The ’70s saw the emergence of arguably the greatest showman in the bodybuilding community — Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Austrian immigrant won the coveted Mr. Olympia title for six consecutive years, from 1970 to 1975. After a brief retirement, Schwarzenegger returned in 1980 to pick up his seventh Mr. Olympia trophy. The 1983 Mr. Olympia champion Samir Bannout has been one of the most vocal opponents of the decision to this day. But he has also been appreciative of a prime Arnold Schwarzenegger, who swept his competition up for six consecutive years. During an interview in 2019, Samir shared his thoughts on a prime Arnold Schwarzenegger versus a prime Sergio Oliva.

So what exactly were Bannout’s thoughts about the two greats? Who, as per him, was the best?

Bannout picks his winner in Arnold Schwarzenegger v Sergio Oliva

The 1967 Mr. Olympia saw the crowning of Sergio Oliva as its champion. For the next two years, none could dethrone the man famously known as ‘The Myth.’ Owing to his unbelievable physique attained without any supplements to aid him, Oliva still holds a prominent place in the bodybuilding community. Courtesy of their unique and otherworldly physiques, Oliva and Arnold Schwarzenegger are often pitched against one another as great contemporaries.

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In 2019, the ‘Lion of Lebanon’ Samir Bannout shared his thoughts about the two legendary bodybuilders and chose his winner amongst them. He said, “I love Arnold, don’t get me wrong, and I think Arnold’s physique is amazing, but Sergio Oliva is a freak of nature.” Bannout added, “He had small ankles, small knee joints, small waist, small hips, and huge everything else, along with the biggest brachialis and forearms ever. He looked amazing, very good. I would take Sergio’s body any day over.”

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The Cuban-American Sergio Oliva died ten years ago in 2012. But the legacy he left behind remains unmatched. His successor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, may have become one of the all-time greats, but it would not have been possible if he did not have the desire to defeat ‘The Myth.’

Bannout on the 1980 Mr. Olympia controversy

Apart from being vocal about not wanting Schwarzenegger’s physique, Bannout has also been vocal about the controversy surrounding the 1980 Mr. Olympia. After a five-year hiatus from professional bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger made a surprise return to the sport in 1980.

The six-time Mr. Olympia did not look even close to his best but still ended up winning the contest, stirring up controversy. Amongst the many people who questioned the decision even years later was Samir Bannout. He said, “Arnold really didn’t deserve to win.” Bannout further added Arnold did not peak properly, and the cortisol shot he took was part of it. “Arnold was flat at that show. He did not bounce like the real Arnold.”

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The 1980 Mr. Olympia remains one of the most controversial editions of the competition. Whether Arnold deserved to win is still open to debate, with experts weighing in with their opinions often.