MIKE MENTZER: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE 1980 MR OLYMPIA CONTEST

[@thomasjefferson182]

Mentzer was the man. Most everyone desires more money but it seems like Mike wasn’t willing to be a phony to make a buck. For that he has my respect. He seemed like he sincerely wanted to help people as evidenced by his open honesty on people not needing supplements as long as they ate a well balanced diet. I wish I could have met him or talked to him. Guy lived a fascinating life.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Great points, Thomas. I agree with all of them.

@@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE Yes indeed .

[@dt3621]

@@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE Weider powder protein was the reason! Terminator use to ad this product! Mike as a doctor was against the supplement. Business overcomes fitness!

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

@@smattgoss Brilliant take. Must’ve taken you hours to come up with that one.

[@seanmurphy26]

Even though Mike mentzer got pretty weird there at the end, he took his career and bodybuilding so serious, changed the game while he was at it. Wish he could have embarrassed Arnold further

[@markosimic1418]

Big respect for Mentzer. He kept his pride and stood firmly in spite of all that was going on around him. Thank you for uploading this, much appreciated.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You’re welcome, Marco!

[@Stopvotingdemocrat]

Mike won that night

[@costelboys846]

Mike was a inferior to Arnold in every aspect .Especially mental !

[@ieatturdz]

@@costelboys846How can you be okay with the way Arnold was acting. Childish, dirty and corrupt!

[@XPGamer95]

DAMN.. I heard stories on this incident from other bodybuilders but never from Mike Mentzer himself. This is a GEM.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Glad you liked it, XP Gamer.

[@teller1290]

I heard it from Boyer Coe who one night came to a little gym in Hammond, LA, in fall '81, ostensibly to coach 40-50 young club members in body building and strength. Instead, he broke out an old style slide protector and proceeded to take us all through the '80 Olympia from the year before!! He was obsessed and made his case like a country lawyer. Funny as heck but didn't learn much that night that we all came for. Looking back now, though, it was sort of a piece of history...though I have a feeling we were far from the only group that received that "case presentation!" I swear I believe if a guy had said to Boyer that night that it looked like Arnold even MAY have deserved to win, Coe would've exited the bldg! Fortunately, no one did!

[@Stopvotingdemocrat]

@@teller1290to me mike won that night but Arnold was on the inside so weider gave it to him. It’s all bulkshet politics

[@Gypsy-Traveller-Old-Clips]

even after mike passed he still trains us, a true BB legend

[@randystevens6302]

In 1980 I was 17 years old and was training at Mike Katz's gym dreaming of one day competing at the pro level. I'll never forget the outrage so many of the local competitors voiced when the results of this contest came out. They saw it as nothing more than a fraud.

[@randystevens6302]

@@krystofodehnal9448 I'm very certain of it and the fact that your waist measurement is bigger than your chest.

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

Does Katz still own his gym out there?

[@lateralus2199]

@@krystofodehnal9448 Old Skool account

[@CoachPalacio]

Amazing! This should be a full length documentary. “Arnold is the IFBB” was MORE evident in the 81 Olympia!

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

True on both counts.

Very true & a very profound statement by Mike .

[@berserko2008]

Look what happened when Sergio used to compete........ he (Arnold) even was very intimidated by The Myth, and went as far as to say he was indeed the better man..........

[@charrua59]

Let's not forget all the things that Arnold has done for bodybuilding. He alone, being part of pumpin iron, made the sport popular. Bodybuilders started earning money after that. The development of the sport has much to do with Arnold's charisma.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

@@charrua59 All good points. However, if you want to acknowledge Arnold's impact and contributions to bodybuilding, throw a banquet for him -- don't award him a victory that he didn't deserve to win. How is it good for the sport of bodybuilding when all the competitors who trained and dieted hard for the contest, followed the rules (filled out their entry forms at the designated time and performed all of the compulsory poses during the judging of the contest -- neither of which Arnold did), only to learn that being in your best shape didn't really matter? How was it good for bodybuilding to have a major network refuse to broadcast the footage of the contest and never cover another bodybuilding contest again? While Arnold did a lot to increase the popularity and acceptance of the sport, his 1980 "win" undid a lot of the good he had done.

[@mikedaley7933]

Great video John! Mike may have “lost” the 1980 Olympia, but we all know that he was the true winner. Thanks for preserving Mike Mentzer’s legacy

[@AB-pw9iw]

i second that Mike was very Authentic...!! All his interviews and books he loved to share information than hiding it

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi Mike, thanks for your post. Happy you liked the video.

