The 1980 Mr. Olympia Controversy

[@hrollins999]

I talked to Mike a couple times before he died. He ALWAYS said ‘I never said I should have won, but Arnold absolutely didn’t deserve it.’ After watching multiple clips of this Olympia, I can’t help but agree. Mentzer should have been top 2-3, and Arnold more like 4-5. I’d love to see some current judges get together and judge this one.

[@raghunandantumkur]

Hi Nick, you forgot to mention that Mike Mentzer actually won the 1979 over 200 pound category with a perfect score of 300 and lost the overall title to Frank Zane, he's the only Bodybuilder to do so...

[@jacob1031]

Back to Nick's history channel! *graps popcorn*

[@NicksStrengthandPower]

Let's goooo

[@4dchessmoves235]

The old dick in the popcorn trick?

[@travisdeming9416]

Can’t forget about the French toast

[@billymurphy3]

Firmly GRASP it in your hand

[@weplay9463]

Arnold cameback and was not on the list to compete and telling everybody he'll be on stage? Sounds so illuminate to me

[@What-ic6hp]

Arnold looked ok but it was nothing like how he looked compared to the 74 or 75 olympia.

[@luchalegendsll6403]

There was a story that Mike Mentzer would have accepted a defeat in Arnold previous physiques but says he should have won 1980 Mr. Olympia. Im gonna do a video on the clips. I do believe Mike should have won

[@andrewlegare6032]

He wasn’t too impressive in 75. 74 and 71 were his best.

[@blackwidow7804]

Yes 74 was best Arnold ever.

[@Xerxez22]

Andrew Legare No! Go back and check! 75 is/was one of his best years.

[@DarkoFitCoach]

@@luchalegendsll6403 Mike lost to other 4 competitors so even if arnold want in the contest he still lost to shitload of other people so mike was wrong

[@chrisallen9509]

Only OG fans of nick will remember his old video about this

[@SuperTank121212]

At 0:43 Arnie looks like super buff Pat Bateman

[@dingo4010]

Could Nick's OG fans have been bodybuilders?

[@oskarklingest5682]

Something about the greatest boo'ing contest, yes?

[@roncriswell2685]

Yeah,miss these types of videos😎💪💪

[@sng3939]

Yes

[@1scoonero]

Zane had a great physique in his era. His symmetry, size and quality of his cuts are a rare thing to see anymore.

[@kryptocrabbennett6268]

When I look at the line up Arnold catches my eye. His arms look amazing his chest big as fuck. His back could have been a bit better his legs were decent aswell. I think his height makes him just look better then a everybody there. His muscle placement is legendary

[@timm5362]

"The 1981 Mr. Olympia followed the 1980 Mr. Olympia." Facts like these are why I'm subbed. :D

[@hanspiechoki7521]

I was there at that Olympia for pre judging and show. I placed Arnold 7 th . To me it was between Zane and Dickerson. Roger Walker looked very impressive too. It was a massive thrill to see Tom Platz follow his legs onto stage, they were unbelievable. Yes Zane did smash his trophy. You must remember the crowd went berserk when Arnold came on stage. Cheering not for his physique but because it was Arnold. I believe the judges took that too literally.

[@XPGamer95]

Arnold Took all the Judges to the Choppaa.. That's why he Won.

[@DGodwithaplan2]

XP Gamer 😂😂😂😂

[@Xerxez22]

XP Gamer Underrated comment!!! 🤣🤣🤣🙏🏻

[@panchod3232]

I heard Arnold was a commentator at the 1979 Mr.Olympia. He interviewed Frank Zane right after Frank won. Arnold asked Frank how it felt to be 3 times Mr.Olympia. Frank replied even better than beating Arnold when he came from Austria. So Arnold wanted revenge for that comment Frank made live on tv during the interview.

[@hugoleonardoamaral586]

I missed those bodybuilding history videos. keep em coming Nick.

