'FUBAR': A look at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1980 Mr Olympia controversy that stained his bodybuilding legacy
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Arnold Schwarzenegger, a bodybuilding icon and celebrated Hollywood actor, had a mercurial rise to fame as he popularized and elevated the sport to a newfound level of respectability. His influence was so pervasive that even those unfamiliar with bodybuilding were familiar with the name Arnold. The legend is now back with a new project, 'FUBAR'.
Schwarzenegger's journey has not been without its share of controversy. He has faced criticism on various occasions, including his return to competition in 1980. Despite these challenges, Schwarzenegger continues to explore new endeavors in his career. His latest project, 'FUBAR', releasing on Netflix on May 25, adds another chapter to his incredible journey. As fans eagerly anticipate the debut of the comedic caper, the reception of Schwarzenegger's latest work remains to be seen, considering the backdrop of his controversial past.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger, the undisputed bodybuilding champion for six consecutive years from 1970 to 1975, left an indelible mark on the sport. His pivotal role in the documentary 'Pumping Iron' in 1977 propelled him and bodybuilding into the mainstream, earning him widespread recognition and admiration.
Schwarzenegger's retirement from bodybuilding in 1975 marked the beginning of a new era for the sport. After winning six consecutive Mr Olympia titles, his departure allowed other athletes to vie for the prestigious title. His training partner and close friend, the late Franco Columbu, stepped into Schwarzenegger's shoes and claimed victory in the 1976 contest. Subsequently, from 1977 to 1979, Frank Zane became the recipient of the coveted honor.
What was the 1980 controversy around Arnold Schwarzenegger?
In 1980, five years after his retirement, Schwarzenegger made a surprising comeback to the world of bodybuilding. He announced his decision just a day before the Mr Olympia competition in 1980, which garnered a mixed reception from fans and critics alike. While some celebrated his return, others questioned the motives and implications of his comeback. Competitor Mike Mentzer displayed his anger and attempted to confront Schwarzenegger during a pre-contest press conference. Other athletes such as Zane and Boyer Coe expressed their disappointment, believing that his return would result in a tarnished legacy and defeat, as per Barbend.
When the night of the competition arrived, many were taken aback by Schwarzenegger's physical condition. He failed to match the standards set by a new generation of emerging stars. Despite the negative reactions, Schwarzenegger emerged as the ultimate winner, much to the audience's displeasure. Their shock and disappointment were palpable as competitors walked off the stage, and the incident even prompted some athletes to retire from the sport out of sheer disgust.
Why did Schwarzenegger return to Mr Olympia?
Schwarzenegger's retirement from bodybuilding in 1975 didn't diminish his enduring influence in the sport. However, the motivation behind his decision to make a comeback can be traced back to his movie career, particularly his role in 'Conan the Barbarian', released in 1982. Schwarzenegger's portrayal of Conan, a vengeful muscular warrior seeking revenge, required him to undergo a physical transformation.
To embody the role effectively, Schwarzenegger needed to transition from a lean warrior weighing around 215 pounds to a robust king weighing approximately 230 pounds. To achieve this, he returned to his familiar bodybuilding routines and embarked on an intensive training regimen. During this process, his training partners played a pivotal role by encouraging him to re-enter the Mr Olympia competition in 1980.