BodyBuildingBros https://www.bodybuildingbros.com Stay up to date with all things bodybuilding! Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:42:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 Anne Hathaway on Body Confidence and Embracing Change at 43 https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/news/anne-hathaway-on-body-confidence-and-embracing-change-at-forty-three/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/?p=91292 Anne Hathaway is getting candid about her lifelong struggle with body insecurity. The 43-year-old star told Hello magazine that her confidence still fluctuates daily. Her journey highlights the reality of aging under the constant lens of the public eye.

Despite spending decades in the spotlight and being named the most beautiful actress in 2026, Anne Hathaway, while talking to Hello magazine, admitted that insecurity hasn’t disappeared with age; it’s only evolved.

“When I was expecting to see something that I am not, I felt insecure. But when I actually looked at what it actually is, I was okay with it. I think you realize that worry should be reserved for the really big stuff.”

The 43-year-old actress shared how her confidence fluctuates, particularly when it comes to wearing swimwear. She admitted to keeping two types of swimsuits in her wardrobe: a safe and reliable option, and an “aspirational” option for times when she feels more self-assured.

“I’m ready to have this great day with my family. And I am going to be in front of strangers, and people have phones. And all of the things. But my family is waiting for me. And I looked, and I just went, ‘What?’ And then I looked again and I said, ‘You are 43.’ And looking at a 43-year-old body, I was like, ‘Nice.'”

And this isn’t the first time she struggled with bikinis or with how she looks in them. Back in 2016, when she was expecting her first child, she uploaded a picture of herself donning a bikini. Although not a fan of bikini pictures, The Devil Wears Prada star explained that while on the beach, she noticed that she was being photographed.

So she decided that if a picture of her in a bikini is going to be out for the world to see, it better be one that she likes.

What keeps her radiant at 43 is her dedicated routine. She starts her mornings with miso soup and a side of fresh veggies or brown rice. Lunch includes tempeh and seitan, with brown rice or sweet potatoes. Her day ends with leafy green salads or veggie soup.

How the Ocean’s 8 cast made Anne Hathaway feel special

Another such moment came during her first day of shooting for Ocean’s 8. It was the first time she was working on a film set after giving birth to her child, and she was feeling underconfident about her body shape.

“I walked on the set, and my weight’s a little up, and I’m just aware of it … I’m in my jeans, and I’ve done my best, and I’m gonna love myself no matter what.”

As soon as she reached the set, she was bombarded with compliments from her co-actors like Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, and Rihanna.

The compliments gave her the boost that she needed and made her happy. “I can honestly say I’ve never had that experience on a film set before,” she added.

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Hafthor Bjornsson Shows Deadlift Progress as He Targets the 1135 Lbs World Record https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/news/hafthor-bjornsson-shows-deadlift-progress-as-he-targets-the-one-thousand-one-hundred-and-thirty-five-lbs-world-record/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:15:00 +0000 https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/?p=91151 Hafthor Bjornsson is summoning his beast strength during training, as every deadlift helps him inch closer to shattering his colossal world record.

When Hafthor Bjornsson announced that he would attempt to break his deadlift record, everyone was pumped. But what is making the wait worthwhile is watching him prepare for the feat. On April 25, the Mountain shared his progress on Instagram, and by the looks of it, 515 kg doesn’t seem that far away.

The video captioned, ‘470KG Deadlift – Road to 515KG World Record. New video uploaded on YouTube! Lightweight!’ shows the Strongman lifting loads that keep increasing progressively. The weight starts from 70 kg and reaches up to a staggering 470 kg.

For those who are wondering, Bjornsson is preparing to break his own deadlift record at the Enhanced Games on May 24 in Las Vegas. He currently holds the record for deadlifting 510 kg, which he set at the Mutant Deadlift World Championships in England in September 2025.

Two days after sharing the video, Bjornsson shared another one from the same session where he completed 3 speed reps of the 470 kg deadlift. Talking about the Games, the Strongman said, “Defying what was previously thought humanly possible is what powers my success and what attracted me to the Games.” 

This record was also his attempt to break his previous record of deadlifting 501 kg, which he set in 2020 at Thor’s Power Gym in Iceland. The World’s Ultimate Strongman approved the lift, and it made Bjornsson the first man to deadlift over 500 kg, breaking Eddie Hall’s 2016 record of 500 kg.

