In 2013, the fitness world and bodybuilding community mourned the loss of legendary Canadian bodybuilding legend Joe Weider. The man did not only popularize the sport worldwide but also played an instrumental role in introducing Arnold Schwarzenegger to the sport. He passed away at the age of 93 after heart failure. His publicist, Charlotte Parker, confirmed the news of his death.

Weider’s sad demise left a profound impact on Arnold. For the 7x, Mr. Olympia he was a “father-like figure.” Thus, upon his demise, Arnold took to his newsletter to reflect on the legacy that he left behind.

Arnold paid Joe his respect in beautiful words 

For Arnold, Joe was his guru, his inspiration, and the “godfather of fitness.” When he was a young boy in Austria, he read the muscle magazine “Muscles & Fitness” that Joe founded. Drawing inspiration from those, Arnold always tried to push his limits. Thus, as he sat down to pen his contribution, Arnie wrote, “Today, I lost a dear friend and mentor.”

Mourning his loss, the Hollywood star lamented, “the world lost one its strongest advocates of living a healthy lifestyle.” Acknowledging Joe’s contribution to his life, Arnold wrote, “he invited me to move to America to pursue my bodybuilding career.” Joe, thus, played an instrumental role in helping Arnold reach bodybuilding glory.

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Shedding more light on his personality, Arnold revealed that he was always generous with money. According to Arnold, Joe always gave his time and expertise. With time, the two became more close, and soon as Arnold recalls, Joe “became a father figure” for him.

Arnold Schwarzenegger paid his respects to the man who inspired him to pursue bodybuilding

In the sweet tributary, Arnold reflected on Joe’s legacy. He appreciated the legend for teaching the young generations that anyone could become a champion through hard work and training. While reading his magazines, Arnold found the driving force that prompted him to shift to America and pursue full-time bodybuilding.

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Apart from guiding him in bodybuilding, Joe also advised Arnold on his every walk of life. As Arnold’s acting career took off, Joe played a crucial role. He helped promote his movies and appeared with him for fundraiser events. Joe is in his final years and donated much of his bodybuilding memorabilia to the University of Texas at Austin. He may have long gone, but his memories remain in the hearts of people like Arnold.

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