[@davemoss9505]

How about Zane? Or Padilla? A good video would be to analyze the three of them side-by-side with their strengths and weaknesses.what about Boyer Coe? He looked awesome and Bertil Fox was no slouch.

[@lucasmisael7507]

​@@davemoss9505i think that all of these guys are on the mentzer pedigree, the real problem was Arnold winning, which cannot be justified

[@alinnimeni3789]

Mentzer will remain in history of bodybuilding as a true man with real character, who can say NO to temptation. As for what happened to him, it still continues today- look for example to what happened to Lee Priest ..... There will always be someone like Weider pulling the strings in the back....

[@rajbamrah70]

Cant believe I'd never heard of Mike Mentzer till this year. Been following his training at age 52, making great progress. Lost all respect for Arnie. Mike was a legend.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi rajbamrah70. Congratulations on your progress. I share your views on Mike and Arnold.

[@rajbamrah70]

@@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE Hi John, love your channel, great information on Mike and Ray. The other person that influenced my life was Bruce Lee, which i can see you done a lot of research on. I've been involved in Martial Arts all my life, i teach Wing Chun, due to Bruce's influence. But loving the Mike Mentzer philosophy. Well done buddy.

[@lateralus2199]

It's amazing, that a smaller version of Arnold made him look worse by competitors that crushed him on that day. The fact that CBS filmed the whole competition and refused to air it tells you how bad he looked

[@Goddi195]

Same plus Arnold is a covid lock down lover. Nazi coke head

[@brianhardy612]

​@@lateralus2199a smaller Arnold was still better than anybody on that stage that day and didn't even train as much as the others did. That shows the true greatness of Arnold.

[@stind1299]

I can't believe I missed this gem a month ago. I can well believe Arnold was on Coke. Probably helped him fit in with the Hollywood set. Mentzer blows Arnold out of the water in every department. Proportions, shape, conditioning and most importantly character.

[@ds698]

Maybe Tren also? Like maybe went for that for faster results in his mind at least.

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

Having once being a user of it, I can agree that the behavior and the pictures clearly indicate that this true.

[@chrisfly9]

@@ds698 Bodybuilders Didn't Start Using Trenbolone Until The Mid To Late 90s. It Was Available Back Then But They Didn't Use It. The 90s Also Started The Era Of HGH. But Something They Had Back Then That Worked Well That Isn't Available Even In The Black Market Today Is Bolasterone.

[@shred9475]

​@@ds698 i think he used parabolan in 1980

[@LitCentralMillennialXLIII]

Yea he was posing in fast forward too 😅

[@kennywright88]

Mentzer changed everything for me , i wish i read his books when i started back as a teenager.

[@bluejacketau5777]

Mentzer at his best had the best body I've ever seen. proportional, aesthetic, striking profile.

[@brianhardy612]

Still didn't even come in 3rd. Jealous of Arnie til the day he died. Lol

[@tokiyoee544]

@@brianhardy612that’s just poor judging, did Arnold ever get a perfect 300 score?

[@themalaailaanaa1347]

1974 . Greatest.

[@catyear75]

Mike Mentzer was and is the Rightful 1980 Mr Olympia Winner ! R.I.P.

[@intenttoinjure]

Exactly

[@wintertime331]

Exactly, he was better proportioned than Arnold who was basically just a shadow of his legendary ‘74 ‘75 condition.

[@cdlogan86]

1979 too imo.

[@Flippie123]

The guy placed 4th. He was certainly not the best .

[@wintertime331]

@@Flippie123 in a rigged competition, the placement means nothing as the whole thing was a sham!

[@body9800]

Mike Mentzer is a true legend - RIP 💪

[@kuriosites]

As a teenager, I bought some Arnold posters that were taken at the 1980 Mr. O. I had already seen many photos of Arnold (I had his Encyclopedia and I subscribed to Flex Magazine) and I remember thinking that he didn't look that great, especially the legs. I mostly followed his routines until Dorian hit the scene a few years later, at which time I started trying his routine. Dorian's rise also introduced me to Mike Mentzer. Now, decades later, I follow a routine very similar to Mike's "Consolidation Routine" in the book that you wrote with him that was published posthumously. Thanks. I've always enjoyed going really hard in my training and that book provided me with a great roadmap and a reasonable routine that I could follow even during the busiest times of my life.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi kurisosites. That's great news! I'm glad you have discovered Mike's teachings and wish you all success with your high-intensity training (glad you enjoyed the book as well).

[@gregpettis1113]

Do you train every 4th day?

[@kuriosites]

@@gregpettis1113 I'm lifting 2X per week right now. I'll adjust if needed.

