Arnold Schwarzenegger once posed at a competition in Belfast when he was 19. Over six decades later, he's returning to the city to receive a degree from Ulster University.

On March 30, the “schwarzenegger_film_props” shared a video on Instagram where Schwarzenegger was being interviewed about the honor. Amidst his hectic schedule, it was a welcome break.

In the video, Schwarzenegger was asked how he was feeling. He replied, “I'm feeling great, thank you. I've been over here now in Europe for the last four days. First, for the Arnold Classic in Birmingham, England. Then we went down to Belgium for a speech. And now I'm up here in Belfast, and it's really great.”

The Austrian Oak further explained that 6 decades ago, in 1966, he was in Belfast for the very first time, just 19 years old. The bodybuilder revealed that he was invited by “Ivan Dumper.” And back then, he won the Mr. World Title.

This time, the Terminator actor is here at Belfast’s Ulster University to receive his honorary degree for his contributions in public service, environmental advocacy and the arts.​

“It's wonderful to be back in Northern Ireland and to kind of get this award. This is not something that I dreamt of when I was 19 years old. And I was here 60 years ago, that one day I will be coming here to get an honorary doctorate degree. I mean, it's just wonderful”.

This becomes the latest honor the bodybuilder has received in the last few weeks for his contributions to the arts and public service.

And Arnold Schwarzenegger Revealed What Pushes Him To Keep Working

Arnold had recalled a story from his teens, when he visited Ireland. And back then, the legend began learning from his failures and losses. That's when he figured out a key part of his philosophy.

"You only can get confidence if you have some victories. So I always believe in going all out and then having victories. And when you have a little victory, if it's the tiniest little victory, that gives you confidence that you actually are in charge of yourself."

Eventually, he used his wins in minor bodybuilding competitions as the perfect stepping stone into bigger spots. It was part of the reason he eventually became an actor and even entered public service!

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for all things fitness!

Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar