Brief History of Mr. Olympia
Competition Lifestyle and Art
There has been 13 Mr Olympia winners from 1965 to 2013.
13 men in 49 years have won the Mr Olympia title. The founder of Mr Olympia says that bodybuilding is about 3 fundamental things.
- Building your body to compete
- Building your body as a lifestyle
- Building your body as an art form
Mr Olympia was established in 1965 by the late Joe Weider. Joe was an avid bodybuilder who loved the sport and wanted to contribute in a significant way to bodybuilding.
In the 1960's Mr Universe and Mr World were considered to be the ultimate in bodybuilding. However Joe noticed that bodybuilders still had more left in them after winning those titles- they still yearned for more.
Joe Weider started Mr Olympia to fill in the gap. He made Mr Olympia unique by inviting only previous major contest winners to compete with the best for the ultimate price money and major title of Mr. Olympia.
These days you can also qualify for Mr. Olympia by collecting points from competitions- the various IFBB competitions allocates points for each placing you attain at the contest.
The very first installation of Mr Olympia was in 1965. It was held in the state of New York, USA. Leading up to the 1965 Mr. Olympia contest, the most highly tipped bodybuilder was Larry Scott. Scott had won the 1965 Mr. Universe title which at that stage was considered to be the most prestigious of all the competitions. At the end of the evening the competition it was won by the most popular bodybuilder at the time. Larry Scott, nicknamed “the Legend” made history on his debut.
In 1966, ‘The Legend” returned to defend his title. This time the heat was on. Chuck Sipes the former Mr America winner who was now the 1966 Mr Universe winner was there to battle Scott.
Harold Poole the runner up to Scott the previous year was in the best shape of his life and was ready for redemption from the previous year. Also present was a young Cuban named Sergio Oliva who had just become Mr World.
Larry Scott was crowned champion for the second straight year that evening in 1966. The Legend had prevailed.
In 1967 saw a man who became known as the Myth dominating the stage. His name was Sergio Oliva.
It is said that when Sergio burst onto the stage in 1967, he was so well developed, with large muscles, and displayed the greatest definition and muscle tone that the world had seen that he was instantly labeled unbeatable.
Sergio did not disappoint and lived up to this expectation and tag of unbeatable by winning in 1967, '68 and '69.
In 1970, Sergio had the biggest competition in his life against a young Austrian boy called Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sergio had defeated Arnold the previous year but no one expected what was to happen that evening. Arnold had worked harder, had believed against the odds that Sergio was human and could be beaten.
Arnold Schwarzenegger the youngster from Austria against the 3 times reigning Mr Olympian Champion. What most people didn't realize at the time was that Arnold was different from the average human being. He was a rule breaker. He said it himself. He likes to achieve things that people think are impossible. As difficult and different as the name Schwarzenegger sounds- this will prove to be his trademark- Being Different. That was the hallmark of Arnold. He was different. He looked different, his body structure was noticeably different, he even sounded differently- he was just different.
Yet with all of Arnold’s exceptional different attributes and physical talents- it was his mind that propelled him to the heights that he has reached in life. Arnold competed for the first time outside of Austria in the 1966 Mr. Universe championship held in London, UK. He placed 2nd. He was only 19 years old. He yearned for his time to shine. Bodybuilding and particularly Mr Olympia presented him with that chance.
Arnold’s story into body building is remarkable. It is said that Arnold dreamt of a bigger life, a greater life- a life much bigger than anyone had achieved before. Joe Weirder saw the potential of Arnold and took a liking in him. He knew that his home town in Austria wouldn't serve that goal. So he became Arnold's mentor. Arnold left his country and entered America with the dream and goal of making lots of money and becoming famous.
Arnold admits that when he went up against Mr. Olympia in 1969- he knew he was defeated before even stepping on stage. He came 2nd to Sergio “The Myth” Oliva that year. Arnold then vowed to never again be intimated by an opponent again.
So in 1970 when Arnold returned to face Sergio Oliva there was great expectations and much anticipation.
