Arnold Schwarzenegger a name associated not only with bodybuilding but also to the field of acting and politics. Everyone has a journey, and so has Arnold. The journey for Arnold started from humble beginnings. On record, the earliest competition in which Arnold participated and won was the 1965 Jr. Mr. Europe. This competition was held in Steirer Hof Hotel in Graz, Austria. It was the first major competitive win which acted as a catalyst for his career.

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At the time of the competition, Arnold was enlisted in the military as it was a requirement for all 18-year-old Austrian males. He had to work as a tank driver from October 1, 1965, to the end of September 1966, to fulfill his one-year military service. During this time Jr. Mr. Europe was also being held. Arnold knew that the military will never grant him an official leave for participating in this competition. Thus, he went AWOL from his military service basic training despite knowing the risks. After returning home victorious, instead of being appreciated for the achievement, Arnold had to spend a week in prison.

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This was just the beginning of an incredible journey. In 1966 Arnold flew to London to compete in the NABBA Mr. Universe competition. He came in second in that competition, following Chester Yorton. One of the judges of the 1966 competition, Charles “Wag” Bennett saw the potential in Schwarzenegger and invited him to stay with his family. Bennett's concentration was on improving the muscle definition and size in Arnold's legs which was judged inferior to Yorton's resulting in the loss.

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The training by Wag Bennett was successful and led Arnold to become the youngest ever Mr. Universe at the age of 20 in 1967. He went on to win the title three more times after that. Following the Mr. Universe title in 1967, Arnold received a call from Joe Weider who invited him to America to compete in IFBB Mr. Universe being held in Miami and later work with him in California. Arnold always dreamt of moving to the United States from age 10. His dream was finally realized in September 1968 at the age of 21. Arnold arrived in America with only one gym bag, $20 and little knowledge of the English language. By 1970, he had won the title of Mr. Universe, Mr. World and the Mr. Olympia title. The rest is Iron Paradise history.

Yash Sharma is a former national level Football player, now a Strength Coach, Nutritionist and Natural Bodybuilder.  He also runs a YouTube Channel Yash Sharma Fitness via which he aims to educate all the fitness enthusiasts to maximize their gains by methods that are backed by science and applicable easily.  Connect with him on YouTube, YashSharmaFitness@gmail.com, Facebook and Instagram.