[@constandinosmonoyios6157]

This video is gold. I wish I had discovered Mike Mentzer in my teens. I made so many mistakes in bodybuilding.

[@americanthaiboxer7224]

Unmatched integrity from Mentzer walking away from competitive bodybuilding.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi American Thai Boxer. Agreed. It was his integrity that made me first take notice of him back in the day.

[@ChapMeifan]

I was bodybuilding at that time and had a lot of friends who were trying to get into the competitive level. That contest was so obviously fixed that it soured most of the guys I knew from moving forward with bodybuilding beyond as a healthy lifestyle. Arnold and his cronies screwed over a lot of people that day in the name of Arnold's ego and Joe Weider's need to feed that ego.

[@timschmidt3784]

Joe and Ben Weider WERE the IFBB and it makes sense that both were behind Arnold's 1980 Olympia victory. What better way to sell more magazines, supplements, and equipment than Arnold's comeback win?

[@85passthru]

they were also behind Franco's bullshit win....his payoff for his years of endorsing the weider brand

[@davemoss9505]

'81 was worse

[@freeman37]

After hearing this, I respect Mike more and Arnold less.

[@wearetheremnants1615]

When Arnold said "screw your freedom " to Americans over an over blown plandemic.. that was the end for him ..

[@AB-pw9iw]

Arnold was horrible, Gutter fellow... he did the same to Dorian Yates too...

@@wearetheremnants1615 INDEED !!!

[@aricarbajal111]

Tom Platz said in an interview that in a part all of these bad fellings about these things was the reason Mike died, I can feel from his own words how disappointed he was. Master Mentzer, rest in peace.

[@Filmmaker809]

@@karlball42 In the documentary film `Total Rebuild` yes Tom said that, because that was Arnold's mindset, but Arnold should not have won that show, everybody knows it. Even Dorian Yates says it verbally. Mentzer was the winner by far. Mentzer was the threat, but because Arnold and Joe/Ben Weider's control over the competition, corrupt IFFB. And by the way I am a massive Arnold Fan.

[@johnsambo9379]

No. Mike wasn't even top 5 that day.

[@bigfletch8]

@@johnsambo9379 You are obviously talking about the yoyo competition befor the show.

[@MRSTEEL15]

Their was foul play according to the insider bodybuilders.....Can you guess by whom?

[@lgbfjbmaga3930]

@@johnsambo9379 you're delusional

[@lesteubes-r1t]

“He was making a fool out of himself”. Well said. Arnold’s behaviour around women (eg servers in restaurants) that week was also a disgrace. Not only verbal but physical. Disgusting and embarrassing to witness.

[@markmc7381]

John. Thank you so much for sharing everything you have with regards to Mike. When this was happening back in 1980, I remember all the stories. For me personally I was disappointed that Mike didn’t compete again. I think there was wasted potential there. I felt let down. As I got older, I realized he didn’t owe me anything. That said, I looked up to him and felt he left some things on the table. I personally feel he let this get to him way too much. He would say time and time again he moved on, but he still brought it up. Most guys my age at that time had football players in their walls or bikini clad women. I had a picture of Mentzer in the victory pose. So his life impacted me more than most things. He was a complicated man. In the end a person I think most would like to have as a friend. Anyway just wanted to say I appreciate you putting his voice out there. A lot of people appreciate it. 👍

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi Mark MC. Thanks very much for your post. No doubt, if things were on the up and up, he would’ve continued to compete. I must say, however, that I respected him more for walking away as it proved to me the validity of something he once said: “big muscles are not the measure of a man.” I think I respected his integrity even more than his physique. It did get to him, there is no doubt about it, as it caused him to walk away from his true passion, which was bodybuilding competition. However, he never did bring it up himself; it was always bodybuilding journalists like me, Peter McGough or Bill Phillips, who wanted to find out what happened and what his thoughts were. It seemed that nobody could interview him after 1980 without bringing up the contest.

[@terryjones9413]

Yeah, I truly understand why he left. That contest was such a farce and so biased, I'm surprised that many others didn't quit in protest, though I heard that a few actually did. Although the Weiders built a magnificent bodybuilding empire, this remains a blotch on their legacy.

[@thebalmaintigers]

Mike is one of the best bodybulders of all time. I have so much respect for him outside bodybuilding also. Educated man with good character.

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

I agree, "truth sets free.

[@march.2588]

Hey, I will watch the video later. I just wanted to thank You for your effort to get these videos to us. I just started reading the book you did with Mike (his last book.) I enjoy reading it and the HIT method and listening to Mike on this platform brings him close to us. Thank You so much!

