Sergio Oliva facts for kids

Sergio Oliva (born July 4, 1941 – died November 12, 2012) was a famous Cuban-American bodybuilder. People often called him The Myth because of his amazing body and strength. He won the top bodybuilding title, Mr. Olympia, three times in a row.

Early Life in Cuba

Sergio Oliva was born on July 4, 1941, in Guantanamo, Cuba. When he was a teenager, he started training in weightlifting. After only one year, Sergio could lift more than 400 pounds! This was a huge achievement.

His incredible strength caught the eye of the Cuban government. They chose Sergio to represent Cuba in the 1962 Central America and Caribbean Games. These games were held in Jamaica.

Seeking Freedom in America

While in Jamaica, Sergio made a brave decision. He quietly left his living quarters when the guards were not looking. He ran as fast as he could to the American consulate. There, he asked for political asylum, which means he asked for protection and the right to stay in the United States.

Soon after, 65 other Cubans also sought asylum. This group included all of Cuba's weightlifting team and their security guards! Sergio soon moved to Miami, Florida. He started a new life working as a TV repairman.

Life as a Bodybuilding Legend

After moving to the United States, Sergio Oliva became a professional bodybuilder. He was 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed about 225–245 pounds during competitions. He went on to win the Mr. Olympia title three years in a row!

Mr. Olympia Wins

• In 1968, Sergio won his second Mr. Olympia title. No one else even competed against him that year.
• In 1969, he won his third Mr. Olympia. This time, he beat many strong competitors. One of them was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had already won Mr. Universe four times.

Arnold Schwarzenegger later wrote about seeing Sergio for the first time. He said Sergio was so huge and amazing that he felt defeated before they even stepped on stage. Arnold called Sergio "The Myth" because he was so impressive.

Rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger

The next year, in 1970, Arnold Schwarzenegger won his first Mr. Olympia title. He narrowly beat Sergio.

Sergio was not allowed to compete in the 1971 Mr. Olympia contest. This was because he had competed in another bodybuilding show that year. Many people thought this was unfair, especially since Arnold had competed in the same show the year before. Without Sergio, Arnold won his second Mr. Olympia easily.

In 1972, Sergio challenged Arnold again at the Mr. Olympia in Essen, West Germany. Many believed Sergio was in his best shape ever. But Arnold still won, placing Sergio in second. Arnold later said that Sergio was "in a class by himself" and had "incredible thighs, that impossibly tiny waist, those incredible triceps."

Later Career and Legacy

Sergio Oliva competed for many more years. In 1985, at 44 years old, he tried for the Mr. Olympia title one last time. He finished in 8th place.

Robert Kennedy, a famous magazine publisher, greatly admired Sergio. He called Sergio "the all-time world's greatest physique." Kennedy said Sergio had wide shoulders and a narrow waist, making him look better than other bodybuilders of his time. He believed Sergio was the most "genetically gifted" bodybuilder ever. Sergio set a new standard for the sport.

Personal Life

• Sergio Oliva worked as a police officer for the city of Chicago. He served from 1976 until 2003.
• His son, Sergio Oliva Jr., is also a professional bodybuilder. He has competed in major shows like Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic.

Death

Sergio Oliva passed away on November 12, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois. He was 71 years old. His death was caused by kidney failure. Sergio was the first Mr. Olympia champion to die. Other Mr. Olympia winners who have passed away include:

• Larry Scott – March 8, 2014
• Franco Columbu – August 30, 2019
• Shawn Rhoden – November 6, 2021
• Chris Dickerson – December 23, 2021

Bodybuilding Titles

• 1963 Mr Chicago – 1st
• 1964 Mr Illinois – 1st
• 1964 Mr America / AAU – 7th
• 1965 Junior Mr America / AAU – 2nd + “Most Muscular” trophy
• 1965 Mr America / AAU – 4th + “Most Muscular” trophy
• 1966 Junior Mr America / AAU – 1st + “Most Muscular” trophy
• 1966 Mr America / AAU – 2nd + “Most Muscular” trophy
• 1966 Mr World / IFBB – 1st in the “Tall” category + Overall Winner
• 1966 Mr Universe / IFBB – 1st
• 1966 Mr. Olympia / IFBB – 4th
• 1967 Mr. Olympia / IFBB – 1st
• 1967 Universe / IFBB – 1st overall
• 1968 Mr. Olympia / IFBB – 1st (uncontested)
• 1969 Mr. Olympia / IFBB – 1st
• 1970 Mr World / AAU (Pro) – 2nd in the “Tall” category
• 1970 Mr. Olympia / IFBB – 2nd
• 1971 Universe / NABBA (Pro) – 2nd in the “Tall” category
• 1972 Mr. Olympia / IFBB – 2nd
• 1972 Mr Galaxy / WBBG – 1st
• 1973 Mr International, Mr Azteca / IFBB (Pro) – 1st
• 1973 Mr Galaxy / WBBG – 1st
• 1974 Mr International / WBBG (Pro) – 1st
• 1975 Mr Olympus / WBBG – 1st
• 1976 Mr Olympus / WBBG – 1st
• 1977 Pro World Championships / WABBA – 1st
• 1978 Mr Olympus / WBBG – 1st
• 1980 Pro World Championships / WABBA – 1st
• 1980 Professional World cup / WABBA – 1st
• 1981 Professional World Cup / WABBA – 1st
• 1984 Mr. Olympia / IFBB – 8th
• 1984 Professional Mid-States Championships / WABBA – 1st
• 1985 Mr. Olympia / IFBB – 8th

See also

• List of male professional bodybuilders