Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger proves how strong he still is in new video on his ‘drop kick’ attack
Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger has always been strong ever since he dreamed of becoming a professional muscleman when he was barely in his teens.
At his bodybuilding peak and on his way to becoming a seven-time Mr Olympia, the Austrian Oak could bench press 500 pounds (226kg), deadlift loads more while showing feats of strengths that saw him hold numerous lifting records all over Europe.
His squats and deadlifts with his great friend, Franco Colombu, are the stuff of legends. Heck, he even managed to carry an entire tree trunk on his shoulders in Commando ... but that’s just make-believe Hollywood style.
Schwarzenegger might be past his prime at 71 but he proved just how strong he still is in a new video that has emerged from the attack by a deranged fan during the Arnold Sports Festival in Sandton, Johannesburg in South Africa last weekend.
The new video, which shows a different angle and has since gone viral, clearly shows the former Governator minding his own business as he takes photos with his fans while a skipping competition is underway. Out of no where a man drop kicks him in the back.
The attack surprised even his own burly bodyguard who wrestles the fan to the ground before dragging the culprit away. The fan could be heard screaming: “Help me! Help me! I need an opportunity!”
Schwarzenegger appeared startled at first by the sudden attack but the Austrian-born American hardly flinched as he continued his ambassadorial duties moments later. Yes, that’s right. He barely moved a muscle. He later told his fans on social media that he wasn’t hurt and that he was not pressing charges against his attacker.
“Thanks for your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about,” said Schwarzenegger on Twitter. “I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot. I only realised I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat.”
A few days later, Arnie tweeted to his fans again, saying: “A lot of you have asked, but I’m not pressing charges. I hope this was a wake-up call, and he gets his life on the right track. But I’m moving on and I’d rather focus on the thousands of great athletes I met at @ArnoldSports Africa.”
Looking at the attack from a new angle provides solid evidence that the 1.88-tall, 100-kilogramme plus Schwarzenegger, even at 71, would take more than a punch or kick to hurt him.
Meanwhile, the bodybuilding icon paid tribute to his fellow Austrian, the former three-time Formula One champion, Niki Lauda, who died on Monday.
“Niki was a champion. He was an icon. He was an Austrian treasure. He was one of my dear friends. I will miss this generous, trailblazing hero with my whole heart,” tweeted Schwarzenegger