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

No worries, Marc H. I’m glad you are enjoying them.

[@MrTodd2000]

Mike won that contest. Look at the pictures. I was lucky to talk with him on the phone about the contest years ago.

[@charrua59]

Maeby but for the future of the sport and its popularity it was better if Arnold wone. It was right after pumping Iron and bodybuilding needed a charismatic front figure. It was a political decision and a correct one. Even if some suffered from the decision.

[@krystofodehnal9448]

Not even close. He was fifth, Einstein

[@MrTodd2000]

@@krystofodehnal9448 look at the photos brainiac. All politics. He IS the uncrowned my Olympia.

[@krystofodehnal9448]

@@MrTodd2000 I did. He was very flat, his stomach was protruding, his legs were nothing special and next to Arnold he was small. He is not, there are no uncrowned Mr Olympias. Just fantasies of delusional blind fanboys like you.

[@Turnpost2552]

Definition of Fixed

[@warrior3214]

Great download John as usual, THANKYOU for putting this together.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You’re welcome, warrior3214.

[@dezawol9786]

Another great documentary. 👍 👍👍. Keep them coming. It's like being a fly in the wall. ❤❤❤

[@guanjun1178]

This contest will live on in infamy forever. I've got no doubt that it was rigged. I don't know if Mike should have won, but Arnold sure didn't deserve to. I've read about Mike standing up to Arnold before, and I'm glad he did. I have nothing against Arnold, but right is right. It's such a shame Mike decided to quit competing, but perhaps he would have been a marked man so to speak, had he continued.

[@natazer]

It's hilarious when they're standing next to each other. No way someone should win the O with Arnie's legs. He looks like a runner.

[@shred9475]

quads are his genetic weakness along with shoulders and abs

[@michaelbonade4667]

I think what so many people fail to recognize these days, as we are inundated with the idea that the male identity, desire for strength, confidence, competence….that, that is all in the service of the desire to subjugate others and women specifically….what is forgotten, and what we are reminded of in Michaels voice and words, is the way in which good, decent, honest men compete and judge and accept and admire each other….and that honest competitors are capable of judging their competition to be of a higher class then themselves…..and that boys and men do this throughout our lives….we choose our friends and our role models based on this template of rational observation and acceptance of reality

[@playerzero2236]

Mentzer reminds me a lot of Warren Buffett. The quiet expert in the room that genuinely wanted others to succeed and had a sense of truth and justice, not a promoter of some cult product to sell you. They already had all the success in the world and just wanted to help others achieve it. I don't use steroids, and I mainly train for distance running but Mike's advice has been invaluable to me for the strength training I do perform, and for the first time in my life I've gotten strong, consistent results. I wish Mike was still with us, thankfully there's guys like you who keep his wisdom available.

[@brendanculleton6368]

Mike is sadly missed a true champion 🏆

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

I agree, Brendan. Mike Mentzer was a true champion; and bodybuilding became more logical, and productive because of Mentzer's theories taken from Arthur Jones. The application of Heavy Duty was an important, and valuable contribution to bodybuilding exercise; and a reasonable way to train, and get actually get results. Certainly not the way most bodybuilders trained at the end of the 1970s, and 1980s; also a paradox because from the 1960s, nineteen seventies, to the end of the 1980s those years, and days were the Golden Age of Bodybuilding. Only my opinion.

[@bobbyhunt3009]

John, excellent video. It brings to light the reality of the IFBB in the 70s and 80s. In my mind though Mike is the 79 and 80 Mr. Olympia. A sad fact is that politics will always play a major role in competitions especially ones with judges so the winner is not always crowned the winner. It is so disappointing as a Mike Mentzer fan that he didnt get the accolades that go along with being Mr. Olympia.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi Bobby. I agree. I also think he should’ve won in 1979. However, bodybuilding begins and ends with selling supplements and exercise equipment it would seem. Arnold was willing to barter his integrity to do this in exchange for bodybuilding success. Mike, alas, was not.

[@bobbyhunt3009]

@ Yeah

[@scottishbanjo]

I was at school in the early 80s and remember reading about this compettion at the time . i remember Arnolds comments around being poor losers. Arnold was like Superman back then but the fact that this controversy has gone on for so long and lets face it , its easy to see what went on , its good to see Mike Mentzer get the recognition for his craft . I hope this is turned into a documentary , surprised there isnt a book i doubt we'll see the drama turn into a film ...maybe after Arnold has passed away .

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Thanks for your post, Nadeem.

