Posted on 5 January, 2012
There may not be a person in the world who does not know who Arnold Schwarzenegger is. In fact, many individuals see him as an icon and consider Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding career as the ultimate proof that it IS possible to achieve your dreams if you only you work hard and persevere at it. Let's look at how Arnold move up the ladder of success and take inspiration from it. Unlike some people who know exactly what they want to be even as a child, Arnold didn't immediately find his calling. He started out playing soccer, track and field, boxing, and a host of other sports. One day, his coach suggested that he start lifting weights to strengthen his legs. Arnold entered a weightlifting gym and the rest, as they say, is history. THE BEGINNING Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding career formally began in Graz, Austria when he was 16 years old. His ultimate goal at that time is to capture the Mr. Universe title one day. The cost of a gym membership was then too much for Arnold, so he put up his own home gym in their basement. In 1961, Arnold met former Mr. Austria Kurt Marnul, who was so impressed with Arnold's body that he offered to let him train in the Athletic Union. Arnold naturally grabbed the opportunity. ROAD TO STARDOM 1965 saw the first step towards stardom for Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding career. It was time for the Junior Mr. Europe competition, and Arnold was drafted in the army at that time. When he was denied permission to join the competition, Arnold went on A.W.O.L. and was detained for a week as a result. But, he had won his first bodybuilding victory - a victory that officially launched Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding career. In 1966, Arnold was named Mr. Europe and in 1967, he became the youngest Mr. Universe at the age of twenty. Now that he has achieved his ultimate goal, what's next for Arnold Schwarzenegger? It was then that Arnold heard the call of Hollywood, and he arrived in America in the year 1968. In 1970, Arnold competed with his bodybuilding idol, Reg Park and won the Mr. Universe title for the second time. He was also named Mr. Olympia for the first time that year, a title which he successfully defended the following year. After winning the Mr. Olympia title for six consecutive years, Arnold decided to retire from bodybuilding in 1975. But, that wasn't the end of Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding career. He came out of retirement in 1980 and was once again named Mr. Olympia for a record 7th time. Arnold became an American citizen in 1983 and assumed the role of Chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness in 1990. He embarked on a 50-state tour with three objectives in mind: To promote fitness programs in the communities; to improve child fitness by incorporating daily physical activities in schools; and, to involve parents in the improvement of their children's fitness. Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding career may officially have come to an end, but his legacy will surely remain. And for all those who aspire to reach their dreams one day, he will forever be an icon. |
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