Sergio Oliva: the legendary Myth in the world of bodybuilding

Three-time winner of the title “ Mr. Olympia ”, from the distant past - Sergio Oliva, although he left our world, many athletes and fans remember him to this day.

A guy from the island of Cuba , born on the significant day when the United States became an independent country, July 4, 1942. This is probably why he valued freedom of speech and could not live under the dictatorial rule of Fidel Castro . It was for this reason that at the first opportunity, the guy left his homeland.

Anthropometric data

• Height: 178 cm
• Competition weight: 102 kg
• Biceps circumference: 54 cm
• Chest circumference: 140 cm
• Waist circumference: 75cm
• Thigh circumference: 73 cm
• Shin: 47 cm
• Nickname: myth (for the phenomenal amount of muscle mass)

Anthropometry Sergio Oliva

Useful acquaintances

In 1963, the guy migrates to Chicago. Having found himself among bodybuilders and getting acquainted with the programs of champions, the young bodybuilder realized that he was not ready to conquer the sports Olympus. He convinced himself that the rewards could wait, but for now he would gain experience from the professionals. Soon he meets Bob Gadja, the most popular bodybuilder in the state of Illinois. Bob saw great potential in Sergio and willingly took him under his wing. The calculation turned out to be correct. Systematic training and the professionalism of the mentor allowed us to make significant progress in a short time and increase our luxurious volume:

• with a height of 178 cm;
• biceps diameter was 54 cm;
• waist - 75 cm;
• thigh circumference was 73 cm;
• chest - 140 cm.

Sergio has built up fantastic volumes thanks to genetics, steroids, hard work and the will to win.

However, the relief of the arms was not detailed; the deltoids were inferior in development to the back and biceps and were lost against their background. In addition, Oliva did not know how to pose under the spotlights and emphasize his advantages, but this did not stop him from winning prizes year after year.

Childhood and youth

The boy had a chance to gain strength since childhood. At first, Sergio Oliva worked diligently on large plantations where sugar cane grew, and while at school, he seriously took up barbells, starting with weightlifting .

At a young age, he was already a member of the Cuban combined , and a few years later he completely switched to bodybuilding, devoting the rest of his life to it. His muscles grew by leaps and bounds , only 6 months passed, and Sergio Oliva was already proud of his forms.

Sergio Oliva poses with other athletes

Goodbye Cuba!

Being a phenomenally gifted athlete, Sergio became interested in weightlifting. The Cuban leadership decided to send Oliva as part of the Cuban weightlifting team. Take part in the Central American Games in Jamaica to raise the country's prestige. Sergio Oliva won. Typing in total:

in the clean and jerk 401.5 kg. with a weight of 90 kg. In Jamaica, Sergio Oliva experienced what a free life means. A significant difference in contrast to Cuban totalitarianism and poverty. Sergio decides not to return to his homeland anymore. Decides to emigrate to the USA. So says one of the versions of his escape.

History of competition performances

To become a myth...

Training must be made the meaning of existence, and one must survive 18 serious injuries, including fractures and surgery to remove a meniscus. And sport was the main core of Sergio’s life, which the athlete himself repeatedly emphasized. He was a lucky guy.

His nature accompanied him in everything, the speed with which his muscles grew amazed even himself. Until now, no one in the world of bodybuilding has such extremely toned arms and backs. And even in old age, Oliva admired everyone with his masculine beauty, behaved with dignity, and was in excellent physical shape.

If, on his first visit to the gym, he, who had never been involved in sports before, immediately lifted a barbell of 106 kilograms, then what can we say about his future career!

Oliva was strong, created trend standards, and if sometimes he did not get medals, he got glory. By his own admission, Sergio’s record in the deadlift is over 270 kilograms, in the squat - 245, and the athlete could bench press 235 kilograms. Oliva practiced both blocks and free weights.

By 1970, and this was the time of his heyday, Sergio had developed a training program, which he then followed constantly. In his youth in his homeland, he was involved in weightlifting and was even the captain of the Cuban national team, but bodybuilding was banned on Liberty Island.