And although Bjornsson strongly believes he can deadlift a stunning 550 kg, for now, he is aiming for a more reasonable weight for the Enhanced Games. The Enhanced Games are a new sports initiative that is based on science and innovation. Athletes from all around the world are participating in an attempt to break any records.

The Game of Thrones star is confident that “History Will Be Made!” On May 24, regardless of whether he will be able to lift 1,135 pounds or go for the full 1,200-plus.

Hafthor Bjornsson thanked Ronnie Coleman

The second half of Bjornsson’s caption was heartwarming. The 6’9″ beast thanked bodybuilding legend and 8x Mr. Olympia winner Ronnie Coleman for motivating him over the years.

Before becoming the world’s most celebrated bodybuilder, Ronnie Coleman tried his luck in powerlifting. But when that didn’t work out, he shifted his focus towards bodybuilding.

In 2000, Coleman famously deadlifted a record 800 lbs and performed two reps of the lift. It was later featured in his documentary The Unbelievable.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger Launches 7-Week Pump for the Planet https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/news/arnold-schwarzenegger-launches-seven-week-pump-for-the-planet/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:30:00 +0000 https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/?p=89872 The man who built a legacy on muscle, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is using his influence to help the planet and showing that true strength isn’t just in the gym.

The seven-time Mr. Olympia is taking steps towards a better and sustainable future with his ‘7-week pump for the planet’ initiative. As the name suggests, it is a seven-week program that turns your everyday activities into useful environmental action.

The initiative is part of the Austrian World Summit, a global platform that works towards implementing practical solutions for the climate crisis.

The initiative aims to educate the public on the importance of individual responsibility towards systemic change. It is spearheaded by the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative and aims to bring people together to promote climate solutions worldwide.

The caption gave instructions on what is to be done: “For the next 7 weeks, we’ll guide you through simple, powerful actions to make your routine more sustainable. From everyday habits to bigger shifts — every step counts.”

“Swipe through to explore each week’s theme and workouts you can start right now. It’s not about perfection — it’s about consistency, energy, and showing up,” it continues.

So, what will Schwarzenegger do to heal the planet in seven weeks? Here is the full breakdown of the activities for each week.

  • Week 1
    • Don’t buy anything unnecessary
    • Don’t litter
    • Spend time outdoors
  • Week 2
    • Replace cars with bicycles
    • If the distance is short, try walking
    • Instead of planning a trip, go for a low-cost trip
  • Week 3
    • Eat seasonal foods
    • Don’t throw away leftovers
    • Eat at least one plant-based meal
  • Week 4
    • While shopping, choose carefully instead of going for an impulse purchase.
    • Use an item completely before throwing it away.
    • Restyle and reuse your clothes and accessories
  • Week 5
    • Use AI for something important
    • Avoid printing unnecessary documents
    • Turn off the lights and electric devices when not in use
  • Week 6
    • Eat at a local restaurant
    • Buy from a local shop
    • Support a local initiative
  • Week 7
    • Pick one of the solutions you want to continue doing after the challenge
    • Bring in a friend to join the initiative
    • Prepare for the 2026 Austrian World Summit

Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Environmentalist

Arnold Schwarzenegger has worn many caps in his life: a bodybuilder, a Hollywood star, a businessman, and a Governor. But the most profound among them is the cap of an environmentalist. His love for the planet isn’t new.

In 2023, the bodybuilding legend teamed up with Jane Fonda and California Governor Gavin Newsom to enforce stricter regulations on oil drilling. Their initiative was to preserve California’s Senate Bill 1137, which mandated that buffer zones had to be created between oil and gas wells and nearby communities.

During last year’s Austrian World Summit, the Terminator gave a stern reality check to the climate activists who felt the Government was trying to ruin their efforts.

He said, “Stop whining. Whining doesn’t change anything. Whining doesn’t build anything. I know that sometimes politicians in Washington, D.C., or many other capitals of the world won’t always agree with everything that we do and that we believe in.” 

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Vovo Bodybuilder Proves Age Is Just a Number With Deadlift Power! https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/news/vovo-bodybuilder-proves-age-is-just-a-number-with-deadlift-power/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:45:00 +0000 https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/?p=91073 55-year-old fitness influencer Rogerão stunned followers by successfully pulling off a heavy deadlift. The Brazilian sensation previously lost 70kg to build his ‘granite’ physique. His latest viral video proves that physical strength is not limited by age.