[@SuperSnaylor]

Arnold didn't look too bad in my opinion, 81 was far more controversial I think, now that was a total rip off! No disrespect to Franco though still a legend.

[@ahmedel-khashab7696]

Steven Naylor didn't look too bad but Mike Mentzer looked way better than him imo

[@Chandruibo]

it looks like rig. Look at other related vdo, Arnold fail to perform seven compulsory pose, showing only his Bicep???👎

[@off-roadracingnews8248]

Only the OG’s remember Nick doing Bodybuilding history Videos.

[@Alberto-xz7th]

they were my favourite

[@sackychin6267]

Nice chin

[@OsricRexor]

I would give Arnold best biceps and maybe best chest in the lineup, but him winning just based on that is kinda sketchy imo. As far as I remember from reading his autobiography he did not go into great detail about this event, but mentioned that he regretted entering the competition. My guess is that it was rigged and that he had been guaranteed the top placing if he entered as a way to promote the ifbb and his own movie career

[@lw358]

Back to your roots Nick bringing us back the bodybuilding history

[@henry7696]

the vids that got me watching tbh

[@lw358]

@@henry7696 I couldn't agree more, I was instantly hooked.

[@morrieswigs]

Franco winning in 81 was far worse than Arnold in 80

[@arame29]

Two different thighs Padilla and Platz should have been co winners

[@TheSpritz0]

100%!!

[@morrieswigs]

Andrew Chaplowitz agree 100%

[@jk-tn8ry]

Definitely, should have been Danny's year

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Andrew Chaplowitz Padilla for the win. He had no weak points. Platz was just too lopsided. Franco's thighs we're non existant.

[@sackychin6267]

Mike Mentzer and Roger Walker looked phenomenal. This was a stacked Olympia.

[@jonathonrainey]

3:00 in the bloke stood in front of Arnold is Roy Duval, Iv met him a few times at my local gym. He said no way Arnold should have won that night, he said it was between Mike Mentzer, Frank Zane or Chris Dickerson. He also said Frank Zane smashed his trophy against the wall back stage.

[@robertjusic9097]

He must be older than arnold right now? Is he still using?

[@karunverma1]

The best part of the 1980 Olympia was the physique of all competitors were so different & also so pleasing to eyes.

[@BadBoiFX]

Tom Platz should've won the Olympia in '81

[@Meangenehimself]

JQuery Or Padilla.

[@aaronrus]

@Anal Creampie yeah, no. Chris or Tom

[@josephabrams4002]

@Anal CreampieYeah.... even Frank Zane said that Danny Padilla was the best one on stage

[@zabaleta66]

Damn straight!

[@trudystilt2360]

Tom should have had it, for sure. Padilla second. Definitely not Franco.

[@lchamp7946]

Idk... sounds like sour grapes to me. Judging from the footage in this video, it’s not like Arnold was some scrub that won. He still looks as good, if not better than the other competitors in many of the poses. Arnold was still BB royalty and to beat him in the Olympia you would have to deliver a KO, which none of the other competitors could do.

[@ExternusArmy]

This is by no means sour grapes. Huge conflict of interest. Obviously came in off and everyone on the stage knew he was off. He’s obviously not as conditioned as some of the other people.

[@Marmar90m]

he looked extremly bad

[@imcoleyourenot8391]

Jamar the black married man I wouldn’t say extremely bad lol

[@ae746890]

Fair

[@ExternusArmy]

Philip Martin except being big wasn’t considered a good thing on its own at that time. Frank Zane insulted Arnold for being a big, unconditioned mess after he beating him early on in Arnold’s career. Back then, symmetry, conditioning, balance were top.

[@sigurdh.s8320]

YESSS. MORE OLDSCHOOL BODYBUILDING COMMENTARY. THIS IS WHAT GOT ME INTO YOUR CHANNEL AND BB IN GENERAL

[@Mirriam02]

Arnold should've won the '80 contest, he wasn't at his best but I thought he was the best vs the lineup. The main controversy of the '80 contest was Mike Mentzer getting 5th?!!! Mike should've got 2nd.