[@shaundouglas2057]

As far as I'm concerned arnold passing away carn't come about quick enough, anyone who says to the population "screw your freedoms" really has insecurity issues and needs to move on as their life has become nothing but a frightening ordeal for them, and such people then in turn make a habit of hurting others to compensate for their fears, inadequacies and lack of maturity. But such people i suppose can teach us valuable lessons of what can happen when fear controls your state of being and how far one can slip it one doesn't gain the courage to face one's own demons.

[@scottishbanjo]

@@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE great to hear from you . I have a few of your Bruce Lee publications … I’ve been a huge Bruce Lee fan for decades

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

@@scottishbanjo Hi Nadeem. Glad to hear that you are a Bruce Lee fan as well. All the best.

[@wintertime331]

@@shaundouglas2057 I don’t wish harm on anyone , I agree with your take on Arnold’s ‘ screw your freedom’ comment, we’re supposed to be living in a free society, free to make our choices , I’m no Arnold fan but wish him and everyone a long healthy and happy life .

[@kevinflaherty6028]

Arnold was what hulk hogan was to WWF wrestling in bodybuilding, they weren't gonna not back their poster boy.

[@LordDirus007]

Yeah Arnold was only the 3rd Mr. Olympia

[@zerimarz9928]

"Big Prussian SOB standing up, acting like a Nazi" I died LMAO

[@keithpetersen560]

It's a shame when somebody works so hard to achieve a goal and the lesser qualified individual is rewarded. This happens in all types of work environments, especially in sports.I don't know how Arnold could live with that victory, it was clear Mike was the clear winner.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Thanks for your post, Keith.

[@shaundouglas2057]

People like arnold will do whatever it takes to get the rewards and if it means lying cheating steeling or crushing others in order to get what they want then as far as they are concerned the end justifies the means and in their own deluded mindset that makes it perfectly fine. People such as these have no moral compass, and will convince themselves that what they do is okay for reasons such as their entitled to it, their own self importance, are superior to others, they are just highly driven to reaching there goals and thats a positive attribute that makes everyone else around them envious or jealous of them. What can really be scary is the depths of depravitity they'll lower themselves too to acquire that which they seek, like i already said they have no moral compass.

[@maxwarp]

This happened to me. It’s a real shame. A true disappointment and betrayal of the highest order.

[@Ma007rk]

Mike Mentzer was one of the few people who ever stood up to Arnold and his BS. Greg Valentino on "bigger faster stronger" had some interesting things to say about Arnold which I agree with whole heartedly. I'll never accuse Arnold of not working hard, but he had a lot of help along the way.

[@gokublack3107]

I wish I can talk and meet and train with mike...he seem unique and very very intelligent 🧠...R.I.P 😔

[@TheSkinnay1]

That photo of the relaxed back shots at the ‘80 Mr O are something else. Arnold’s back wasn’t even in the same league.

[@samermazahreh]

Superb uploada all of them i cluding this one, such a great channel, thank you for these great videos, and thank you Mike Mentzer

[@elmeromero8413]

Keep bringing these videos out. I'm in awe . Truth hurts for real. Ive been fooled. Behind closed doors of organization is different than we think .

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi El Mero Mero. Glad you are enjoying the videos. Thanks for your post.

[@dbozexpat894]

This still might be the most controversial Mr. Olympia to date!

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

I believe it probably is.

[@tektoniks_architects]

1981 really sealed it. As bad as 1980 was - and it was corrupt to the core - 1981, with Arnold supporting the show and his buddy Franco winning with no legs and three guys far superior to him, really validated those who called out the IFBB in 1980, and proved the corruption without a shadow of a doubt.

[@danewoods4712]

@@tektoniks_architects no legs and gyno

[@donniehollingsworth1611]

@@danewoods4712 huge gyno at thst, there was no mistaking it. Could see it from a football field away

[@Kalanioccc]

1981 was an atrocity and i am a franco fan.

[@acidmardigras6235]

Mentzer then, gave us all more than any other teachers did in the history of bodybuilding. It inspired Mike.

[@maximuskhan2100]

Arnold was my inspiration when I first started in the sport and man has my opinion changed over the years. It is disappointing when your heroes turn out to be lame and I am not even talking about this time period, I am talking about now.

[@crazee635]

I know you feel. I was a huge fan of Arnold growing up. At some point he sold his soul to the devil and comments over the past year have cemented that. To say he has lot millions of fans is an understatement.

[@shaundouglas2057]

@@crazee635 I reckon how ever long he has been associated with the rothchild family arnold now more then ever views the general population as nothing more then cannon fodder for the twisted schemes and dreams of the elite, which arnold certainly is a puppet for.

