Here Are the Top Five Most Controversial Moments in the History of Mr. Olympia

The Olympia is the main event of the men’s and women’s bodybuilding calendar. And while these competitions have given way to some inspiring victories and fierce rivalries over the years, they’ve also been home to plenty of divisive moments that fans still debate decades later. From questionable winners to some eyebrow-raising rule

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1980 Olympia Crown

 Arnold’s physique was impressive that day, but far below his previous standards. In fact, many believed he didn’t warrant a top-three finish. Despite the doubts, the “Austrian Oak” came out on top, causing an immediate backlash from the crowd and his fellow competitors. Several bodybuilders refused to compete the following year in protest and rumors swirled for decades that Arnold only won because of his Hollywood fame and connections with the show’s promoter.

Franco Columbu’s 1981 Victory

Franco Columbu, the 1976 Mr. Olympia whose bodybuilding career nearly ended thanks to a freak leg injury suffered at the first World’s Strongest Man contest in 1977. But when Franco unveiled his physique at the show in ‘81, his legs were noticeably out of proportion with his upper body, according to fitness writer John Hansen’s account of the event. Despite assurances from organizers that the judging would be fair, the contest proved just as controversial. 

Rule Changes at the 1992 Ms. Olympia

In 1992, the IFBB enacted a series of “femininity rules” that specifically instructed judges to penalize women who appeared “too big” during a contest. Despite the IFBB’s intentions, the reigning champion, Lenda Murray, still won the contest with a physique similar to the previous year. 

Victor Martinez Loses to Jay Cutler at the 2007 Mr. Olympia

Martinez showed up on the first day of the contest with a package worthy of an Olympia crown, while Cutler, on the other hand, came out “flat,” according to McGough. At the end of the first day at prejudging, the reigning champ was ahead of Martinez by just two points — after the posing round, it was down to just one. People sensed an upset, but, controversially, none came.

Jay Cutler Loses to Ronnie Coleman at the 2001 Olympia

Though Ronnie Coleman racked up a record-tying eight Mr. Olympia wins during his career, he wasn’t always at his best during the big show. In 2001, a young Jay Cutler surprised everyone by not only challenging Coleman, but perhaps even surpassing him on stage.

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