7X Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger has been an inspiration to countless individuals, courtesy to his immense success in the realm of bodybuilding and beyond. Who has not dreamt of working out or being appreciated by ‘The Austrian Oak’ himself? As the age-old saying goes, ‘Two flames recognize each other’s glow,’ Schwarzenegger once came across a bodybuilder on the beach and helped him reach the pinnacle of the sport. 

2X Mr. Universe Tony Pearson recently revealed in ‘The Menace Podcast’ about his initial encounters with Arnold Schwarzenegger and how he made him transform from “just a kid at the beach” to ‘Michael Jackson of bodybuilding.’ 

Tony Pearson discloses how Arnold helped him

Tony Pearson was recently invited to ‘The Menace Podcast’ along with the regular crew of the podcast which included Dennis James, Chris Cormier, and Milos Sarcev. Amidst many other things that the duo discussed, Pearson revealed how Arnold helped him push through and made arrangements for him to meet Joe Weider. While before Pearson was just a random lifter who used to do squats at the beach, it was Arnold who recognized his talent and gave him a chance to test himself. 

Pearson stated, “Arnold discovered me at the beach one day. He came over and said, “I have been watching you for months.” And he goes, Let’s go through the workout. So he trained my chest and triceps.” He continued by revealing that Arnold even mentored him for a while. He further revealed, “[Arnold] He was the first guy that sent me to see Joe Weider…to write an article for the magazine.”

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According to Pearson, Schwarzenegger observed him working out for a while before approaching him to completely understand if he was worth the effort. Pearson continued by making for himself quite a name in the sport afterward. Due to his resemblance to legendary singer and songwriter, Michael Jackson, fans crowned Pearson with the title of ‘Michael Jackson of bodybuilding.’

“I had no titles. So I was just a kid on the beach, which was still squatting that 10 sets of 10 in the hot temperature out on the beach. So I think he watched me for a few months to see if I had the heart to do it.” 

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What are your views on the story revealed by Tony Pearson? Let us know in the comments.