76-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger started his fitness crusade in January. The bodybuilding icon started publishing his daily fitness newsletter, Arnold’s Pump Club, to help working adults make time for fitness. Sports have always inspired Arnold Schwarzenegger. He believes that through resilience, discipline, and determination, one can overcome the toughest challenges, and sports can help them do so. In a recent interview, he gave the example of his “good friend” and late boxing legend Muhammad Ali to prove his point.

Arnold Schwarzenegger saw Ali beat the circumstances

During an interview with Channel 4 News, the reporter asked Arnie about people who find themselves starting from a disadvantageous position. “You know all about structural disadvantage… are there people who just can’t escape their condition, their circumstances?” asked the reporter. However, Schwarzenegger didn’t hesitate to respond and immediately gave Muhammad Ali’s example.

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, was a heavyweight boxer and is widely regarded as the best boxer to ever live. Ali not only mesmerized people with his skill inside the boxing ring but also transcended the sport with his charismatic personality. However, the boxing legend had a difficult childhood, with financial struggles and dyslexia.

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“Muhammad Ali would disagree with you,” responded Arnie. “He got out of poverty because of sports,” Arnie added. “He was hungry to find something that he was gifted in, and he found out it was boxing,” said the 76-year-old. Schwarzenegger praised Ali further, saying he became the Olympic champion and the “greatest” fighter. “So I’ve seen it firsthand… Sports… Liberates you,” said the bodybuilding icon. However, the humble bodybuilding legend also did something similar.

From poverty to Mr. Olympia

While he gave Muhammad Ali’s example, Schwarzenegger also overcame his circumstances. The 76-year-old fitness icon was born in Thal, Austria. Unfortunately, Schwarzenegger’s father had become disillusioned after the Second World War and turned to alcohol. Despite being the police chief, Gustav Schwarzenegger never had enough money for his family.

Arnie’s father also didn’t support his son’s bodybuilding ambitions. However, the Austrian Oak didn’t give up. He worked jobs as a teen and went to Berlin to compete. After winning Mr. Universe, Schwarzenegger spent his savings to come to America in 1968. In just two years, he won the Mr. Olympia contest.

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While it might seem an insurmountable task to rise above one’s limitations, Arnold Schwarzenegger did it, and he saw legends like Muhammad Ali do the same.