.S. Marshal John Kruger
Jingle All the Way 1996 Howard Langston
Batman & Robin 1997 Dr. Victor Fries / Mr. Freeze
End of Days 1999 Jericho Cane
The 6th Day 2000 Adam Gibson / Adam Gibson Clone
Dr. Dolittle 2 2001 White Wolf
Collateral Damage 2002 Gordy Brewer
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines 2003 The Terminator
The Rundown 2003 Bar Patron
Around the World in 80 Days 2004 Prince Hapi
The Kid & I 2005 Arnold
Terminator Salvation 2009 The Terminator
The Expendables 2010 Trench Mauser
The Expendables 2 2012
The Last Stand 2013 Sheriff Ray Owens
Escape Plan 2013 Emil Rott Mayer / Victor Mannheim
Sabotage 2014 John ‘Breacher’ Wharton
The Expendables 3 2014 Trench Mauser
Maggie 2015 Wade Vogel
Terminator Genisys 2015 Terminator/Pops/Guardian
478 2016 Victor
Why We’re Killing Gunther TBA Gunther
“You’ll get more from being a peacemaker than a warrior.”
Awards and honors
Seven-time Mr. Olympia winner
Four-time Mr. Universe winner
1969 World Amateur Bodybuilding Champion
1977 Golden Globe Award winner
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
International Sports Hall of Fame (class of 2012)
WWE Hall of Fame (class of 2015)
Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy (part of the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California) named in his honor
Arnold’s Run ski trail at Sun Valley Resort named in his honor. The trail is categorized as a black diamond (high difficulty level)
“A Day for Arnold” on July 30, 2007, in Thal, Austria
“Be hungry for success, hungry to make your mark, hungry to be seen and to be heard and to have an effect. And as you move up and become successful, make sure also to be hungry for helping others.
Arnold Schwarzenegger The Self-Made Man
A warrior for the golden state, a tireless leader, a bodybuilding icon, an action movie sensation and an inspiration for millions everywhere. These are just some of the things Arnold has been known for. His domination drive and unwavering focus have placed him in the limelight for decades.
In the movies, he’s been an all-time classic action hero where he’s become famous for his incredibly funny and unforgettable one-liners. Also, not to forget, he’s become the best and most famous bodybuilder of all time in the process.
Setting his sights further and ticking all the boxes on his life’s goals. It’s clear to see that Arnold’s drive and intense focus is hard to match.
There have been some negative allegations made against the Austrian Oak at times, but one thing will always stand true when his name is spoken. He will be remembered for centuries to come as one of the most inspirational characters the world has ever seen – both in the movies and real life.
It all started in 1947, way back in a sleepy Austrian village on July 30th
“If you want to turn a vision into reality, you have to give 100% and never stop believing in your dream.
His parents, Gustav Schwarzenegger (17 August 1907 – 13 December 1972), and Aurelia (née Journey; 29 July 1922 – 2 August 1998) were both the local police chiefs. They married on October 20, 1945 – Gustav was older at 38, and Aurelia was a young 23-years-old.
Gustav, Arnold’s father, voluntarily served in World War II under the Nazi party in 1938. He served in Hauptfeldwebel of the Feldgendarmerie and was discharged in 1943 after he was found to have caught malaria.
“Back then in Austria it was a very different world, if we did something bad or we disobeyed our parents, the rod was not spared.”
Schwarzenegger was a caring and humorous child, but his father had a preference for his older son, Meinhard (17 July 1946 – 20 May 1971). Understandably, this caused Arnold some great upset during his youth. According to the Austrian Oak, Gustav believed that Arnold was not his biological child. Arnold said that he was “strong and blatant,” about his affection for his older brother.
Schwarzenegger’s descriptions regarding his father have always been reserved, but he did say that his father had: “no patience for listening or understanding your problems.” However, in contrast to his troubled relationship with his father, Arnold always had a good connection with his mother. He kept in touch with until her death
Bodybuilding – The Beginning
When Arnold was at school, he was described as a cheerful and good- humored child. This good humor is still seen today, he’s always telling “one-liners” or trying to make people laugh.
Back in his early childhood, money was tight. Things were so tough that one of the highlights of his childhood is when his family could afford to buy a refrigerator.
Being a healthy and active teenager in his youth, Arnold played many sports. One of the main activities he participated in was football. His father encouraged him to play as many sports as a possible.
