The Hidden Tapes: Mike Mentzer talks about the 1980 Mr. Olympia.
44 years have passed since the controversial 1980 Mr. Olympia took place in Sydney, Australia.
In its 60-year history, two events stand out as being the most controversial, the 1980 and 1981 Mr. Olympia.
The 1980 Mr. Olympia, was won by Arnold Schwarzenegger, while the 1981 edition of the Mr. Olympia was won by the late Franco Columbu.
Even after all this time, the bodybuilding historians and fans still discuss the Mr. Olympia’s darkest moments.
Of the two, the 1980 Mr. Olympia still hits hard, with several athletes boycotting the following Mr. Olympia.
The 1980 Mr. Olympia was not only controversial, but it made one of the favorites, Mike Mentzer, retire from the sport of competitive bodybuilding.
Mentzer placed fifth at the 1980 Mr. Olympia, a result that he was not expecting. Being one of the favorites to win the event and finishing in fifth place did not sit well with Mike Mentzer.
After this result, Mike Mentzer retired from the sport of professional bodybuilding, and unfortunately passed away on June 2001, at the age of 49.
The 1980 Mr. Olympia – Bodybuilding’s Darkest Day
The 1980 Mr. Olympia was promoted by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s good friend, Paul Graham, and was held in Sydney, Australia.
Evolutionofbodybuilding.net gives a brief account of what happened during that event.
Leading up to the event, there was no indication that Arnold Schwarzenegger was going to compete, and the rumor was that he was going to commentate for CBS.
Arnold arrived in Australia in contest shape, and the other athletes started to ask questions. Finally, the news was official that Arnold Schwarzenegger was going to compete.
After hearing the news that Schwarzenegger was competing, the other athletes were unhappy, knowing Arnold’s influence on Joe and Ben Weider.
Mike Mentzer went as far as to allege that Arnold was the IFBB, and that he was running the show.
Arnold was a very close friend to promoter Paul Graham, and this also concerned the athletes.
Weeks before the event, the favorites to lift the 1980 Mr. Olympia title were defending champion Frank Zane, Mike Mentzer, and Chris Dickerson.
A few weeks before the 1980 Mr. Olympia, defending champion Frank Zane had a freak accident, and admitted that he was not at his best at the Mr. Olympia.
It was evident that Arnold was not at his best, and when his name was announced as the winner, loud whistles were heard.
Arnold walked away with the Sandow trophy, while all the other athletes walked off the stage in disbelief.
The following year, several of IFBB’s top stars boycotted the 1981 Mr. Olympia, another event that had just as much controversy.
Mike Mentzer’s Controversial Interview
The pain of the 1980 Mr. Olympia was stuck in Mike Mentzer’s head till the day he died.
Years after the controversial event, Bill Phillips interviewed Mike Mentzer about his career and the former bodybuilding champion did not hold back.
Mike made some serious allegations against Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ben Weider, Joe Weider, and finally the IFBB.
Watch the video:
1980 Mr. Olympia Results
1 Arnold Schwarzenegger
2 Chris Dickerson
3 Frank Zane
4 Boyer Coe
5 Mike Mentzer
6 Roger Walker
7 Roy Callendar
8 Dennis Tinerino
9 Tom Platz
10 Danny Padilla
11 Ed Corney
12 Tony Emmott
13 Roy Duval
14 Casey Viator
15 Samir Bannout
16 Ken Waller