[@wintertime331]

@@crazee635 yep his ‘ screw your freedoms ‘ comments has alienated many a fan .

[@harunmusa8693]

@@wintertime331 Brian Shaw took down his picture...

[@lionking7888]

Mike got me flat of laughing when he named him Pruissan SOB and NA=I. I saw Pumping Iron and the arrogance of Arnold against other BB like Ferrigno prooves his point. Mike standing up for Samir and Boyer shows his honest charachter and he got my Respect for that also for his honesty in training advise. Arnold was full of himself and lied much about working out while having chirgury on his heart of steroid abuse. Insulting Mike for his belly, i saw great abs on Mike.

[@stingray4780]

It all makes sense...the facts are that Joe Weider and Ben Weider were the owners of the IFBB that controlled all of IFBB contests. Joe Weider owned and operated the main Bodybuilding magazine Muscle Builder/power later to be Muscle and Fitness. Joe controlled who was going to be his boys in his magazine. Mike was becoming one of Joe's favorites around 1978 , 1979. Arnold seems that he was jealous of that...you got to remember that Arnolds last olympia was in 1975. Mike was IFBB Mr America in 1976, Mr. Universe 1978 and 2nd place Mr. Olympia in 1979. Arnold had a bug up his Ass bc Mike was advocating Heavy Duty training and knocking Arnolds and other guys techniques of volume training. Arnold prepared himself for Conan and decided to pop in and let everyone know that he was still the Wolf on top of the hill...and that when the wolf is hungry he can always eat because the Wolf knows the food is always there! ???? ( go back and look at a video of Ben Weider handing Arnold the prize money check at the 80 Olympia. Arnold clearly laughs at the small amount on the check. Arnold didn't compete for the money...just his ego) Alot of people allude to the fact that Arnold is just you know Arnold. Alot of respectable people have spoken very highly of Mike Mentzer. Guys like Samir Banout ,Danny Padilla, Tom Plaza, Lou Ferigno was a good friend of Mikes. Arnold was at one time #1 but I feel Arnolds ego resented someone like Mike Mentzer bc he was up and coming and he was his own man with morals and Scruples and his physique was coming along so fast! I mean man he was definitely more Herculean than Arnold himself! Looking back I just wish Mike Mentzer would've just hung in there and stayed in his lane and persevered with his training and continued to compete. I Truly believe he probably could've been Mr. Olympia in 1981, 1982, 1983, bc they can't always forever keep a good man down! I really do wonder how history would've turned out different if Arnold and Mike Mentzer were tight friends and if Arnold would've promoted Mike! I'm sure then things would be different! RIP Mike Mentzer! I and thousands of others appreciate you as a person, a bodybuilder, and a training enthusiast as well as trainer and Philospher!

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Thanks for your post.

[@mykeylykey4916]

Bro, awesome intel . . . . . . can you do me a solid? Would be very cool if you could 'copy' your post - reply and 'paste' it on my post, thread/vid-clip....."MIKE MENTZER: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE 1980 MR OLYMPIA CONTEST" Love & Respect______mykey from toronto

[@nerdyali4154]

It can't be easy to discipline yourself to do what it takes to win when you suspect the outcome is pre-determined.

[@MewTube-o4l]

Dont worry bro you will be immortalized as the best Body Builder!

[@cameronhamilton7439]

The golden era of bodybuilding...IT WAS WONDERFUL 💪

[@elraes1387]

Thanks for the video and subtitles John!! A new bb Jewl by Mentzer

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You're welcome, el raes.

[@sunboycold9164]

Thanks for posting, I can still remember it well, No one who I knew thought Arnold had won that day, However it was pretty plain this show was all about cashing in of his future Hollywood career and not about the sport..Plus we all know what happened in 81 which was just as bad if not worse..

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Thanks for your post.

[@eccesignumrex4482]

This story about moral character in the face of 'group think' ... has always inspired me.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Thanks for your post, EcceSignumRex. I agree.

[@toughluck1966]

New content of the past, love it

[@007stopjockin]

Great production John! Way to go digging up all that old audio and video surrounding this travesty in bodybuilding!!! 007

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Thanks, 007stopjockin. Glad you liked it.

[@christophermoses6249]

Thanks John for the True story great my Respect to Mike for going through such a cult and still being committed to his fitness journey and sharing his knowledge and experience .

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You’re welcome, Christopher. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@samuels8167]

Well done Mike. He stood for his rights. Bodybuilding was controlled by Joe, Ben and Arnold for many decades.