[@krste3000]

Mentzer should've won

[@akimbofurry2179]

@@krste3000 Arnold looked dame good on that stage

[@EricPetersen2922]

krste3000 yes mike should have won

[@nordique59]

Mentzer didn't radiate much energy or charisma and couldn't carry the room! Arnold just blew him away as he did the other competitors! If you were actually there, you'd know what I mean. Arnold radiated Star quality, the others didn't - that simple.

[@Scortd]

Mike should have got first.

[@craiggallagher505]

THE FIX WAS ON EVEN BEFORE ARNOLD ARRIVED IN THE COUNTRY. HE HAD THE JUDGES IN HIS POCKET. 2 OF THESE JUDGES GAVE HIM A PERFECT SCORE IN ALL 3 ROUNDS. C/MON. AND YES I ATTENDED THIS SHOW

[@Jayskiallthewayski]

Don't shout.

[@mossimmo1271]

I was there at the 1980 Mr Olympia and seated in the 15th row from the stage so got a fairly good view of the competitors. I must say the line up was one of the best I have seen in any Olympia as all competing had either been at their best or bettered their best shape ever. Did I think Arnold won does`nt matter as I was not a judge but I will give my opinion anyway from my perspective. It was obvious to me that Arnold was not at his best but not too far from his best as a comparison to other competitors in which Arnold while not always the most ripped but seemed to have the best balance of any competitor. Had he been in the shape of `74 then no contest. I have a strong prejudice when it come to a balanced physique and is where many bodybuilders fall short and where Arnold shines. Again do I think Arnold should have won, I don`t know and I was asked this question many years ago by an Australian professional bodybuilder Luke Wood who has now passed and said to him that I would have hated to be a judge at that show and left it at that. But what I do know that any of the top 5 would have been worthy winners as the line up was that good.

[@chrisschrecker5497]

Arnold still dwarfed the others with his upper pec and bicep as well as deltoid development. He also “smiles” when he poses! He is and always demonstrates a winning attitude when he is on display. He simply outsmarts his opponents.

[@mikeramgopal3912]

'80 wasnt good but I think Franco winning '81 was actually worse.

[@anthonyandrews6705]

Aye man not to be too mushy but I’m pretty lonely and depressed I’m 16 I go to the gym everyday almost but I have no friends just my family and I have no guidance buttt ur vids bring me a few moments of peace and joy hope you see this so you know your helping some people preciate you bro

[@devinrose5619]

Keep it up mi amigo. The gym can produce confidence. Confidence creates relationships. If no one tells you they care about you, I care about you. And there’s nothing you can do about it!

[@Stoirelius]

Anthony Andrews You have my respect

[@anthonyandrews6705]

Devin Rose preciate it bro

[@tence_6965]

Frank Zane looked like crap in the thumbnail

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Actually, that shot was from behind the stage so the audience would never see it.

[@smoog]

His legs looked like sticks.

[@vineripeeggs7832]

Yeah he looks gross and unhealthy

[@godgunsandgoldens]

That wS on purpose catching him between poses.

[@nordique59]

Zane had suffered a bed injury leading up to the comp and lost a lot of size, also; his posing routine was really bad!

[@iananthony2578]

Any bodybuilder over 6 ft tall just looks more impressive. I think that why he won

[@nicolaisb2]

Ian Anthony ye much more pretty to be tall than a manlet

[@MarcoForestieri]

Say that to Lou Ferrigno...

[@israelvibrations100]

You know I was going to say the same thing....Arnald just had a more artful pleasant body look and kept the perfect tradition of No GUTT...no bubble gut......still had great Arms chest small small waist. Of course you can see he hand no serious belly on his muscles but all the more so impressive body that NO WILL have To this day.....or CAN COMPARE 😃....RIGHT? He was still on his own other level than other .....i dont know I watch this 6x....and I'm still really Impressed how he looks.....yes yes yes not like before....but still a sight to see I think.