Rogerão a.k.a @vovobodybuilder has become an internet sensation with his fitness-related videos, and the latest one to captivate the audience is him performing a stunning deadlift.

In the video, Rogerão is seen successfully pulling off a 220kg deadlift and struggling initially, teasing his followers with the caption ‘Did I do it?’ [translated].

Rogerão is a 55-year-old fitness influencer who became a viral sensation on Instagram because of his inspiring training videos. He is most noted for his drastic physical transformation, wherein he lost more than 70kg over a period of time and built a lean, “granite” physique.

The deadlift is just a part of his crazy training routine; he frequently shares videos of his intense sessions that can make any guy half his age sweat. Just two months ago, he uploaded a video of himself performing Chain dips effortlessly with huge, heavy chains around his neck.

Last year, the Brazilian bodybuilder even participated in the Masters Brazil contest to get his pro card. But Rogerão isn’t the only veteran making a mark in the fitness industry.

Other senior citizens are breaking world records

In 2020, at the Drug-Tested World Meet of the International Powerlifting League (IPL), 72-year-old Rudy Kadlub made history by setting four new world records in three different powerlifting events. And the astonishing fact was that this was the second time he did it, breaking his own previous records.

His previous records were a 430 lbs squat, a 303 lbs bench press, and a 518 lbs deadlift, all of which resulted in the highest total lift of 1,251 pounds. The feat had earned him a fourth world record in his age category at the IPL’s North American Championship.

In his second attempt, he broke two of those previous records with a staggering 451 lbs squat and a stunning 314 lbs bench press. He also deadlifted 512 lbs, putting his total at 1,277 lbs.

After the event, Kadlub took to Instagram to share a message for his fans, “This prep had some bumps, from a fender bender that challenged my training for several weeks to a jam-packed business schedule, we still got it done, and we’re still getting stronger.⁣”

In 2019, Ray Fougnier, a 76-year-old powerlifter from Plymouth, broke 10 world records in his 75-79 age group. He achieved the feat at the 2019 AAU Powerlifting World Championships in Laughlin, Nevada. His records included a 286 lbs squat, a 187 lbs bench press, and a 408 lbs deadlift.

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Rich Gaspari Reveals Joe Weider’s Legacy of Champion-Building Care https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/news/rich-gaspari-reveals-joe-weiders-legacy-of-champion-building-care/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/?p=91029 Joe Weider’s contribution to popularizing bodybuilding is unparalleled, but according to Rich Gaspari, it wasn’t just about show; he genuinely cared about the athletes.

On April 22, Muscle and Fitness recently shared a small clip on their Instagram page of veteran bodybuilder Rich Gaspari remembering Joe Weider in the fondest way possible. He revealed a heartwarming side of Weider, where he would show genuine care for his athletes.

“It’s kind of like my stories with Joe Weider and him calling me, you know, when I was training, I was in New Jersey, and he’d call me, how’s your prep doing for the Olympia? So it’s like he really had a care for every single individual.”

The inaugural Arnold Classic winner added that he thought he was the only one Weider was calling, but soon realized it wasn’t just him; Weider would also call other bodybuilders like Shawn Ray and eight-time Mr. Olympia champion, Lee Haney, to check up on them and know their progress.

Born in 1919 in Canada, Joe Weider was one of the most influential figures of modern bodybuilding. He, along with his brother, Ben, founded the biggest bodybuilding competition in the world, the Mr. Olympia contest.

He also founded well-known fitness magazines, such as Your Physique, Muscle and Fitness, and Flex. But his contribution doesn’t just stop at promoting bodybuilding; he is also known for promoting fitness approaches like progressive overload and split training, which are followed even today. Due to all these contributions, he has earned himself the nickname ‘Father of modern bodybuilding.’

Despite all these bodybuilding contributions, his biggest contribution remains Arnold Schwarzenegger.

When Weider met Schwarzenegger

Joe Weider is credited with launching the careers of many acclaimed bodybuilders like Frank Zane, Dave Draper, Sergio Olivia, Lee Haney, and even Ronnie Coleman.