When his soccer coach took him to the gym at age 14, Arnold had his very first encounter with a set of weights. This was the beginning for the Austrian Oak, and was something that would shape and change his entire life forever.
Arnold wasn’t only brawn, but brain too, having always been interested in how the mind works. After being used to physical training from his early years playing soccer, he considered himself to be in good enough shape to start weight training seriously. Here’s Arnold talking about when it all happened;
“I actually started weight training when I was 15, but I’d been participating in sports, like soccer, for years, so I felt that although I was slim, I was well-developed. At least enough so that I could start going to the gym and start Olympic lifting.”
In a recent biography of Arnold’s life, it discusses how, and when, he started training and educating the mind; “At 14, he started an intensive training program with Dan Farmer, studied psychology at 15 (to learn more about the power of mind over body) and at 17, officially started his competitive career.”
“Participating in the competition meant so much to me that I didn’t carefully think through the conseque
The Austrian Army
In Austria, at the time Arnold was a teenager, national service was required for all men turning 18 years of age. The young men of the country would leave their homes and join the army and enter a life full of discipline and strict training sessions for an entire year. In 1965 Arnold left for a life full of excitement and opportunities.
Something that Arnold took to like a fish to water, his military precision and work ethic are what made him the famous bodybuilder, actor, businessman, and politician we know him as today.
Already spending a couple of years weight training back home, Arnold took the opportunity to enter a bodybuilding competition during the time of his service. This was the junior Mr. Europe contest, Arnold won the competition hands down. A beginning that would soon progress him into the world famous “Austrian Oak”.
The competition didn’t come without a price. He spent a week in Military Prison as he went AWOL during the beginning of his basic training. It wasn’t exactly the best start for Arnold, but he knew deep down that he had to compete and make a name for himself. During his service, he took part in another competition at Graz – The Steirer Hotel, where he was crowned The Best Built Man of Europe. This is what made Arnold famous.
Arnold’s Visualization
Arnold saw something happening before anyone else could catch on. He was becoming a world champion. His drive, ambition, and skill to visualize his goals and turn them into a reality would make him into a success.
Arnold started to study rigorously. Learning more about bodybuilding competitions, where they were held, and the different classes he needed to win to become a household name held his total focus. He knew this was his ticket to fame and fortune.
His sights were set on Mr. Universe. This, he knew, was his path to achieving greatness.
Before he could enter the competition, he first had to qualify for in the 1966 NABBA Mr. Universe in London. After this, Arnold could see America was within his grapes.
“The more knowledge you have, the more you’re free to rely on your instincts.”
Moving to London :
With only a gym bag in hand and a pocketful of change, Arnold boarded a plane and left for London England to take part in Mr. Universe. He fought hard and placed a respectable second place. It was American winner, Chester Yorton, who presented more muscle definition to take home the 1st.
After not having enough muscle definition at the time but still being full of potential, a judge from the evening’s show, Charles Bennett, offered to coach the young and thirsty Arnold.
With very little in the way of worldly possessions, Schwarzenegger enthusiastically accepted Bennett’s offer. The young Arnie then went to stay at his crowded home above one of his gym’s in Forest Gate, London. This is where Arnold learned and mastered the secrets to muscle building.
Arnold lost the competition due to his lack of leg muscle definition. Therefore, a plan was created by Bennett to build Arnold’s legs by adding more size and strength.
“The more knowledge you have, the more you’re free to rely on your instincts.”
“I love it when people say that something can’t be done. That’s when I really get motivated; I like to prove them wrong.”
Mr. Universe At 20 :
While Arnold was living in London, he had the opportunity to practice his English and also he met his idol, Reg Park. They immediately became friends and Reg mentored Arnold for a short time.
Training with the best like Reg Park and coach Bennett helped Arnold to increase his size and muscular definition tremendously. All the hard work paid off, as in 1966, he won the Mr. Universe title for the very first time at the age of 20. This made Arnie the youngest ever winner in the history of bodybuilding, and he’d also go on to win Mr. Universe a further three times.
Arnold eventually left London and Bennet’s home. He headed back to Munich, where he trained continuously for six hours a day. It was at this time in his early years of bodybuilding, that he knew, he wanted more than just a bodybuilding title. He wanted to become a movie star.
On returning to Munich, with a new goal in mind, Arnold would say to his speech and language coach, Roger C. Field;
Powerlifting & Weightlifting Competitions :
It wasn’t only bodybuilding that got Arnold started on his road to glory. He also competed in a number of Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting contests in his homeland. Schwarzenegger impressively went on to win two weightlifting contests, one in 1964 and another 1965.