[@robiard1479]

Again Nick this content is what brought to this channel. Your knowledge and insight is greatly appreciated to the bodybuilding fan industry. Thank you!

[@mrharpreet88]

you know what time it is its rewind time

[@NicksStrengthandPower]

It's rewind time everybody

[@oppoh739]

Ha kidda sengh

[@briang1310]

Harpreet Singh stfu indian

[@Steve00077]

Zane in a recent interview said it was a mistake for him to compete in 1980 (because of the injury) and said he should have competed in 1981 instead.

[@keungkau9215]

Bill Pearl said he reckoned Boyer Coe should have won , Dennis Tinerino said he'd seen better legs on a rocking chair, Frank Zane smashed his trophy in the parking lot after the competition , Mike Mentzer never competed again! CBS never released the footage they filmed in 1980! There was speculation of boycotting any subsequent Mr. Olympias and then in the 1981 Olympia was a debacle with Franco Colombo winning!

[@leonhorder8979]

love old school bodybuilders they just look so much better,great video by the way

[@Doctorjota163]

You are great, Nick. Great video, as usual😉

[@margecallover]

The historical videos are back! Finally!

[@DarthNoshitam]

So happy to see you making bodybuilding history videos again!

[@jonlanier_]

My favorite thing Nick use to do all the time. Give us a history lesson in bodybuilding and strength. Needs to do this more... again.

[@stevennavarra3209]

So, I guess there's an * on that Olympia. I could see Mentzer getting pissed off at the IFBB, but honestly, he should have continued to pursue the Olympia. He had great proportions and aesthetics, and 29 is too young to quit anything if you have your heart in it. Do I personally feel he was robbed, yes I do. I'm a huge Arnold fan, but I always have to be honest and give respect when it's due. Politics has been screwing bodybuilders for years, it's always been about who ever is more marketable. Only now are judges rewarding bodybuilders who come in, in shape and aesthetic. The ironic thing is that Arnold himself played a big roll in bringing it into fruition.

[@Newgonz]

Missed this videos man. Glad to see them back!

[@heavyt5702]

Is this a repost, Nick? Feels like I already seen a video by you covering this. Good vid nonetheless 👍

[@heavyt5702]

Rex Tyler, you could have been a little civil in your reply, no need to be so bitchy about it! Yes, Nick does say something about ‘revisiting’ some controversial Mr Olympia’s but that doesn’t necessarily mean this video’s a repost and could just mean he’s reflecting back on something for the first time. Please be polite and kind with your posts, it helps make life and the world a better place.

[@asad4668]

Rex Tyler why u acting like such a dick

[@finnpatrick2618]

So good to have the historical videos back! Really missed them, took three dats to notice this was new and not an old one!

[@matthinton19]

Nice return to bodybuilding history keep it up

[@ChillyCholo]

Love these bodybuilding history vids from you. Very detailed and so interesting.

[@king-stoney-jay7210]

Lol I remember the same video from a long time ago

[@MichaelPolera]

Nick's Rigged and Fixed Olympias

[@tonystrong4431]

What's the controversy? He had the physique, charisma, appearance, posing routine, the works. That's why he won. He was the best on stage that day. So, what's the controversy?

[@hydroplaneconvoy8130]

Excellent video Nick!!!! Loved it. What a lineup

[@cabalofdemons]

Nick's returning to his roots, chronicling bodybuilding events and bodybuilders.

[@giovannipunto8058]

I really missed these videos of you Nick‘s Bodybuilding National Geographic

[@JorgeGarcia-lb7rn]

Love keeping up with the content, tho I noticed I go on an "old school" NSP video binge about once a week. Rewatching videos I've seen more than once already. Case in point, I'm watching this before bed having already watched it earlier in the day. I have a problem. I'm alright with it.

[@shanealanhaag]

I like your news vids Nick, but I hope you never stop the history vids. You probably noticed I'm a Reeves fan. Please do a video highlighting all the poses and lifts he invented.