Destiny chose Arnold and he won his first Mr. Olympia title.
In 1971 Arnold won again. Sergio Oliva didn’t compete. And without Oliva, Arnold won against Franco Columbu who was much shorter and less athletically built than Arnold.
1972 was the year that promised the ultimate showdown between Arnold now in his prime gunning to equal Sergio's record of 3 times Mr Olympia. In his way was the more matured Sergio Oliva hungry for his Mr. Olympia title. Also featured in that line up were some powerful bodybuilders like the Frenchman Serge Nubret, Frank Zane and Franco Columbu.
Arnold beat everyone and placed 1st equalling Sergio's record.
In 1973, Arnold continued his dominance by defeating Franco Columbu and Serge Nubret.
1974, Arnold wins by defeating Lou Ferrigno and Serge Nubret.
What was special about the 1975 contest was that it was held in Pretoria, South Africa. It was rumored that, that year was to be Arnold’s last competition before retirement. There was a documentary being film during that period called Pumping Iron. In the documentary film Arnold seems very relaxed as they film him training and going about his preparation for the 1975 edition of Mr. Olympia. Arnold once again wins making it 6 in a role defeating the old nemesis group of Serge Nubret, Lou Ferrigno and Franco Columbu for the overall Mr. Olympia contest.
1976, with Arnold not competing in the 1976 contest- his friend and training partner Italian, Franco Columbu won the contest against Frank Zane known as the Chemist due to his Scientific background.
Franco weighted in less than 205lb which is under 90kg.
Franco Columbu was thus the first bodybuilder in Olympia history to win the contest under 90kg.
1977, was the rise of Frank Zane. He defeated a host of competitors across different weight divisions- including the likes of Robby Robinson, Ken Waller, Ed Corney, Boyer Coe etc.
Frank Zane was even lighter than Franco; his competition weight was less than 200lb (89kg).
1978 was the same story, "The Chemist" Frank Zane was once again the best all rounder. He was symmetrically balanced, aesthetically pleasing and muscle form and built that was so well proportion that he won without much debate.
In 1979 The Chemist won his 3rd straight Mr Olympia title in the mist of rumors and stories that Arnold was coming back to compete again. The rumors would prove to be true.
1980 was the biggest story appearing in the bodybuilding world. The story was that Arnold was returning to compete for a chance to beat his record and set a new record to become 7 times Mr Olympia.
Arnold announced a few weeks before the contest that he would be competing. Red hot favorite and reigning Mr Olympia champion Frank Zane was in good form on the night of the contest.
But So was Mike Mentzer, Chris Dickerson and Boyer Coe who were all in impressive form.
But with Arnold, it didn't matter whose name was on the contest paper- the results would be in favor of Arnold. Arnold won his 7th Mr Olympia title that evening.
In 1981, Franco Columbu won his 2nd Mr Olympia title ahead of Chris Dickerson and Tom Platz from the US.
In 1982 Chris Dickerson, after years of finishing behind the winner finally defeated Frank Zane to become only the 6th winner in 17 years. But the real story that year was the most improved athlete- Samir Bannout.
Samir was a bodybuilder with a killer smile and a matching body. 2 years earlier Samir had placed 15th at the Olympia, the following year in 1980, he placed 9th, and now he finished just outside the top 3 in 4th position.
This should have been a warning to the competitors of the next installation of Mr Olympia.
Mr Olympia in 1983 was a close contest won eventually by the previous year’s most improved athlete in the form of Samir Bannout. Samir defeated serious challengers and competitors like Mohamed Makkawy, Lee Haney and 3X Mr Olympia champion Frank Zane.
The year was 1984. Lee Haney had placed 3rd in his last outing at Mr Olympia the previous year. This year was different. Lee had seen how close he was to winning on his debut. Lee Haney the devout born again Christian never hid his love and passion for Christ from anyone. Not even at the Mr Olympia. Lee was determined to win in ‘84. Standing in his way were former Mr Olympia Samir Bannout, former Mr Olympia Chris Dickerson, Mr Olympia runner up Mohamed Makkawy, and the 3x Mr Olympia Sergio “the Myth” Oliva.
