A Short History of Bodybuilding

5 Facts You Might Not Know

So I know a lot of people don’t know about Bodybuilding or how the sport developed into what we see today. So I thought I would go over some basic knowledge and facts that a lot of the mainstream public might not know.

Eugen Sandow “Father of Bodybuilding”

1. Eugen Sandow is considered the “Father of Bodybuilding.” He developed it during the late 19th and early 20th century. He allowed audiences to enjoy viewing his physique in “muscle display performances”. Although audiences were thrilled to see a well-developed physique, the men simply displayed their bodies as part of strength demonstrations or wrestling matches.
2. Eugen Sandow organized the first bodybuilding contest on September 14, 1901, called the “Great Competition”. It was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Judged by Sandow, Sir Charles Lawes, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It was rather successful.
3. The Mr. Olympia was first held September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City, with Larry Scott winning his first of two straight titles.
4. There have been two 8-Time Mr. Olympias. The first was Lee Haney from 1984–1991 and the second was Ronnie Coleman from 1998–2005. Currently Phil Heath holds the title. He won his first title in 2011 and will be going for his 8th title win this year (2018). Where he will tie Haney and Coleman. If he goes for a ninth title and wins that will break the record. It will be pretty historic for the sport.
5. Arnold Schwarzenegger has 7 Mr. Olympia titles. His first win was Jr. Mr. Europe in 1965. He won 5 Mr. Universe titles between 1966–1970. In total he won 24 contest between 1966 and 1980.

Bodybuilding has a long and storied history. It’s one that has a ton of depth that I will enjoy sharing with you. This isn’t one of my longer posts. But I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please click or tap on the clapping hands.

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