Arnold also received medals for his powerlifting contests, one in 1966 and 1968. While Powerlifting never became a competitive focus for Arnie, the big lifting movements became fundamental parts of his bodybuilding training. For example, he used exercises like the deadlift and squat to build strong and powerful muscle for his entire career.
One year after winning the Mr. Universe at the age of 2o, Schwarzenegger won the 1967 stone-lifting contest held in Munich. During the contest he lifted a stone weighing 508 pounds (254 kg/560 lbs.) from the ground onto a podium.
“If you don’t believe in yourself, then how will anyone else believe in you?”
Record Breaking Mr. Olympia
Being a driven, focused and a hard working individual, Arnold knew he wanted to take the world title for being the best bodybuilder of all time. This meant becoming the Mr. Olympia champion.
He first attempted to win the trophy in 1969, where he lost to three-time champion Sergio Oliva. In later years Arnold and Sergio would even become close friends.
Schwarzenegger, being Schwarzenegger, came back in 1970, stronger, and even more determined to win the competition. He smashed the other competitors out of the water and walked away with the win. As Arnold was only 23 at the time, this victory made him the youngest ever Mr. Olympia winner up to that point.
Not stopping there, Arnold also went on to win the Mr. Olympia for a consecutive six times, all the way from 1970-1975. Then, after beating Franco Columbo (who later became his best friend, business partner, and training buddy) he announced his retirement from the sport of bodybuilding.
Pumping Iron :
The smash hit “Pumping Iron” documents Arnold and the “Golden Era” of bodybuilders preparing for the 1975 Mr. Olympia. Their lives, for the very first time, were recorded and released to the eager public, who wondered with curiosity and excitement what the “life of a bodybuilder” was like.
Some feared that Arnold wouldn’t win the 1975 Olympia over the strong competitor Lou Ferrigno. This was because he was much smaller than previous years, due to the fact that he had to lose weight for the movie Stay Hungry starring Jeff Bridges.
But, even though Arnold wasn’t as big or as defined as some may have thought, he trained hard and outclassed everyone in the competition. Ultimately, this just showed what an incredible athlete Arnold was during the height of his bodybuilding career.
“My definition of living is to have excitement always; that’s the difference between living and existing.”
Out Of Retirement
In 1980, Arnold came out of retirement and decided he’d compete in the 1980s, Mr. Olympia. At the very same time, Arnold was training for his role in the film Conan The Barbarian. He was said to be in the best shape of his life at this point. The grueling training on set prepared Arnold for what was about to become his biggest move in bodybuilding history.
Seven Weeks For The Olympia
Horseback riding, endless hours of sword training and running were the backbone of Arnold’s training during the filming of Conan. He knew he was in such good condition that entering the Olympia for one last time needed to be done. Arnold gave himself a tight deadline of only seven weeks to prepare for the competition.
With Arnold’s world famous focus, drive, and determination, that he’s used his entire life to win and succeed. He made the decision he was going to win the 1980 Olympia. All of this was in complete secret just in case an accident may have prevented him from competing.
At the same time of the event, Arnold was hired to provide color commentary for network television, when he announced to the world at the very last minute he was going to compete for the Olympia. Needless to say, Arnold walked home with the win, after only seven weeks of preparation. Upon winning the Olympia for a seventh time, Arnold retired from competing permanently.
"steroids were helpful to me in maintaining muscle size while on a strict diet in preparation for a contest. I did not use them for muscle growth, but rather for muscle maintenance when cutting up.”
The Use Of Steroids
Like some of the professional bodybuilders in today’s competitive world, and the ones back in the “golden era,” steroids have been present in their preparation for competitions. Arnold admits he used performance-enhancing anabolic steroids while they were legal.
Arnold came across some conflict with using steroids in 1999 when a German doctor “publicly predicted” Arnold’s early death on the link between steroids and a heart condition.
The doctor stated that because of this direct link between the use of steroids and his heart condition, where he was born with a small defective, congenital aortic heart valve. He would suffer an early death.
These type of claims could have cost Arnold numerous acting contracts, publicity roles and other areas of work as the companies wouldn’t want to hire someone with a “possible heart condition” heightened by the use of steroids. Arnold sued the doctor for $10,000 US dollars in a German Court. In 1999 he also sued and settled with Globe, a U.S. newspaper that made similar claims.