[@ZackyDog]

Very, very interesting. Thanks for uploading and creating this video. I once idolized Arnold, but now I look at him a bit differently.

[@dt3621]

After 42 years, now we know what we Always suspected! Mike was at the top in Sidney! 💯

[@shaundouglas2057]

5.27 where the heck are arnolds triceps and his back looks craptacular. Mike on the other hand has triceps to spare as does Roger Walker, and Mike Mentzers back looks awesome.

[@Ruouiji]

Iron Mike Mentzer! He should have won the Olympia several times over, and this would have taken the sport in a new direction!

[@lgbfjbmaga3930]

@@Csal406 Buster Douglas

[@PanzerCrewman]

If buster didn't win Mike would dominate the 90s boxing world too right

[@itsgleneaton4883]

Right on Mike for standing up like you did. I feel he same way as Mike about this world. I block it out and focus on what I have to do but I don’t forget. Arnold was a champion but now he is just an asshole with a blown up ego. When a person has no self respect towards life then they can be very successful in this world controlled by morons (to use a nice word).

[@davideterminator75]

In that locker room I think I saw Arnold's ego collapse for the first time. While with Coe he held up against Mike he was visually concerned.

[@PA-wt2ul]

I regret being a huge fan of Arnold in my teens. Now in my 30s I realise that the ones who hog the media limelight for decades and give speeches on 'success' are just self centered megalomaniacs. The definition of success is different for everyone and therefore everyone is successful in his own right.

[@dubyuellem7534]

I worked out at Mr America's Gym in Farmingdale NY, owned by 1972 Mr America Steve MIchalik. There was a wall in the front entrance of the gym where he put up the results of bodybuilding contests, both local and IFBB Pro. I happened to be walking in the day after the 80 Olympia when he was stapling the results on the wall. I said "You have the results of the Olympia?" He replied "Results? You mean insults?!" and he told me about what a farce the show was, and how all the top guys got screwed so the IFBB could make Arnold the poster boy again, and so the Weider's could push Arnold as their cash cow, again.

[@galenmarek888]

Thank you for sharing this insight. Mike Mentzer, I salute you.

[@uberzombie325]

If there ever was a true man of integrity and principles it was Mike Mentzer. In today's society we sorely lack this type of person. He truly was a great man, in every sense of the word.

[@salvadorromero9712]

I always liked Mentzer's look. It was him who I dreamed of looking like when I was little (though he was before my time) and to this day I think it's his body I instinctively think of when I hear the word "bodybuilder." He was very handsome and very intelligent too, and like Arnold but in his own different way would have been a great ambassador for the sport. Finally, who doesn't respect a man of such a strong ethical code? I would have had him too in 1980, although I also understand the perspective of those who say of course the thing was rigged but there's a good case for Arnold anyway. I enjoy this story because it gives you insight into a little of everything. Of course Arnold was a master of psychological warfare but--like most bodybuilders--certainly not physical! Franco was only five feet and a few but probably could've handled anyone in the room in a fight quite easily. I think big Arnold calculated every rant and every insult and every lip snarl from instinct to carefully manipulate the situation and was never the slightest bit out of control, and of course was going to back down at the slightest actual possibility things could get physical!

[@joshjohnson5395]

This draws a much clearer picture to why there was so much tension at the 1980 competition now. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@boomersD9CAT]

A good friend of mine placed in the top ten…Arnold tried to intimidate him backstage, and on stage. Luckily for Arnie Empty Suit,my friend kept his cool, and Empty Suit knew what was in store for him if he pushed too hard…

[@lgbfjbmaga3930]

Arnold and his toothpick legs deserved last place

[@hardcorehouse]

Arnold has always recreated backstage politics to spin it in his favor; finally we get the other side of the coin

[@SalsBodybuildingArchives]

Awesome video John...please keep them coming. BTW; who is speaking at the time mark of 5:40? It may be Mike but I'm not sure. Peace, Sal.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

That's Mike at 5:40. That interview with him was done in person in early 1981; the rest of the audio is from a phone interview conducted in 1994.

[@Tuprime1]

Wow, unnoticed 😧,RIP champ

[@DarkLordGR9]

Photo comparisons from the video, at 05'26"-05'38", show exactly how off was Arnold compared to Mike. That Mr.Olympia, was a disgrace. Lost all respect for Schwarzenegger, after that. And the next Mr.O, just came to certify that feeling.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Thanks for your post.

[@mikebradshaw8530]

Mentzer was a legend.

[@tomjacobs9962]

Great video, John ! Thank you

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You're welcome, Tom.

