In the world of bodybuilding, Larry Scott is a legend. He was the first ever Mr. Olympia, and he helped popularize the sport in the 1960s. In an era where most bodybuilders were lean and sinewy, Scott’s massive muscles and symmetrical physique set him apart from the competition. With his movie star good looks, Scott was also one of the first bodybuilders to project an image of strength and sex appeal.
But Scott’s legacy goes beyond his accomplishments in the gym. He was also a successful businessman, launching a line of fitness products and opening his chain of gyms. His entrepreneurial spirit paved the way for future bodybuilders to make a living outside competition.
At 79 years old, Larry Scott is still an icon in the bodybuilding community. In this article, we’ll look at his life and career, from his humble beginnings to his status as a true pioneer in the fitness world.
Larry Scott’s Early Life
Larry Scott was born in 1938 in Blackfoot, Idaho. From an early age, he was fascinated by musclemen like Charles Atlas and Steve Reeves. As a teenager, he started working out with weights in his garage. Within a few years, he had made impressive gains, developing a physique that would soon make him famous.
After high school, Larry Scott moved to California to pursue his dream of becoming a professional bodybuilder. He started training at Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, which quickly became ground zero for the emerging sport of bodybuilding. Gold’s was where all the top athletes worked out, and it wasn’t long before Scott found himself rubbing shoulders with future legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu.
Scott’s Bodybuilding Career
In 1961, Larry Scott made his professional debut at the Mr. America contest. Though he didn’t win the overall title, he did take home first place in the Most Muscular Man competition. This victory put him on the map as one of the top up-and-coming bodybuilders in the world.
Scott won his first major title three years after defeating Sergio Olivia when he was crowned Mr. Olympia—bodybuilding’s ultimate prize. He successfully defended his Olympia title in 1966, making him the first-ever two-time winner of the prestigious event. Though he retired from competition soon afterward, his legacy as one of bodybuilding’s all-time greats was already cemented.
After retiring from competition, Scott focused on business ventures within the fitness industry. He launched a line of highly successful weightlifting equipment and opened a chain of exercise studios across America called Larry Scott’s Supreme Gyms. These Gyms were designed to be more welcoming to women than traditional weightlifting clubs, which were often seen as intimidating masculine environments. By making exercise more accessible to women, Scott helped pave the way for future generations of female bodybuilders.
Today, nearly 50 years after winning his first Olympia title, Larry Scott remains an icon within the fitness world. At 79 years old, he still gives speeches and makes public appearances, sharing his wisdom with a new generation of aspiring athletes. Thanks to pioneers like Larry Scott, bodybuilding has become one of the most popular sports in America.
The Last Word on Larry Scott, the Original Mr. Olympia
Before there was Arnold or Lee, there was Larry Scott. Larry truly deserved the title “Mr . Olympia .” Not only was he successful as a competitive athlete, but he also made significant contributions to the fitness world through his business ventures. He inspires anyone who wants to achieve greatness in whatever field they choose.