But this best find will always remain the Austrian Oak, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Weider met a young Schwarzenegger in Europe and invited him to compete in the United States. After being impressed by the seven-time Mr. Olympia’s physique, Weider said,

“You want to work, you want to build yourself, you are German, you are a machine, you are unbelievable. You are not like these lazy b*******!”

The Hollywood star said that Joe didn’t just inspire him but also made his bodybuilding dream come true by inviting him to America. He paid attention to him and advised him constantly, becoming a father figure for him.

Arnold Schwarzenegger also had a high regard for Weider and wrote a heartwarming thanks for his mentor.

“Right from the beginning, I felt that he looked at me as the son he never had. I felt that this was a unique opportunity to learn. My own father gave me advice about being disciplined, tough, and brave, but not advice on how to succeed in business.”

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Mike O’Hearn Shares a Father-Son Incline Bench Press Training Moment https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/news/mike-ohearn-shares-a-father-son-incline-bench-press-training-moment/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:10:00 +0000 https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/?p=90962 In a heartwarming yet powerful moment, Mike O’Hearn was seen guiding his six-year-old son, Titan, through the fundamentals of the incline bench press. In a video shared on O’Hearn’s Instagram, the father and son duo were seen performing the incline bench press.

This latest training session highlights the duo’s evolving fitness journey.

The video captioned ‘Training with my son. Guide your kids in the right direction,’ showed the 57-year-old guiding his young son, as he performed the exercise flawlessly. And it is just one of the many training moments that O’Hearn shares with his son.

Titan O’Hearn was born in 2019, and in an interview with Generation Iron, his dad admitted that his son’s birth had changed his life completely. But despite dedicating his full time to raising his son, he still made sure to follow his bodybuilding routine with a few changes here and there.

Ever since then, O’Hearn Jr. has been frequently featured on his dad’s Instagram page, doing everything from gymnastics, wrestling, bodyweight exercises, and heavy lifting. Last year, the two were posing together at the NPC Idaho Muscle Classic in Boise. O’Hearn was invited there to guest pose, and little Titan decided to steal the show instead.

Back in 2023, the American Gladiators star uploaded another video on Instagram in which he was training his son in martial arts, in an attempt to ‘raise him as a peaceful warrior.’ Teaching his son martial arts was a given, since Mike O’Hearn is a huge Bruce Lee fan.

The many sides of Titan O’Hearn

Be it karate or gymnastics, Titan O’Hearn loves to train with his dad. But it became special when he was seen doing strength training with him. In December last year, the four-time Mr. Universe shared a video of himself guiding his son through several movements.

The workout included exercises like:

  • Barbell overhead press with low weight
  • Assault bike or Air bike
  • And a couple of movements with the help of a medicine ball

In the video, O’Hearn was seen giving his son useful tips, including maintaining a journal to keep track of his reps and sets, and measuring his consistency. He also talked about how his son loves to start his day with activities like working out, morning swims, tumbling, wrestling, or foot drills.

But Titan O’Hearn’s talents don’t end here; he reached another milestone when he qualified to compete in the 80 lbs division at the California State Wrestling Competition.

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Joan MacDonald Inspires Consistency Over Perfection With Birthday Challenge https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/news/joan-macdonald-inspires-consistency-over-perfection-with-birthday-challenge/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:30:00 +0000 https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/?p=90940 Fitness influencer Joan MacDonald is here to tell you that the pursuit of perfection is an illusion; all you need is a lifelong commitment to consistency.

In a recent Instagram post, MacDonald got candid about the mindset shift that motivated her to start her own journey. In a long caption that started with motivational words, “When I finally stopped telling myself ‘I’ll start tomorrow’… that’s when my life truly began to change,” she addressed the feeling of being stuck waiting for the “right time.”

She continued, “There were so many days I didn’t feel like it. On those mornings, I had to remind myself: no one else can do the work for me. If I wanted to feel better and move through the world with more ease, I was the only one who could make that happen.”

Instead of chasing perfection, she urged her followers to adopt a sustainable approach that involves showing up daily, even when they feel like quitting. Her mantra is to acknowledge the setbacks and see them as a part of a long-term change.

