Arnold Schwarzenegger reunited with his lost 1969 Mr. Universe Trophy
Actor and former Mr. Universe Arnold Schwarzenegger was finally reunited with his 1969 Mr. Universe Trophy which had been missing for years. Arnold was awarded the trophy after he won the 1969 National Amateur Body-Builders' Association (NABBA) Universe contest in London. However, after he returned home, his mother, Aurelia, handed over the trophy to a fan without any apparent reason and without telling her son.
Apparently, his mother had given away the trophy to two stone-cutters at the house which is now known as the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum. Years later in 2016, Bench Press champion, Lorand Berke's sister, came across the trophy which she bought from the workers. The trophy was then handed over to Lorand after he won the Hungarian Bench Press Championship on December 15, 2017.
Lorand was as excited as he could be, and he immediately sent out a few snaps of the trophy to his friend Adam from the popular Flex Gym in Budapest. Coincidentally, Adam met Arnold at the Gold's Gym Venice where he was working out and asked for a picture with the star. It was during this time that Adam showed the photos of the trophy to Arnold who immediately recognized that it was his long-lost prize.
As Arnold would soon be on location in Budapest for the new 'Terminator' movie, Lorand's meeting with the actor was arranged at the Flex Gym Budapest, where Arnold would train.
In a post on Instagram, Adam of Flex Gym recalled the event saying: "I am happy that I could make this historical event happen, where Arnold received back his 1969 trophy from my friend, Lorand Berke. Lorand is an incredibly humble sportsman. I am glad that he could break off his summer holiday to come and return Arnold's cup. Everything was arranged according to Arnold's wishes. It was great to see him happy and touched by this moment. Lorand has gained a lifelong experience thanks to his generosity."