Arnold Schwarzenegger came to America with a dream and barely any money in his pockets. However, one of the most influential figures in modern bodybuilding history, became the Austrian Oak’s silver lining. After Arnie arrived in America, Joe Weider, the co-founder of the IFBB, set him up with a condo and gave him the opportunity to compete and train with the best. However, Schwarzenegger had to star in Weider’s bodybuilding magazine as a model in exchange.

Schwarzenegger quickly became one of the standout bodybuilders under Weider. Including the Austrian in the magazine also boosted its popularity. While Weider was a helpful mentor, he wanted his athletes to be marketable. So when Schwarzenegger made a request, Weider weighed the pros and cons and then refused his request.

Arnold Schwarzenegger needed help

In his latest Netflix docu-series, Arnold, the bodybuilding icon talked about his best friend, Franco Columbu. While Schwarzenegger took the risk to come to America, his Italian friend didn’t follow. The duo first met during a bodybuilding and powerlifting meet in Munich, Germany, and became fast friends. Hence, Arnie wanted to bring Columbu to California after getting settled in the United States.

After losing to Frank Zane, Schwarzenegger invited the God of Aesthetics to train with him. He also trained with other world-class bodybuilders like Dave Draper, Ed Corney, Ken Waller, and others. “I felt like, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if Franco would see what’s going on here?'” said the seven-time Mr. Olympia. Schwarzenegger thought highly of his friend’s talents. Columbu was his training partner in Munich, and “I really missed him,” said the 75-year-old in Part 1: The Athlete.

Schwarzenegger had won multiple shows and was also making a lot of money for Weider, so he thought Weider would help Columbu as he had helped him. However, the man who established the Mr. Olympia contest “heard what his (Comubu) height was he had no interest at all,” said Arnie. “No I don’t want to bring over a little guy like that, come on,” responded Weider.

Read More | Resurfaced Image of Arnold Schwarzenegger Looking Like a Giant Next to Franco Columbu Goes Viral

However, the photographer Artie Zeller and the Austrian Oak eventually convinced the IFBB co-founder. After arriving in America, Columbu would prove Weider’s assumptions wrong.

Height didn’t hold Franco Columbu back

Despite being shorter than Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, and many others, Columbu made up for it with his aesthetic build and strength. Pound-for-pound Columbu might have been even stronger than his 6’2 Austrian friend. The former boxer also consistently finished among the top three, often beating bigger bodybuilders.

Schwarzenegger and Columbu became a massively popular duo of bodybuilders. The Italian also won the under-200 lbs Mr. Olympia title multiple times. After Schwarzenegger retired, Comlumbu continued to compete, winning the Sandow trophy as overall champion twice.

Watch this story | Arnold Schwarzenegger and Other Athletes Who Suffered From Depression and Anxiety

While Joe Weider was reluctant to place his trust in Franco Columbu and Arnie’s words, he decided to listen. His decision proved to be instrumental for Columbu and Schwarzenegger’s careers.