It is well known that Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s father was not fond of bodybuilding and did not support him in that either. The Terminator had a tough time adjusting to his father’s expectations while growing up. However, he got the desired encouragement from the Canadian bodybuilder Joe Weider. Weider was a legendary figure in the world of bodybuilding, and he played a crucial role in Schwarzenegger’s rise to fame. Schwarzenegger has often spoken of Weider as a father figure, and the two men had a close relationship throughout Weider’s life. However, his latest statement for the veteran bodybuilder came at an emotional time. 

On March 23, 2013, the fitness world lost one of its most prominent figures. This year marks a decade of Wieder’s demise, and one of his biggest fans paid homage to the champion. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger pays tribute to Joe Weider via his newsletter

One of the most prominent individuals in Weider’s life was Arnold Schwarzenegger. Schwarzenegger’s relationship with Weider began when he was just a young man in Austria, dreaming of becoming a bodybuilding champion. Weider was like a father Arnold never got.

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In the recent edition of his newsletter, The Pump Daily, the first thing Arnold did was to give a tribute to the father-like figure. Commemorating the 10th anniversary of Weider’s death, Schwarzenegger praised him for his contributions to the world of fitness and his support and kindness towards him. “He’s one of the reasons I refuse to be called self-made. Joe was a jewel. He treated me like the son he never had”, he wrote. Weider’s influence on Schwarzenegger extended beyond the world of bodybuilding. 

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As the Austrian Oak transitioned into a career in Hollywood, Weider continued to support him, offering guidance and advice as he navigated the entertainment and business industry. ” After sending me my plane ticket, never stopped giving me business advice, on bodybuilding, family, on everything. My life wouldn’t be what it is without Joe. Their relationship has always been in discussions where other bodybuilders have also commented on it. 

The reason behind their close relationship

While Schwarzenegger has spoken publicly about the profound impact of Weider on his life, other bodybuilders have revealed the reason behind Wilder’s affection for The Terminator. Three-time Mr. Olympia winner Frank Zane once opened up on how Wielder was inclined to huge-sized bodybuilders. He recognized Schwarzenegger’s potential and helped him achieve his goals, becoming a mentor and father figure to the young athlete.

The former Mr. Olympia revealed that Joe liked Arnold’s “huge” arms.“ “Arnold was like an adopted son. He loved Arnold because he was huge”, Zane said. Today, on the 10th anniversary week of Joe Weider’s death, Schwarzenegger and countless others continue to honor his memory and celebrate his contributions to the world of fitness. 

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