[@Vegan_scorpioo]

People with integrity remain hidden like a gem but depraved people get the notoriety and fame they don't deserve, it's always been like this, I wish we have Mr Mentzer longer ❤😢

[@perennialpump2385]

This incident could very well have set the stage for Lou Ferrigno never winning the big O despite coming back in incredible condition in the 90s. They were probably scared to death to see a bodybuilding celebrity repeat such a controversy. Food for thought.

[@chestnutsev7]

Great video John! Wow joe telling Mike about Arnold using coke!. Arnold had some real brown tongues around him . I remember reading in muscle builder at the time and there was some article about the 80 Olympia and kenny Waller said to Arnold to be careful if he had any coke as they were going to LAX. Cheers John!💪🏼

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi chestnutsev7. Interesting. Thanks for that.

WOW !!!???

[@andrewmeyers1853]

Excellent video. I can’t help but wonder if the 80 and 81 Olympia set the sport back (or stopped some of its momentum). Thanks for posting.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi Andrew. I believe it did. The sport of bodybuilding had been on the ascendant , with competitions brought into the homes of anyone with a television set. However, after the 1980 debacle, bodybuilding contests were dropped from television broadcasts (at least by the major television networks). That was a major setback.

[@andrewmeyers1853]

@@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE I did not realize that. It’s a shame Bodybuilding couldn’t reach its possible potential (at that time). Thanks for the insight and take care.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

@@andrewmeyers1853 Thanks, you, too.

[@davidpowell5106]

You can't control people. But a true honest man can admit he was wrong, apologize and give the trophy to the real winner....

[@davidpowell5106]

Amen

[@chrisweidner4768]

Thanks for this. Great respect for Mike here. All the best to everyone. Enjoy everyone and every day. Out lies and evil. “Convinced was fixed.” Ya think? Lee Priest never a winner?????? Roelly Winklaar. The politics is the elephant in the room.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Thanks for your post, Chris.

[@rockyp32]

I relate to how he felt about being nice and seeing evil. Unfortunate he never came to Christ tho… I pray he did in his last moments

[@TheDesiBloke]

Total Respect for Mike, for deciding to stay away from these fools

[@gRosh08]

Do not meet your heroes... it is for Your own good and Arnold is living testimony.

[@golfprocrastinator9519]

"Screw your ANYTHING YOU LIKE HERE" says.... "do what I say, I'm in charge!" I was a massive fan of Arnold, loved him in 74-75 he was insane. Seems he was actually a complete tool,shame as they morons keep ruining my old films too.

[@rainerbest9561]

Sad that Mike never ever geht that Respect as a highly well Performer and Icon to.a Sport,which can make this world a better place for everyone.It is a shame that No one really helped him to get over that lost 80 Contest to Arnold,after that BB lost His innocenc for once and all.

[@GreaterGoals]

Finally we find out what happened. With photos from the "fight "

[@StevenRiseNYC]

They did the same thing in 81 giving the title to franco instead of Platz.

[@odessafile75]

In 1981 I would have had Padilla winning but your point is well taken

[@sugarray29]

A great video post Mr Little 💯. Sad for Mike and believe he is correct. Corruption and favouritism. All driven by money and the Weirder empire who at that time had the IFBB control. Sad for the competitors at that time. Not a even playing field for sure. Look at the 81 Olympia the year after also.

[@andrekesarisingh2563]

Arnold made the Weiders millions, it was more than just a contest. Such a shame Mike was a true legend and it seems never got over that moment in his life.. he was very brave to speak up and defend his principals, though I feel it cost him in the end..he was broke ..

[@philiphaigh8349]

Thank you John first class,

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You’re welcome, Philip.

[@drbonesshow1]

Danny Padilla was the Baretta of bodybuilding - short and tough. But at least, he didn't kill his wife like Baretta (i.e., Robert Blake). Yes, I have to explain everything nowadays.

[@bmx7596]

Arnold looked about 70% at the competition. No way he won.

[@zephyrusmusic8271]

Mike Mentzer and Frank Zane LEGENDS

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

I agree, ZephyrusMusic.

[@Allan_Melon]

Spoken from the man himself, awesome video

[@33xerof]

Perhaps mike and ray were removed , seems too much of a coincidence that they both died so close together , and so suddenly .

[@armand6077]

Like what the hell, at 5:34 where is arnolds V Taper and hour glass figure bodybuilding shape.Not there. Were the judges blind

[@CD-pq1yv]

Mentzer always had a reason why everyone was wrong except him. He was right about one thing though - Arnold was the IFBB.