Yet, despite this superstar field, reports from the 1984 contest declared Haney a winner by some distance. Haney’s Lord had delivered him from more than evil. He had delivered him his first Mr Olympia title at the age of 25.
In 1985, Lee Haney proved too strong for everyone in the field including veteran bodybuilder Albert Beckles (who had such a rich physique at age 55), among the fallen were Mohamed Makkawy and Lee’s training partner and friend Rich Gaspari. Lee triumph was extra special because he was only the 2nd man to defeat Sergio Oliva twice. The Myth had returned again to challenge for his 4th Olympia title. However in 1985, Sergio Oliva could only manage 8th place to match his previous 8th place position in 1984. That was to be Sergio’s last Mr Olympia competition. He bowed down to cheers and applause from the crowd and his fellow bodybuilders.
In 1986, Lee Haney won-again. However, his win was to the detriment of his friend Rich Gaspari a very intensive and intelligent body builder who burst onto the scene at the same time as Lee.
Then came the year of 1987. Would Lee Haney be able to make it 4 in a role. The answer would be an emphatic YES. Lee finished ahead of Rich Gaspari for the 2nd year in a role.
1988, Lee Haney once again proved too dominate-he somehow manages to bring a different version of himself each year to the judges that his opponents become helpless. Each win is followed by more improvement on size and quality of muscle.
If you were a non-believer in Christ, the discipline and belief of Lee Haney would be convincing enough to follow Jesus Christ.
In 1989, the winner was a familiar figure in the name of Lee Haney. Since Lee burst onto the scene in 1983 when he lost to the Lebanese bodybuilder Samir Bannout- he has simply become unstoppable. Even his friend and training partner who knows his gym routine intimately has been unable to figure out what the secret to unlocking Lee’s dominance.
Then came 1990. New hopes and dreams were born as the new year began. Whoever had such hopes of unseating Lee was quickly awaken as Lee begins the decade the way he ended the ‘80s. He would win against Lee Labrada, Shawn Ray, Mike Christie, Richie Gaspari and Samir Bannout. Lee Haney had not only equalled Arnold’s record of 7 times Mr Olympia titles with his win in 1990- he had done so back to back. 7 in a role made him a legend in the hall of fame of bodybuilders instantly. But Lee was still not finished.
In 1991, Lee faced his fiercest rival in all his competitive life. They called out the top 6 for pose down- the crowd couldn't contain themselves .They shouted every time Lee and an Englishman called Dorian Yates posed a muscle. This was to be the closest Mr Olympia finals.
Despite a very competitive field consisting of Shawn Ray, Samir Bannout, Vince Taylor, Dorian Yates, Albert Beckles now at age 60. Haney still managed to win and made it an unprecedented 8th consecutive title- making him a superstar among superstars.
Sadly with the arrival of Dorian Yates and a record of 8 times consecutive Mr Olympia title under his belt Lee "Humble" Haney departed from professional bodybuilding.
Lee had graced the stage for 9 years winning 8 times. Lee Haney the devout Christian had proved beyond reasonable doubt that talent coupled with hard training, sacrifice and a focused and disciplined mind with a belief in Christ Jesus is the combination for achieving paramount success. Lee Haney’s advice to youngsters is to be known- "make sure that the world knows you exist".
1992. With Lee Haney gone, the field were optimistic of their chances. Vince Taylor, a strong looking body builder tipped to win finished in 6th place. 5th place went to Momo Benaziza and 4th place to Shawn Ray looking shredded. Then 3rd place to Lee Labrada. 2nd place to Kevin Levrone- and the crowd went bonkers as Dorian Yates was announced as the winner.