The post was shared on April 20, her birthday. Her plan for that day was to set up a Birthday Challenge for her followers, designed to help them overcome procrastination. The idea behind the challenge is to encourage people to start from their current level, build consistent habits, and ask for help wherever necessary.

Macdonald started her fitness journey at 70 after facing multiple health issues. However, she had been active all her life with gymming, cycling, and playing sports like slow-pitch softball in her 40s, and lawn bowling in her 60s, but something was amiss. 

“It was a couple of things that were all happening around the same time. I had terrible swelling in my ankles, painful arthritis, and I had difficulty walking up and down stairs. I was on medication for high blood pressure and acid reflux, and my doctor had just told me that I may need to increase the dosage.”

Her physical and mental struggles, coupled with her mother’s declining health, pushed her to change her lifestyle. Today, she is a transformed woman who inspires thousands of people.

Joan MacDonald’s healthy habits and routine

Today, MacDonald follows a dedicated routine that keeps her healthy and happy. Her training routine involves:

  • Monday: Yoga
  • Tuesday: Upper-body strength workout
  • Wednesday: Lower-body strength workout
  • Thursday: Cardio
  • Friday: Upper-body strength workout
  • Saturday: Lower-body strength workout
  • Sunday: Cardio

Her healthy habits that sustain her vitality include:

  • She finds motivation in others
  • She didn’t give up when things got hard
  • She follows a consistent training approach
  • Her training is split into lower-body and upper-body
  • She tracks her size and weight
  • She tracks her macro-nutrients
  • Her training regimen progressed as she got stronger
  • Her goals keep her motivated

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Martyn Ford’s 5-Year-Old Gym Partner Steals the Show on Leg Day https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/news/martyn-fords-5-year-old-gym-partner-steals-the-show-on-leg-day/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:10:00 +0000 https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/?p=89474 Martyn Ford commands raving fanbases with his monster build and hardcore training clips. However, this time, it’s the 6’8″ bodybuilder’s 5-year-old training partner stealing the spotlight.

In a recent viral post, Ford showcased a much less-known warm and fatherly side of his personality, sharing a training clip from the gym alongside his son.

The post was captioned: “BEST TRAINING PARTNER EVER … 5 years old and absolutely obsessed with the gym, I wonder where he gets that from 😳🤔😂 … leg day with the boys.”

The video captured the little athlete squatting beside his father’s weighted leg press rack. That love and passion for strength training and physical activity from such a young age is only natural in a household where sports are rewarded.

However, what truly captured hearts was the duo’s adorable bond in the gym. The high-five and hug after finishing the set sealed that case. In fact, many fans highlighted and praised his presence and active influence in Maddox’s life.

And this isn’t a one-off instance. Ford often brings his son to the gym, setting a strong example of a healthy father-son dynamic. And ‘The Nightmare’ cultivates this inspiring relationship with intent.

How Martyn Ford balances his bodybuilding persona as a devoted father

Martyn Ford is often known in the muscle world as ‘the scariest man on the planet’. However, the bodybuilder and actor remains family-oriented, being a motivating father above all else.

In fact, the British action star frequently visits the gym alongside his youngest, Maddox. Training his son with his first-hand expertise in fitness, Ford often shares video clips of the duo.

Sharing the story behind the 5-year-old’s first visit to the gym, Ford wrote: “‘Daddy, I want to do what you do, lift with you, train and do work like you’ …… ‘please can I come to the gym daddy’ 🤔 …. I guess we start work then, son ❤❤.”

And it’s more than just shared workouts. Martyn Ford keeps introducing his kids to healthy, screen-free “old-fashioned” games. Sometimes, preventing technology addiction needs that one gentle push, and Ford understands that.

At the end of the day, while Ford may have gained recognition through his illustrious bodybuilding career, his dedication to his family never falters. He is proof of the strength fathers carry and how they pass on the torch to their kids.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1986 Wedding Happened Mid-Predator Filming https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/news/arnold-schwarzeneggers-1986-wedding-happened-mid-predator-filming/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:30:00 +0000 https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/?p=90175 During the period of 1986, there was no other action star bigger than Arnold Schwarzenegger. Fresh off the Terminator and Commando, he was deep in production of Predator, shooting in the sweltering jungles outside Puerto Vallarta. And, on April 26, he flew out, married Maria Shriver, and was back on the sets by April 30.

