He had world class genes, and world class motivation.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s older brother, Meinhard, was even taller than him and was naturally buff, although he never got into bodybuilding. Their father, Gustav, was a tall man. Some say it was the endless comparisons of Gustav between the two brothers that drove Schwarzenegger to begin his bodybuilding journey…
Growing up in Austria, Meinhard was the “golden child” of his parents. The one who was going to make it big. Tall, blonde beast, face of a Disney prince. The literal Prince Charming of the family. Arnold Schwarzenegger was a few inches shorter, but what he lacked in height, he made up for in determination. In 1971, disaster struck — Meinhard, drunk behind the wheel, got into a car crash and died. He left behind an infant son. Arnold cared for the boy, and vowed to become a man great enough for the both of them. Live an oversized life, and pack enough fun, experience and success in it for not one, but for two men.
And he did exactly that. Arnold lived for himself, and he lived for Meinhard. When other bodybuilders all took steroids, he did, too. But he lifted more. Did more reps. Stayed in the gym longer. Pushed himself harder. And he became a legend. Not just for himself, but for his brother’s memory. And to prove his father wrong. Legends aren’t always born… they’re forged by adversity, and molded through hardship, pain and heartbreak.