A Star – Born in the World of Bodybuilding
Larry Scott, the first Mr. Olympia, is a name that has left an indelible mark on the world of bodybuilding. Born in 1938 in Blackfoot, Idaho, Scott’s early life was characterized by his skinny stature. At 17, he weighed only about 54 kg. He was too thin for football and too short for basketball, so he joined the high – school gymnastics team, where he even had the opportunity to compete against the Idaho State University gymnastics team.
Scott’s foray into bodybuilding began at 17 when he tried weightlifting. Despite initial struggles, with diligent training and a heavy diet, he managed to increase his weight to about 77.5 kg by 1959 and won first place in the Mr. Idaho competition. Buoyed by this success, he moved to California, where he won third place in consecutive local bodybuilding shows.
The Path to Olympia Glory
Scott’s career took a significant turn when he teamed up with Owen Johnson in the early 1960s. Johnson, known for his innovative protein powders and fitness supplements, helped Scott gain 4 kg of muscle in two months by having him consume large amounts of his protein powder. This led to Scott winning the Mr. California competition, the first of many victories in the following decade.
At the same time, Scott also joined forces with Vince Gironda, one of the most popular trainers in the fitness world at that time. Under Gironda’s guidance, Scott transformed his physique. From 1961 to 1964, Scott won a series of prestigious competitions, including “Mr. Pacific Coast” (1961), “Mr. America” (1962), and “Mr. Universe” (1964). His legend was well – established by the time of the Mr. Universe race, especially for his remarkable deltoids and triceps.
In 1965, the first Mr. Olympia competition, founded by Ben and Joe Waddell, took place. Scott, having already won Mr. America and Mr. Universe, stepped onto the stage. The audience’s reaction was overwhelming. Before he even appeared, fans were chanting his name, and when he did, the auditorium erupted in thunderous applause. He was unanimously declared the first Mr. Olympia. In 1966, he successfully defended his title and then retired from bodybuilding to focus on his family and business.
Larry Scott’s Influence on Bodybuilding
One of Scott’s most significant contributions was in the area of nutritional patterns. In the 1940s and 1950s, the diet of weightlifters and bodybuilders was relatively simple, with little thought given to supplementation. Scott’s transformation, under Johnson’s tutelage and with the consumption of a large amount of Johnson’s protein powder, changed that. He publicly supported Johnson’s protein powder, appearing in commercials and promoting the idea that protein was essential for building a physique. His example inspired the booming supplement industry of the time and set a precedent for future bodybuilders.
Scott was also an innovator in the gym. Working with Gironda, they created some highly effective training moves and equipment. The priest’s bench bend, originally a little – known piece of equipment, became widely known as “Scott’s bench” (now the preacher’s bench curl) through his use and promotion. He also had a series of unique triceps exercises, some of which are no longer in use today, but at the time, had everyone copying his movements. His eagerness to try new exercises and variations not only contributed to his own success but also inspired others to keep adapting their training methods.
Larry Scott may have retired at the height of his athletic career, but his influence continues to this day. As the first Mr. Olympia, he was more than just a champion; he was a pioneer in popularizing protein supplements, an inspiration for thousands to strive for greatness in bodybuilding, and a source of numerous new training methods. His belief that “Inspire the mind and the body will follow” still resonates with fitness enthusiasts around the world.
