In the world of bodybuilding, two names often stand out – Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu. These two titans of the sport not only shared the stage but also a deep and enduring friendship. Schwarzenegger, the Austrian Oak, is a household name, but Columbu, the Sardinian Strongman, was a force to be reckoned with in his own right.
Despite his smaller stature, Columbu was a powerhouse, known for his incredible feats of strength. Schwarzenegger himself has publicly acknowledged Columbu’s superior strength, a testament to the respect and admiration between the two. This article delves into the strength of Franco Columbu, exploring how he outshone even the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Said Franco Columbu Was Stronger Than Him
Schwarzenegger’s admission of Columbu’s superior strength is not just a testament to their friendship, but a recognition of Columbu’s extraordinary power. The two met at a competition in Munich in 1965, and their bond was forged in the crucible of intense training sessions.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, always the more famous of the two, never shied away from acknowledging that Columbu was “pound for pound stronger” than him. Their camaraderie was a sight to behold, a blend of competitive spirit and mutual respect. Schwarzenegger’s statement is a testament to Columbu’s strength, a tribute to a man who was not just his training partner, but his best friend.
The Powerhouse: Franco Columbu
Franco Columbu’s strength feats are the stuff of legend. He was a competitive powerlifter before he became a bodybuilder, and his best lifts are impressive. He squatted 665 pounds, bench pressed 525 pounds, and deadlifted an astounding 750 pounds. In comparison, Schwarzenegger’s best lifts were a 545-pound squat, a 500-pound bench press, and a 710-pound deadlift.
Columbu’s strength was not just limited to the gym. He also competed in the 1977 World’s Strongest Man competition, where he placed fifth despite suffering a severe knee injury during the competition. His strength feats were not just impressive; they were a testament to his indomitable spirit and determination.
Franco Columbu, the Bodybuilding Legend
Columbu’s strength was also evident in his bodybuilding career. He won the Mr. Olympia competition twice, in 1976 and 1981, and was known for his dense and muscular physique. His physique was a testament to his strength, a visual representation of the power he held. Columbu may not have been as famous as Schwarzenegger, but his legacy in the world of strength sports is undeniable.
He was a man who pushed the limits of what was possible, a man who proved that strength is not just about size, but about determination, discipline, and heart. In the end, Franco Columbu was not just a bodybuilder or a powerlifter; he was a symbol of strength, a testament to the power of the human spirit.
Source: YouTube
