“Damn Impressive Old Schoolers”: Bodybuilding Community Bows Down to Long-Forgotten 88-Year-Old Legend Who Competed Against Arnold Schwarzenegger

While thinking about the vibrant talents in the bodybuilding world, many names pop up in the mind. However, with fresh faces coming in every now and then, the community often loses track of some athletes that deserve more recounting. One such athlete is an 88-year-old golden era great who once competed against Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime. 

A recent post by a popular page, dedicated to the sport’s Golden Era greats, recalled the athlete’s iconic presence on his 88th birthday. The bodybuilding community also joined in with insights from their experience of witnessing his finesse.

John Bubb, the living legend 

On the occasion of his 88th birthday, the NABB icon John Bubb caught the attention of the fans after The Golden Days shared an inspiring post for him. The post included a set of pictures in monochrome, which provided a glimpse into the time when he was at his peak. In some pictures, he is seen alongside The Austrian Oak, Arnold Schwarzenegger, himself. 

The English athlete was a runner-up in the 1968 Mr. Universe contest in London, which Arnold Schwarzenegger won. After competing in contests nine times over the years, the changing aura of bodybuilders eventually disturbed Bubb. He opined that the youth had become relatively ignorant and clueless about their priorities. 

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Moreover, he was concerned about the dying camaraderie in gyms. Regardless, Bubb still holds a loyal base of fans who recognize him purely based on his skills and persona. The caption of the post wished him a happy birthday while acknowledging his influence in the sport.

“One of England’s best, a Real Gentleman, a great inspiration to many!!! A living proof of Healthy bodybuilding, (done the right way‼️👏),” it read. Similarly, the fans’ reactions flooded the comments with cheers and hails for the former athlete. 

The bodybuilding world cherishes John Bubb’s mastery

In less than a day, the throwback post and golden captures from Bubb’s brought nostalgia to the community. One fan hailed, “Happy 88 birthday to John, he’s a damn impressive old schooler,” whereas another compared the time to the current generation of bodybuilders. “People looked better here. Too hard and grainy these days. It’s too much,” it read. 

“Happy birthday 🎂, what a lineup he stood in, Reg Park, Sergio Oliva, Arnie and Mr. Pearl damn at that time the top of the tops for Nabba,” a comment stated. Another fan noted Bubb’s potential as he competed with the best in the sport while “holding his own.” The collection of talents in the pictures overwhelmed many fans. They pointed out that it remains unmatched by the current athletes. 

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Sharing the stage with Arnold and several other bodybuilding greats, Bubb held his ground and is still relevant in the Golden Era community. His finesse has cemented his name in the sport and shall be cherished for years to come.