[@benjaminsanchez6256]

Love the bodybuilding history videos, Nick! Excited to see more!

[@matthewgonzalez9537]

Nick redoing vids don't even bother me like other channels. Idk maybe cuz of the Shawn roden thing it makes this relevant

[@sng3939]

Only true OG’s watched Nick’s original video on this topic

[@chahineladjouze4160]

Wow! That was a sick interesting video Nick! I follow your work since like 2013 and your channel has been a game changer in the Fittube. Thanks man (y)

[@steel_and_stones]

Excellent video, stoked for this to be a series!

[@ypmm53]

Mike Mentzer look great! RIP...

[@jstoner1928]

Frank Zane was probably just upset that even after his break from mr Olympia arnold was still unbeatable

[@MeLoNHeAd00]

Zane or mentzer should have won .

[@craigryder4823]

Yep arnold was still above everyone else and deserved the win with his stage presence and posing dominance

[@adamwalker1707]

Zane has actually beat Arnold

[@the_real_Jshredz]

Arnold knew he was going to win going into this. Mentzer won which is the reason he was placed so low in the placings. Straight robbed, but cant change history

[@YH-lj9gy]

The competition had 5 years to catch up, and they still couldn’t beat the oak. That’s how far ahead he was when he retired and after his comeback.

[@pacoanfif6916]

Rest in peace my idol and my hero mike mentzer ❤

[@EricPetersen2922]

paco anfif it was sad-the last few years of Mike’s life. He had a rough time.

[@kameversecommunitychannel4617]

Hey nick it would be awesome to see a physique update and maybe talk about how much muscle you gained throughout your training, much love been watching your channel for 3 years now.

[@CJforToday]

Frank Zane weeks prior to the Olympia fell into his pool with a pool chair and tore his urethra. In his book Symmetry he mentions that after he was discharged from the hospital days later with a catheter, he called Arnold for advice. Arnold said he should compete and defend his title. Interesting that Arnold would encourage Frank to compete after the injury if he already knew he would be competing that year.

[@elperroguapoabuelo7033]

Very good documentation, thank you. 😊👍

[@rickymitchell3300]

My man Nick throwing us back with the OG History lesson!! Missed these...

[@akshaykadam2222]

Back to basics baby 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻💪🏻💪🏻 missed this kinds of videos❤️❤️❤️subscriber since you had 70K❤️❤️❤️ my man going strong 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@kapnk066]

I spoke to Mike 3 weeks later at the 1980 Minnesota Body Building Championships where he guest posed. At the MN competitor dinner I joined in on a conversation Mike was having about "an event" where he was speaking about "athletes" . When I asked if he was referring to the "Olympia" he's replied in a rude, sharp manner "No, I'm talking about a chess match." To this day I never new how to interpret his response. After his guest posing routine the next day he got on the podium and did a q&a session. He proceeded to condemn the Olympia Event, to such a degree that the some in the audience started booing him to leave the stage. It was a shame that he left MN with somewhat of a bitter taste associated with his name.

[@csv8944]

Footage looks like 1880 Mr Olympia. Nice vid though!

[@NicksStrengthandPower]

facts

[@blackirontarkus3156]

Bodybuilding in the 1800's would've been interesting. Could General Robert E. Lee have been a Bodybuilder?

[@csv8944]

@@blackirontarkus3156 in the International Confederates of Bodybuilding maybe

[@AlexanderHernandez-sb7lq]

What's sad is that there is allot of good footage out there, remember there was a tv crew there but do to all the controversy it will never see the light of day.

[@adambergeron5]

Zane didn't look great in 1980 but Dickerson and Mentzer were robbed

[@luchalegendsll6403]

@@harimannbakshi5447 Mike Mentzer should have won that Mr. Olympia in my opinion

[@Meangenehimself]

Nick isn’t 100% accurate in stating “Zane was “injured” that year”. Zane smashed his urethra in a pool accident, he almost died. He lost 10-15 pounds just laying in the hospital. And he didn’t smash the trophy, he dropped it and it broke apart on the concrete floor. Mike Mentzer should’ve won that year. No question this contest was rigged.