Arnold’s Acting Career
Arnold always knew he was destined for greatness, not only on the stage of bodybuilding, but also on the big screen. Taking acting lessons and private English classes, he set his sights on becoming a leading actor in Hollywood movies.
While looking for acting roles, his agents told him directly that he couldn’t act because of his thick Austrian accent. To Arnold, this was just another chance to prove “them” wrong. He continued to take accent removal classes to soften his strong European voice and worked harder to improve his acting skills.
Needless to say, Arnold has become one of the greatest motion picture action heroes of all time. He’s starred in numerous box office hits and been an idol for generations of young, and old people for decades.
Infamous for his “one liners” such as “I’ll be back” from the very first 1984 Terminator, and humor on and off the screen, he’s been adored and idolized the world over. The lovable character that is Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to produce, direct and star in films to this day.
“It was very difficult for me in the beginning – I was told by agents and casting people that my body was ‘too weird’, that I had a funny accent, and that my name was too long. You name it, and they told me I had to change it. Basically, everywhere I turned, I was told that I had no chance.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Bodybuilder, Actor, Movie Star, Producer, Activist, Businessman, Inventor, Writer, Politician
Arnold Schwarzenegger – He’s been named the Austrian Oak, The Terminator, John Matrix, Mr. Freeze, The Governator, and to many of his fans just Arnie. Not only is he known as one of the greatest bodybuilders in history, but also as an action movie star, and an American politician.
Arnold began his journey after seeing the iconic idol Reg Park appearing as Hercules. This, Arnold says, “is when I saw the entire plan laid out before me.”
Being “the figurehead” and “the golden boy” of the “golden era,” Arnold brought bodybuilding to the mainstream. He soon appeared on the big screen, commercials, magazines, and advertisements across the entire country.
In later years, he has been known for bringing equality and equal rights to the forefront of political campaigns, fighting for environmental issues and social reformation. His one-liners, humor (on and off the stage) and larger than life personality continue to echo through the minds of fans around the world to this day. If there was ever a poster child for the American dream, Arnold’s the one.
“For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.”
Athlete Statistics
WEIGHT 225 - 235lbs (102.1 - 106.6kg)
HEIGHT 6'3" (190.5cm)
ARMS 22"
CHEST 57"
WAIST 30"
THIGHS 28.5"
CALVES 20"
YEAR OF BIRTH 1947
NATIONALITY Austrian, American
PROFESSION Bodybuilder, Actor, Movie Star, Producer, Activist, Businessman, Inventor, Writer, Politician
ALIAS The Austrian Oak
ERA 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010
“Everything I have, my career, my success, my family, I owe to America.”
“I just use my muscles as a conversation piece, like someone walking a cheetah down 42nd Street.”
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Accomplishments
Bodybuilding Competitions
1963 Steirer Hof Competition in Graz, Austria (runner-up).
1965 Junior Mr. Europe in Germany
1966 Best-Built Athlete of Europe in Germany
1966 International Powerlifting Championship in Germany
1966 Mr. Europe – amateur in Germany.
1966 NABBA Mr. Universe – amateur in London, England
1967 NABBA Mr. Universe – amateur in London, England
1968 German Powerlifting Championship in Germany
1968 IFBB Mr. International in Tijuana, Mexico
1968 NABBA Mr. Universe – professional in London, England
1968 IFBB Mr. Universe in Miami, Florida (tall class winner)
1969 IFBB Mr. Universe in New York
1969 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York (2nd place to Sergio Olivia)
1969 NABBA Mr. Universe – professional in London, England
1969 IFBB Mr. Europe – professional in Germany
1970 NABBA Mr. Universe – professional in London, England
1970 AAU Pro Mr. World in Columbus, Ohio
1970 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York
1971 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Paris, France
1972 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Essen, Germany
1973 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York
1974 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York
1975 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Pretoria, South Africa
1980 IFBB Mr. Olympia in Sydney, Australia
“What is the point of being on this Earth if you are going to be like everyone else?”
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Powerlifting/weightlifting
During Arnold’s early years in bodybuilding, he also competed in several Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting contests. Arnold won two weightlifting contests in 1964 and 1965, as well as two powerlifting contests in 1966 and 1968.
In 1967, Schwarzenegger competed in and won the Munich stone-lifting contest. In the event he lifted a stone weighing 508 German pounds (254 kg/560 lbs) between his legs while standing on two foot rests before successfully placing it on the raised platform.
“Positive thinking can be contagious. Being surrounded by winners helps you develop into a winner.”
