Arnold Schwarzenegger might be best known for his movies, bodybuilding or even as the Governor of California back in 2003 but there’s one moment that sits on my mind when I hear his name.
Capturing one of the most iconic moments in history the stoner athlete puffs on a perfectly rolled joint to celebrate his win as Mr. Olympia.
Arnold began weightlifting at the young age of 15. Quickly taking an interest in competing he began entering competitions.
To this day he is the youngest Mr.Olympia title holder, winning his first win at the age of 23. In the prime of his twenties Arnold was focused on body building and trying to be the best in the fitness community. With a lot of people saying his body was “too built up” or his accent was too thick for people to understand him and take seriously. Arnold was persuaded to participate and compete in Mr. Olympia for the filming of the documentary “Pumping Iron” by filmmakers Robert Fiore and George Butler.
He agreed to let them follow his journey training for his sixth time competing for Mr. Olympia. Arnold only trained for three months in preparation for competing as he was finishing his role for the movie Stay Hungry where he needed to drop his weight. Entering the competition smaller than usual he took home his sixth victory holding his title as Mr. Olympia once again. .After his win Arnold unexpectedly announced he would retire to focus on other things he wanted to pursue. Arnold and his team head back to their hotel room to celebrate the best way they know how; a glass of champagne in one hand and a perfectly rolled doobie in the other.
Surrounded by his closest friends, a plate of fried chicken and birthday cake in celebration of his opponent Lou Ferrigno’s birthday. Arnold pulls on the beautifully rolled joint. With a strong inhale and an exhale of success he melts into pure bliss. What better way to celebrate such a victorious time. The historic moment was caught on film for Pumping Iron which was released in 1977. Arnold admits puffing a joint was a part of his workout routine back then. He would do so every day alongside his friend Tommy Chong when they would lift weights together. He did not stay retired for long, however, returning to claim the title of Mr. Olympia once again for the seventh time in 1980.
Arnold has remained one of the most memorable bodybuilders in the world. Even opening minds to the connections between working out and smoking weed. Arnold however decided to quit smoking cold turkey to prioritize his career in acting and business endeavours. Even if he doesn’t smoke now, he created one of the most memorable moments in the stoner community and fitness. Proving weed doesn’t affect your abilities to hold a title or be the greatest.
