Sergio Oliva was one of the greatest bodybuilders ever. An enigmatic character of the late 60s, he achieved a great physique despite not having access to any trick or substance. Decades later, while the world has witnessed champions like Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman, and many others, Oliva continues to hold an unmatchable place in the sport’s history.

While talking about Oliva, it won’t be right to not mention his greatest contemporary Arnold Schwarzenegger. Oliva is remembered as the only man to defeat The Terminator in the Mr. Olympia contest. In fact, he did so in his maiden appearance in 1969.    

Sergio won the Mr. Olympia title thrice from 1967 to 69. Courtesy of his unbelievable physique, the Cuban-American bodybuilder was nicknamed ‘The Myth.’ He passed away in 2012, aged 71, leaving behind a legacy that will remain eternally in the bodybuilding circuit. In a rare and exclusive interview, he once discussed his experiences and life. Speaking about Arnold, he said that he was better than him and also explained how. 

Sergio Oliva answered without an iota of doubt

Undoubtedly, Sergio and Arnold were the greatest bodybuilders of the ‘70s. Oliva crafted his body to create an unseen look and a well-defined muscular physique. In the interview, Oliva claimed that he was better than Arnold every time they met in a competition.

When asked why, he detailed the dominance he had in terms of his physique. He said, “Well, it was my proportion and my symmetry and my little tiny waist. And then there were those huge arms and my back.”

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He continued by relating an experience that mostly supported his claim. During his first professional Mr. America he won in New York, he said, “Everybody was talking about me before I can in.”

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He said that if they spoke about him before he appeared on stage, it was a big deal. Speaking about the general norm around calves back then, Oliva said, “I’m a black Cuban but my calves were so full. I had 20-inch calves.” Also, he had 20-inch arms.

Sergio found Arnold competitive

Sergio and Arnold fought fiercely against one another in every contest they participated in. Regarding what Sergio felt about Arnold as a competitor, he said, “He gave me a run for money.” Furthermore, he said that Arnold was the only one who could come close, as there was nobody else.

A perfect physique demanded broad shoulders and back, diamond-shaped thighs and calves, a heavy and solid chest, and a small waist. Moreover, it was crucial to have tiny joints to enhance the muscle size and show the build in a greater sense.

To top the right shape and proportion was the posing and grace. Undoubtedly, the two legends set high standards for the forthcoming bodybuilders with the perfection they demonstrated in their physiques.