This was Schwarzenegger’s dedication to his career and to his personal life. Shriver and Schwarzenegger had been together for over a decade, and they got married in St. Francis Xavier Church in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

Arnie flew back to Mexico with Shriver to finish filming Predator. So the newlyweds had no choice but to spend their honeymoon in the jungle of Mexico.

“The first night, Maria and I were checked into a hotel room, and she wanted to take a shower. So she opened up the curtain, and the whole bathtub was filled with frogs. They were all jumping around. She freaked out,” Said Schwarzenegger

Schwarzenegger’s closest friend, Franco Columbu, was his best man for the wedding. They have been inseparable since they met at a bodybuilding competition in Munich in 1965.

The two-time Mr. Olympia and two-time Mr. Universe had appeared in several Schwarzenegger films, including The Terminator and Conan the Barbarian. He had also been cast in Predator, but his scenes were ultimately cut from the film. He stood at the altar anyway.

However, the ceremony wasn’t only about two individuals. It marked the reunion of a brotherhood made out of iron, and the man who stood beside Arnold during his big day had known him far before the movies came calling.

Franco Columbu: The Man Who Stood Beside Arnold Schwarzenegger, At the Altar and in the Gym

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver went on to have four children together: Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher. Schwarzenegger was elected as Governor of California in 2003; Shriver became the First Lady of California and quit her broadcast career.

The pair split in 2011 after the news about Schwarzenegger having an illegitimate child with one of their housekeepers came out. They were married for 25 years before getting divorced in 2021.

Schwarzenegger’s daughter, Christina, had a godfather, and it was none other than Franco Columbu. He died on August 30, 2019, aged 78. Schwarzenegger’s dedication praised him as his best friend and criminal partner.

Franco Columbu may not have been the biggest name in the room, but he always found himself present in those rooms where Arnold Schwarzenegger had anything important going on.

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“Picked All the Judges”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Faces Accusations Over His 1980 Olympia Win https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/news/picked-all-the-judges-arnold-schwarzenegger-faces-accusations-over-his-nineteen-eighty-olympia-win/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:10:00 +0000 https://www.bodybuildingbros.com/?p=89843 The Mr. Olympia competition has seen many glorious seasons, but one year still haunts its legacy.

The 1980 Mr. Olympia has been riddled with controversy, and Arnold Schwarnegger has been facing a lot of flak for it. And now Boyer Coe, who placed fourth in the competition, has come up with a new allegation against that year’s winner, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

While talking to veteran bodybuilder Shawn Ray on his podcast series Where Are They Now? Boyer Coe revealed some shocking details about Schwarzenegger’s seventh and final Mr. Olympia win.

“In my opinion, again, my opinion, it all started a lot earlier than that [the actual competition] because Arnold picked all the judges before they ever got there.”

While Coe refused to speak more on the topic, his comments reignited the long-standing allegations about the fairness of the 1980 edition. After winning his sixth title in 1975, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his retirement to focus on his rising Hollywood career.

Schwarzenegger became part of the 1980 Mr. Olympia as a commentator and, in the last minute, decided to enter the competition, a day before the actual competition, stunning both fans and fellow competitors.

According to Coe, Schwarzenegger’s unexpected return after a five-year retirement was surprising and, in his opinion, an undeserved victory. Ray also noted that the Austrian Oak, known for its massive size, appeared “very small for Arnold,” and that his legs lacked size and his overall definition was not as sharp. And that’s because he had trained for just eight weeks.

Ripple effects of Schwarzenegger’s win

After Arnold Schwarzenegger was announced as the winner of the 1980 Mr. Olympia, fans and competitors were outraged. Television networks decided not to broadcast the competition. New Judging rules were set.

Because of the controversial decision, Mike Mentzer, who was one of the favorites that year, placed fifth. The decision devastated him to the point that he retired from competitive bodybuilding at age 29. It is even said that during the press conference, Mentzer tried to attack Schwarzenegger but was held back.

According to Coe, that year the real competition was between him and Mike Mentzer. He even goes on to say that Mentzer had a chance at winning the title.

 “I will honestly say, I would have think Mike probably deserved to win. Because he was bigger than me. But we’re about the same height. He was heavier bone than me. Now, he couldn’t have posed as good as I could, but he had a lot of money. He was in good shape.”

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