Arnold’s records
Clean and press – 264 lb (120 kg)
Snatch – 243 lb (110 kg)
Clean and jerk – 298 lb (135 kg)
Squat – 545 lb (247 kg)
Bench press – 520 lb (240 kg)
Deadlift – 710 lb (320 kg)
Awards and honors
Seven-time Mr. Olympia winner
Four-time Mr. Universe winner
1969 World Amateur Bodybuilding Champion
1977 Golden Globe Award winner
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
International Sports Hall of Fame (class of 2012)
WWE Hall of Fame (class of 2015)
Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy (part of the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California) named in his honor
Arnold’s Run ski trail at Sun Valley Resort named in his honor. The trail is categorized as a black diamond (high difficulty level)
“A Day for Arnold” on July 30, 2007, in Thal, Austria
“Be hungry for success, hungry to make your mark, hungry to be seen and to be heard and to have an effect. And as you move up and become successful, make sure also to be hungry for helping others.”
Horseback riding, endless hours of sword training and running were the backbone of Arnold’s training during the filming of Conan. He knew he was in such good condition that entering the Olympia for one last time needed to be done. Arnold gave himself a tight deadline of only seven weeks to prepare for the competition.
With Arnold’s world famous focus, drive, and determination, that he’s used his entire life to win and succeed. He made the decision he was going to win the 1980 Olympia. All of this was in complete secret just in case an accident may have prevented him from competing.
At the same time of the event, Arnold was hired to provide color commentary for network television, when he announced to the world at the very last minute he was going to compete for the Olympia. Needless to say, Arnold walked home with the win, after only seven weeks of preparation. Upon winning the Olympia for a seventh time, Arnold retired from competing permanently.
Arnold came across some conflict with using steroids in 1999 when a German doctor “publicly predicted” Arnold’s early death on the link between steroids and a heart condition.
The doctor stated that because of this direct link between the use of steroids and his heart condition, where he was born with a small defective, congenital aortic heart valve. He would suffer an early death.
International Star Of The Decade
In the height of his movie career, Arnold featured in films such as Terminator 2 Judgment Day, which was the highest-grossing film at the time in 1991. The very next year in 1993, he was named the “International Star Of The Decade” by the National Association of Theatre Owners, not bad for someone who was told he’d never act in Hollywood.
Like all great actors, he experienced some ups and downs. There were films that didn’t always appeal to everyone. His role in “The Last Action Hero” saw Arnold play himself as an action hero brought to life from the screen by a die-hard fan. The film was released the same year as Jurassic Park in 1992, which outweighed his second major role.
Arnold’s next leading role was in the action comedy “Ture lies,'” (filmed in 1994) which became very popular film among Schwarzenegger fans.
“Yes, I would love to be governor of California … If the state needs me, and if there’s no one I think is better, then I will run.”
Running For Governor Of California
Arnold was asked by the California Republican party in March 2001 to run for governor. Arnold debated the position for some time, but in an interview with Esquire Magazine in July 2003, he said: “Yes, I would love to be governor of California … If the state needs me, and if there’s no one I think is better, then I will run.” At the time, then governor Gray Davis received a petition to recall as the Democratic governor, a ballot was passed on July 24th. Schwarzenegger was just wrapping up a promotional tour for
Schwarzenegger was finishing a promotional tour for Terminator 3 and said that he’d announce his final decision whether or not to run as the Governor of California on August 6, on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Arnold appeared on the show full of confidence and announced to the world that he’d run for Governor, a decision he made in the very last minute of appearing on the show.
Schwarzenegger felt that it was time for a new leader. He saw the way politics was going with “back door” deals and an untrust from the public. He knew things needed to change. He stole the moment and made use of his famous humor by saying one-liners such as his promising to “pump up Sacramento, California,” and “I’ll tell Gray Davis hasta la vista.” At the end of his first press conference, Arnold told the audience, “I’ll be back.”
Arnold’s Political Views
“I came first of all from a socialistic country, which is Austria, and when I came over here in 1968 with the presidential elections coming up in November, I came over in October, I heard a lot of the press conferences from both of the candidates Humphrey and Nixon, and Humphrey was talking about more government is the solution, protectionism, and everything he said about government involvement sounded to me more like Social Democratic Party of Austrian socialism.”
Magazine Editor AKA. “The King”
Arnold’s Fortune
It’s been debated that Arnold’s net worth is somewhere between $100–$200 million. But in recent years after separating from his wife, Maria Shriver, and filing tax returns in 2006, it’s been estimated closer towards $400-800 million USD.
