Eight times Mr. Olympia hailed Arnold Schwarzenegger as the greatest bodybuilder of all time

Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most iconic figures in bodybuilding history. He raised the profile of professional bodybuilding more than any other Mr. Olympia winner. He has a total of 7 Olympic titles, after only Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney at 8.

According to “the greatest” Ronnie Coleman, with the right technology and the right nutritionist, Schwarzenegger would have been unbeatable.

Coleman on Arnold Schwarzenegger

Ronnie Coleman is the winner of 26 professional IFBB securities, most ever, and he often attributes the success to his nutritionist, Chad Nicholls. During a meeting with Patrick Bet-David, he shared his views on fellow bodybuilder, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

When comparing photos of Coleman and Schwarzenegger in their heyday, he commented on the latter’s greatest form. Afterwards, he asked Coleman what Schwarzenegger might have been had he been paired with iconic nutritionist Chad Nicholls. To this he asserted without hesitation, “Arnold would have been by far the best bodybuilder of all time.” He added“Look at that shape, look at that chest. No one understood that, even today.

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Coleman is convinced that with the right nutritionist and the right technology, no one could have touched Schwarzenegger. Not even Lee Haney or Coleman himself. “I look like a little boy standing next to him” he said. With the biggest chest of all time, Schwarzenegger more than impressed Coleman.

Schwarzenegger’s prowess as a bodybuilder

In Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first attempt at the Mr. Olympia title, he lost to Sergio Oliva, placing second. However, he came back to win in 1970 and continued winning until 1975. After that he announced his retirement, happy with his 6 consecutive titles. The next documentary ‘Pump Iron’with it launched bodybuilding into the mainstream.

In 1980, Schwarzenegger was training for his role in the movie ‘Conan the Barbarian’. He got into such good shape that he decided to go for the Olympic title one last time. Although a controversial win (perceived lack of muscle mass), Schwarzenegger earned his seventh and final Mr. Olympia title. His record stood until 1991 when Lee Haney won his 8th title.

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At 6′ 2″, 235 pounds in peak form, Schwarzenegger’s ’70s physique still compares well to most of today’s greats. His legacy is commemorated in the IFBB Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition. After 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger fully immersed himself in his film career. But he remained relevant to bodybuilding, owning several gyms and fitness magazines.