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Celebrating 36 Years Of Arnold Sports

The Arnold Sports Festival has evolved from its humble beginnings in 1989 as a one-day professional bodybuilding competition in Columbus, Ohio, into the world's largest multi-sport fitness festival. Today, it spans four days of exhilarating sports competitions, captivating demonstrations, insightful seminars, thrilling entertainment, and the latest fitness products.

The story of the Arnold Sports Festival traces back to 1970 when Columbus sports promoter Jim Lorimer extended an invitation to a promising Austrian bodybuilder named Arnold Schwarzenegger. He invited Schwarzenegger to compete in the Mr. World contest, which was taking place alongside the World Weightlifting Championships that year.

Schwarzenegger emerged triumphant, not only winning the contest but also earning $1,000. He made a promise to return to Columbus one day and collaborate with Lorimer to promote the sport of bodybuilding. True to his word, Schwarzenegger continued his dominance by capturing the Mr. Olympia title every year between 1970 and 1975.

In 1989, Schwarzenegger and Lorimer took their partnership to new heights by founding the Arnold Classic, a significant milestone in the journey of the festival. Prior to that, they had already successfully promoted the Mr. Olympia contest in Columbus six times between 1976 and 1986.

As Schwarzenegger assumed the role of Chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, he entrusted Lorimer with expanding the Arnold Classic weekend's scope to incorporate other sports. Martial arts and gymnastics were among the first disciplines to be added, ushering in an era of diversified athletic excellence.

Year after year, the Arnold Sports Festival continued to grow, embracing new events and capturing the spirit of athletic achievement. In 2006, the weekend was officially renamed the Arnold Sports Festival to reflect its expanded reach and diverse offerings. The passing of Jim Lorimer in 2022 marked a poignant moment, but his legacy lives on through the vision and dedication of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who carries forward the essence of the festival.

As we celebrate its 36th Anniversary, the festival remains a testament to the enduring spirit of athleticism and the transformative power of fitness. It serves as a gathering place for athletes, enthusiasts, and fitness lovers from around the world to showcase their passion and drive for health and wellness.

The festival's diverse lineup includes strength and Olympic sports, seven IFBB Pro League contests, and the awe-inspiring Arnold Strongman Classic. The inclusion of the captivating Arnold Strongwoman Competition showcases the strength and skill of women athletes.

As we commemorate 36 remarkable years of the Arnold Sports Festival, we honor the legacy of Jim Lorimer, the vision of Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the collective spirit of all those who have contributed to its growth and success.