He’s invested throughout his entire life in bodybuilding, movies, the stock market, bonds, property, and a whole variety of companies.
When Arnold was asked about money, and if it made him happy, he replied, “Money doesn’t make you happy. I now have $50 million, but I was just as happy when I had $48 million. I’ve made many millions as a businessman many times over.”
Personal Life
One of Arnold’s first serious relationships was with English teacher Barbra Outland. They first met after Arnold arrived in the U.S. Their first date was reported to be watching the first Apollo Moon landing on TV. The couple shared an apartment in Santa Monica for three years. They had very little money in the beginning, but the couple would visit the beach often and make barbecues with friends in their backyard.
Baker claims that in the beginning, Arnold had “little understanding of polite society” and she found Arnold was sometimes a turn-off. She said; “He’s as much a self-made man as it’s possible to be – he never got encouragement from his parents, his family, his brother. He just had this huge determination to prove himself, and that was very attractive … I’ll go to my grave knowing Arnold loved me.”
he “inflicted tremendous pain” on his entire family. He’s also admitted he’s “behaved badly sometimes” and has apologized, but also said that “a lot of what you see in the stories is not true.”
Heart Troubles
Schwarzenegger was born with a minor complication with his heart. His an aortic valve had only two leaflets, where a normal aortic valve has three leaflets. He signed up for a procedure for a replacement heart valve in 1997, made from his own transplanted tissue.
Experts said that he’d need a full heart valve replacement following surgery between two to eight years as the valve would have degraded slightly. Arnold went against the medical experts advice of transplanting the heart valve, but instead reduced his physical activity.
Accidents, Saving Lives, And Breaking Ribs
Arnold Schwarzenegger is no newbie when it comes to action and danger on the big screen. This can also be said for his life. He’s been in numerous accidents and heroic adventures throughout his life. On the 9th of December 2001, he broke six of his ribs and went to the hospital after a serious motorcycle crash in L.A. He was riding the motorcycle with his son Patrick in the sidecar, while another driver reversed into the street. Arnold and his son rode straight into the car, but thankfully it was at low speeds.
While Patrick and the other driver weren’t seriously injured, Schwarzenegger had a minor injury to his lip, where he required 15 stitches. He’s also been known to have saved a man’s life from drowning in 2004 while on vacation in Hawaii. Arnold brought the man back to shore just in time.
Whole on vacation skiing, Schwarzenegger accidentally tripped over a ski pole and broke his right femur in Sun Valley, Idaho, whole vacationing with his family. This resulted in a 9o minute operation involving wires, cables, and screws to fuse the bones back together. He was released and sent home on December 30, 2006, from the St. John’s Health Center.
When Schwarzenegger’s private jet made an emergency landing at Van Nuys Airport on June 19, 2009, people feared the worst when the pilot reported smoke coming from the plane’s cockpit. Fortunately, no one was injured on the flight.
Training
In the days of the Olympia when Arnold was training twice per day, once in the morning and again in the evening, there was never a shortage of motivation or training buddies in the famous Gold’s Gym. But Schwarzenegger’s journey started way back when he was around the age of 15.
Arnold had two choices, soccer or Olympic weightlifting. He chose to lift. But, he couldn’t move straight onto bodybuilding, Arnold first had to prove himself in the gym and compete as a powerlifter and Olympic weightlifter.
“I knew I was a winner back in the late sixties. I knew I was destined for great things. People will say that kind of thinking is totally immodest. I agree. Modesty is not a word that applies to me in any way. I hope it never will.”
Arnold’s First Training Session
In his very first training session, Arnold was fresh-faced faced, green behind the ears, and eager to learn. The guys in the gym put him through a grueling two-hour workout for the very first time. This was his introduction to training, he loved every minute. but something happened on the way home that made him realize the importance of training and recovery.
On his way home while on his bicycle, a few minutes into his journey, Arnold started to have a problem. His hands started to go numb, he couldn’t control his arms or the breaks on his bike. He flew into a ditch and crashed his bike.
When he got up, Arnold soon realized that he could hardly walk, his legs were numb also, all of this was a result of over-training and pushing the body to the extreme.
Fast forward to when Arnold was preparing for the Mr. Olympia in his 20’s. he’d built up a solid resistance to training over years of hard work and patience. This, Arnold says is the key to achieving your goals, persistence, and dedication.
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