New addition to old competition for Dorian Yates in the form of Flex Wheeler, Lou Ferrigno, Ray McNeil, John J. Marsh, Milos Sarcev from "Yugoslavia". Andreas Munzer from Austria. Mike Matarazzo from USA. Charles Clairmonte from Barbados. Shawn Ray, Kevin Levrone, Ron Love, Sonny Schmidt from Australia, Lee Labrada, and Canadian Paul Dillett. With all these competition Dorian Yates still won and was crowned Mr Olympia again making it 2 in a role.
In 1994, Dorian Yates once again reigned supreme.
1995 Dorian Yates wins again.
1996 Dorian Yates.
1997 Dorian Yates.
The shadow as Dorian became known as had become a real Shadow- untouchable.
Until 1998 Mr Olympia. When it was announced that Dorian couldn't compete due to injury. Dorian used the sad opportunity to announce his retirement from the sport.
With the crown vacant. Flex Wheeler was tipped to wrap things up having finished 2nd behind Dorian previously. But it was to be a Texas Police officer named Ronnie Coleman who would be crowned Champion.
Not only did Ronnie Coleman display great attributes of championship caliber, he was also a nice guy, a natural hard worker from impoverish background.
Ronnie will go on to dominate the sport and equal Lee Haney's record.
1998, 1999. 2000, 2001, 2002. 2003, 2004, 2005 all Coleman.
In 2006, the big Texas Cop, Ronnie Coleman had won 8 in a role and was bidding to become the only man in history to be crowned 9 Times Mr Olympia Champion. To stop him included future Mr Olympia Dexter Jackson, Victor Martinez and Jay Cutler. Jay Cutler was the best on the night and brought Ronnie Coleman down his 8 year reign.
2007, Coleman announced that he would compete again and get revenge over Jay Cutler. It wasn't to be as Jay outscored him and everyone else in the field and run away as the winner over Victor Martinez by 4 points with Dexter Jackson coming in 3rd and Coleman coming a distant 4th.
A close encounter between Veteran bodybuilder Dexter Jackson and Jay Cutler the reigning Mr Olympia title holder. In the end Dexter won it by just 7 points making it one of the closest contest in the history of Mr Olympia.
In 2009. Jay Cutler came back to face off with Dexter Jackson and some new kids on the block called Phil Heath and Kai Greene.
Jay won with perfect score. No one was close.
Then came 2010. Jay Cutler was still the man to beat, but the previous year had revealed how far Jay was ahead of everyone.
This motivated the field for 2010. In serious contention that evening was Phil Heath, Branch Warren, Dexter Jackson, Dennis Wolf of Germany and Kai Greene. Jay won the title by 8 points over Phil Heath.
2011. This was the year of the Gift. The Gift is none other than Phil Heath. The story is that Jay Cutler discovered Phil Heath and guided him to professional bodybuilding. Phil repaid Jay Cutler by defeating him in 2011. Ironically Jay Cutler said that he was happy to lose to Phil Heath.
2012. Without Jay Cutler competing due to injury, many tipped Phil Heath to repeat his victory. Phil would answer the call and win but against very stiff competition from Kai Green and Shawn Rhoden.
In 2013, the founder of Mr Olympia, Joe Weider passed away before he could witness the 49th edition of the competition he created with his brother Ben Weider.
2013 was highly competitive because the previous year was a close contest between 2 prodigies namely Phil Heath and Kai Greene. But 2013 also had Jay Cutler returning from injury to compete for a chance for a 5th title, Dexter Jackson returning for a chance for his 2nd Mr Olympia contest, Shawn Rhoden wanting to improve on his 3rd place finish in 2012 and a host of other top bodybuilders like the most anticipated newbie- Big Ramy- Mamdouh Essbiay to name a few.
The Gift's package would prove to be too gifted to be defeated and killed the field making it 3 in a role.
2014 was another highly anticipated contest, marking the 50th anniversary of Joe Weider's Mr. Olympia Competition.
Most people were wondering if Phil Heath would be able to retain his title amends strong challenges from most notably Kai Greene and Shawn Rodden. Heath will once again answer the call with a YES- winning with an impressive score once again to go into the Hall of Fame of professional body building.