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Bodybuilding Legend Frank Zane Once Admitted Losing 1976 Mr. Olympia Against Franco Columbu Was a “Blessing in Disguise”

Published 10/14/2022, 1:15 PM EDT

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Frank Zane, the bodybuilding legend, once opened up about how finishing second proved to be beneficial and actually prepared him for the big win. The legend once shared all the events leading up to that big win.

Zane is a three-time Mr. Olympia, and he won the event from 1977 to 1979. Prior to his reign, the emphasis was entirely on mass, which shifted towards aesthetics with him being known for his body shape. Zane had the second thinnest waistline of all Mr. Olympias. This, along with his wide shoulders, made for a distinctive V shape. He eventually retired in the year 1983.

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Frank Zane gives credit to his loss for his eventual win!

In 1976, Zane was all prepared and ready to take the Mr. Olympia title. However, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s long-time training partner Franco Columbu won the Olympia instead. Despite this, Zane was of the opinion that this was indeed a blessing in disguise.

He said this because he realized that one has to win the Mr. Olympia title ahead of time. As per him, despite Franco winning the title, he received so much attention that he was confident of pulling this off in the future.

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Zane said, “After 1976, I realized you had to win the Mr. Olympia ahead of time. Sure, Franco won, but I got so much attention I could now pull this off. I could say, ‘it’s my intention to win, and as a matter of fact, I’ve already won’.”

Read More: “Big and Bulky With No Legs”: Arnold Schwarzenegger ’s Rival Detailed How He Easily Defeated Him Back in 1968

In his opinion, he has people’s support when it comes to his looks. He even has photos to back up his claims. So, basically, he knew he possesses the confidence to win the title soon. And soon enough, he did!

Zane talks about Olympia’s preparations and shares insights!

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Zane shared that although he wasn’t in perfect competition shape all through the year, he never gained unnecessary pounds just to add mass to his physique. Avoiding weight gain was the key to his success.

Following this, he increased poundages on his lifts from February through June to build muscle. He gave special attention to his posing in order to highlight his unique physique, with a narrow waist and wide shoulders. He also used his natural tan to highlight his chiseled body.

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Even at this age, the legend Frank Zane maintains his physique and shares tips on how to maintain a great body. He mentions confidence is the key. Do you believe in this thought? Write down in the comments!

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Written by:

Yash Joglekar

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Edited by:

Pritam Priyedarshi