How old was Arnold Schwarzenegger when he won Mr. Universe?

Arnold Schwarzenegger is well-recognized for his seven Mr. Olympia wins and exceptional physique that changed the bodybuilding industry forever. But there is much more to this than meets the eye. Arnie also won five Mr. Universe titles before migrating from Austria to America to compete in the Olympia championship.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was just 20 years old when he won his first Mr. Universe title, making him the youngest person ever to lift the title. He won the title at the NABBA Mr. Universe amateur championship in the tall category held in London, defeating Dennis Tinerino, an American bodybuilder.

The Austrian Oak started his professional bodybuilding journey in 1965 and, since then, has been a dominant bodybuilder. He won Junior Mr. Europe in 1965, which was the first show he competed in. He even won Mr. Europe in 1966. But at the Austrian Oak's first Mr. Universe championship, he was a runner-up, and he worked immensely hard to win and then lifted the title in 1967.

There began the saga of Arnold Schwarzenegger's legacy, with three more titles held in London, Germany, and Mexico. No one could defeat the 6'3" giant with exceptional muscles.

But 1968 was a minor setback for Austrian Oak as the three-time Mr. Olympia Frank Zane bested him at the IFFB Mr. Universe held in Florida. This was Arnie's first show in America, and he was still getting used to the things around him. But the bodybuilder bounced back quickly and regained the throne in 1969.

In the year 1970, Arnold Schwarzenegger competed in the NABBA Mr. Universe professional, bested Frank Zane, and won the title himself.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's achievements before competing in Mr. Olympia

• 1965 Junior Mr. Europe held in Germany and placed first
• 1966 Best Built Man of Europe held in Germany placed first
• 1966 Mr. Europe held in Germany placed first
• 1966 International Powerlifting Championship held in Germany placed first
• 1966 NABBA Mr. Universe Amateur held in London placed 2nd to Chet Yorton
• 1967 NABBA Mr. Universe Amateur held in London placed first
• 1968 NABBA Mr. Universe Professional held in London placed first
• 1968 German Powerlifting Championship held in Germany placed first
• 1968 IFBB Mr. International held in Mexico placed first
• 1968 IFBB Mr. Universe held in Florida placed 2nd to Frank Zane
• 1969 IFBB Mr. Universe Amateur held in New York placed first
• 1969 NABBA Mr. Universe professional held in London placed first

Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the only bodybuilders who was outperformed by three bodybuilders, and he bested them out the next year and created a legacy that no bodybuilder has achieved till now.