Remembering Joe Weider: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Tribute to His Mentor and Friend
Joe Weider was a legendary figure in the world of bodybuilding, known for his contributions to the sport and his mentorship of countless young athletes. One of his most famous proteges was none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, who credits Weider with helping him achieve his dreams of becoming a champion bodybuilder and eventually a successful actor and politician.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and legacy of Joe Weider, as well as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s heartfelt tribute to his mentor and friend.
Who Was Joe Weider?
Joe Weider was born on November 29, 1919 in Montreal, Canada. He began his career in bodybuilding at a young age, publishing his first magazine, “Your Physique,” at just 17 years old. Over the years, Weider would go on to build an empire in the world of fitness and bodybuilding, publishing magazines such as “Muscle & Fitness” and “Flex,” as well as creating the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) and the Mr. Olympia competition.
Weider was also known for his advocacy of the sport of bodybuilding, working tirelessly to promote it as a legitimate and respected form of exercise and competition. He believed that bodybuilding was not just about building muscle, but about building self-confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic.
What Was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Relationship with Joe Weider?
Arnold Schwarzenegger first met Joe Weider in the late 1960s, when he was just a young bodybuilder from Austria with dreams of becoming Mr. Olympia. Weider took Schwarzenegger under his wing, providing him with training tips, nutritional advice, and encouragement.
Under Weider’s guidance, Schwarzenegger went on to win the Mr. Olympia title a record seven times, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. Schwarzenegger credits Weider with helping him achieve his goals and providing him with the support and mentorship he needed to succeed.
In a statement following Weider’s passing in 2013, Schwarzenegger said, ”