[@azapcity8552]

@@harimannbakshi5447 compare Arnold and Mentzer at 6:56

[@MovieGuy666]

Mentzer came in 5th, he wouldn't have won anyways.

[@akimbofurry2179]

sorry arnold was the biggest

[@adamkkhan8541]

I MISSED THESE GOLDEN ERA BODYBUILDING VIDS

[@joshuanugent6107]

These videos are the reason I love this channel

[@blockbusstar]

I wonder what the Mr. Olympia list of winners would look like if there were no politics involved.. perhaps a video Idea

[@c4662]

Probably no multiple time winners. If anything, someone winning 3+ times would be rare. They would also probably change the judges every year to avoid bias.

[@gymrat2647]

Nayan like 07 when victor should have won not Jay

[@WolfStory]

EXCELLENT video Nick. Good for you.

[@jayaseelanram6071]

Awesome narration Nick👌👌👌

[@YTuberosity]

I realise Arnold wasn’t at his best but he did look quite aesthetic when he was slimmer.

[@franciscoluisadame]

Appreciate these informative vids your doing again!

[@gustavduys4362]

Long time no see, Nick's Controversial and Olympia

[@SmippeHyrst]

Mentzer moderated his view of Arnold in later years when he contacted his ill brother Ray to wish him well.

[@justin-vm3lq]

1980 olympia so controversial that nick covers it multiple times. still watched it to the end

[@shaunc4786]

Great work mate. Should be proud of your achievements on you tube.

[@mrbrightside5278]

Love your channel Nick! While I agree that he wasn't in his best shape ever, and was in his personal worst shape. However from everything I've seen Arnold still nudges out the other competitors. He wasn't as big as previous years, but he looked very well conditioned to me. This wasn't Arnold going up against previous versions of Arnold, it was against all those other guys

[@coachsouvikbanerjee5794]

Wow this was the reason i started following you

[@antonyrajarathinam9976]

Great job Nick brings back old memories. Who likes Nick video thumbs up 👍🏻

[@darrenbeeken8648]

Mike menzter should have won hands down he looked fantastic, he was incredible.

[@kylesmith7755]

Lmao didn't Nick post this video already? Just kidding u the best Nick

[@ronin4ortyse7en]

Nick's comeback & controversy!

[@glengibbon3369]

Great stuff, very informative

[@tomsorens4453]

Look at that and look at what our sports has become now. So sad.

[@ecelectro]

No it's not look at classic physique

[@onelesslonelymemer5863]

Phil heath is a trash bubble gut scam

[@djuracvejic682]

Nick you’re awesome. So objective and real... Love your all videos

[@BiGCaTzxz]

Mike Mentzer should have won this show.

[@Herman013093]

I like these videos! Nice to see them again

[@jodeyehighroller8014]

Need these history videos to return, Nick!

[@oskarklingest5682]

Oh damn have i missed oldschool NSP videos

[@shahzaibazhar3791]

Old Nick is back.. 🙏🙏

[@pearthicorn]

I’ve looked over this Olympia so many times objectively- I still think Arnold deserves the win. 1997, and 1981 were way bigger upsets in my opinion

[@poopdawg2301]

Imagine if Arnold never stepped away to do movies. He'd easily have the record for most wins.

[@SmilingSynic]

There is no controversy. Arnold wasn't at his best (not even close), but neither was anybody else. Arnold had the best physique on stage that day.

[@normanturnbull7967]

Hey Nick great video as usual. Agree Arnold was not at his best, but when you look at the photos he still had a better structure than the other guys. Also he knew how to pose and present himself in such a way that you could not help but notice him. He was downsized but still bigger than the rest. Just like other greats like Dorian and Ronnie he was ahead of the others so his average was almost the others best.

[@angelomelville9084]

Arnold started off The Elbows Pushing War that last to these days!