THE MAN WHO BEAT ARNOLD!!!

I dedicate today's article to the late, great, Sergio 'The Myth' Oliva, three-time Mr. Olympia, who died November 12, 2012, at the age of 71. 

Sergio possessed the ideal bodybuilding physique, categorized by broad shoulders, narrow hips and huge arms. Being of medium height, his well-balanced and proportioned physique served to create for him a larger-than-life illusion onstage when he was then competing among the best Olympians from the 1960s. His exceptional physical attributes made him a very impressive bodybuilder, and also an aesthetic bodybuilder despite his incredible muscle size and density. As a Chicago Police officer, you can imagine what would happen to criminals crossing his path! They had to custom cut his blue officer shirtsleeves to fit his massive biceps. He would commonly cut them off or split them down the side to carry those arms.

A paragon of bodybuilding perfection, his revolutionary physique was tailor made for bodybuilding greatness. Sergio broke the race barrier that pervaded early bodybuilding. He was the first non-white bodybuilder to win the IFBB Mr. Olympia, AAU Mr. America, IFBB Mr. World, IFBB and AAU Mr. Internationals, and IFBB Mr. Universe. 

During his 22-year bodybuilding career (1963-1985), he distinguished himself as a legitimate threat to win each contest he entered. He is the only man to beat Arnold, but Arnold also beat him at the 1972 Olympia in Essen, Germany. He returned in 1984 and 1985, and reignited the division with his swan song. He competed in multiple federations all over the globe: IFBB, WBBG, WABBA, and AAU. 

Sergio Oliva was a true champion, a revolutionary, a bodybuilding pioneer, a friend, father, and legend. He will be forever remembered for his phenomenal physique and joyful personality. He showed the world how courage and commitment can lead a man to be the greatest in the world. There will never be another like him.