Before politics and Hollywood, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a young bodybuilder from Austria with big dreams. From an early age, he saw himself as becoming the ‘best bodybuilder in the world.’ And it started with defeating Europe's renowned muscle men.

During a Bodybuilding Legends Podcast episode with John Hansen, Schwarzenegger looked back at the mindset that helped him take down the biggest names in Europe’s bodybuilding industry. His relocation to Munich helped him fulfill his goal faster. With access to better equipment and knowledge, he tirelessly worked on his body, training up to three times a day.

Schwarzenegger admitted that his initial efforts couldn't make his physique “up to par.” But while it took him a lot more effort than expected, the Terminator eventually made it. “My size was still ahead of my definition. It was good enough. Then, when I competed in the Mr. Best Built Man in Europe in 1966, I won the year earlier in the junior division, and now I won the overall easily,” mentioned the 7x Mr. Olympia.

Schwarzenegger was clearly on the path to success, and nothing was about to come in his way. He went on to win the 1966 Mr. Europe competition in Essen.

He revealed, “I went around to other competitions, and I realized I’m really up to the level to beat the Europeans.”

It was not just Schwarzenegger’s confidence that brought him to the limelight; it was the fact that he delivered. He not only trained harder than most around him, but his mindset change really made a difference, he also reflected.

Even before he actually became a champion, Schwarzenegger had convinced himself that he was unbeatable. Moreover, he did not let his first big loss at the Mr. Universe competition in 1966 shake his confidence.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Refused to Doubt Himself after his 1966 Mr. Universe Loss

At just 19, Schwarzenegger participated in the NABBA Mr. Universe competition in London in 1966. Although he came in second place after American bodybuilder Chet Yorton, his confidence was unshaken.

Later, he admitted that Yorton had beaten him fair and square.

“He was spectacular looking. He was tanned. He was perfect. He had extraordinary definition, great calves, great forearms, great back, everything was great.”

Instead of letting it hurt his confidence, Schwarzenegger recognized Yorton’s talent and appreciated it. The loss only spurred him on, and helped him better himself for the next competition. As predicted, he won the Mr. Universe title in 1967- the very next year, making bodybuilding history.

We all can learn a big lesson from Schwarzenegger here- sometimes an early loss can be used as fuel for future greatness.

What do you think helped Schwarzenegger become a bodybuilding icon: his strength, confidence, or his consistency? We would love to hear your opinion in the comments below.

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for more

Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Souvik Roy