And in the Chicago gym, not knowing English at first, the athlete simply copied the athletes’ exercises, without being able to clarify or ask. And it’s necessary! God led him, he did not receive a single injury, although out of ignorance he trained all his muscles at once.

It turns out that Sergio intuitively found the right path for himself, gradually increasing the volume of training. He only adjusted the load for different muscle groups. And the weights were considerable.

Bodybuilding career

Having become the number one bodybuilder in Cuba, Sergio continues his crushing victories; it seemed that fate itself was telling the champion to further develop his talent, and in 1961, thanks to participation in the Pan American Games held in the USA, he remained in the states. Having asked for political asylum , the athlete lived in the city of Miami for 2 years and did not disdain even the most humiliating work.

Bodybuilding career

Already in 1963, the bodybuilder settled in Chicago , immediately signed up for a gym and, thanks to local star Bob Gudge, took his training seriously. Competent and systematic exercises significantly increased his muscles , at the end of the year Sergio Oliva took part in competitions among juniors held in Chicago, where he won a victory that spurred him on to more and more victories in bodybuilding.

The next goal of the young athlete was the Mr. America and in 1965, he managed to win a silver medal. This victory opened up great prospects, he was recognized by many bodybuilding stars, and most importantly, this victory brought him to the IFBB . The following year, 1966, Sergio Oliva deservedly receives the title of Mr. World and appears on the Olympia , where he takes 4th place.

The loudest 1967, at the Mr. Universe competition, the athlete wins in the absolute tall . The second attempt to climb to the top of Olympia becomes successful, and Sergio Oliva managed to win back in 1968 and 1969. In 1970, a new bodybuilding star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, appeared, who pushed Sergio into the background.

Sergio Oliva in bodybuilding

A slightly upset Cuban went underground for a whole year and gruelingly prepared for the 1972 Olympia, but still could not beat Schwarzenegger and again took 2nd place.

In his weight category, Sergio Oliva brilliantly wins the Mr. International , but due to the fact that his IFBB membership was not valid at that time, he was removed from the competition. From that time on, the bodybuilder decided to give up performing; he worked as a trainer and continued to work in the police . At 43 years old, the athlete returned to the Olympia and came away with 8th place, surpassing such phenomenal athletes as Tom Platz, Chris Dickerson, and Robbie Robinson.

Transition to professional status

Sergio Oliva defeats Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Closer to 66, Oliva decides to end her amateur career and turn professional, becoming a member of the International Federation of Bodybuilding, abbreviated as IFBB. And so titles rained down on him as if from a cornucopia. Literally immediately he gets the title “Mr. World”. A year later he is already “Mr. Universe”, and at the same time “Mr. Olympia”. By the way, Oliva became the first black athlete to achieve this outstanding achievement. It’s mind-blowing - just four years of performing on the podium - and already the king of bodybuilders!

Oliva is praised from all sides, admired, compared with the best strongmen of the time - Larry Scott and Bill Pearl. In ’68, the bodybuilder, nicknamed “The Myth,” confirms his level by once again becoming the best at the Mr. Olympia competition with an even more impressive result. And only in 1969, Oliva found a worthy opponent in the person of the Austrian Arnold Schwarzenegger. In ’69, Oliva remained on the podium, but in ’70, Arnie left Sergio behind.

The temporary setback only provoked the Cuban, and he began to train with tripled energy. The public is completely delighted when in 1972 they see Oliva with increased muscle definition. It seems that none of the performers can compare with Oliva’s power, but again the ambitious Austrian beat him. Sergio was shocked and couldn’t believe his eyes: what, the second one again? At first it seemed that politics had intervened in the matter - after all, Arnie performed practically at home - in Germany.

But everything turned out to be much more prosaic: Oliva, who was not accustomed to the role of the second, was worried that the “green” opponent was behaving like a real king - businesslike and without unnecessary fuss. Confused by the psychological attack of the Austrian, Sergio begins to make irreparable mistakes: at the moment when he “Myth” is intensively warming up, his opponent is resting. And even more than that, as if mocking him, instead of training he orders a portion of fried potatoes with ketchup, Oliva’s amazement knows no bounds: what is he doing?

At the end of the competition, there are only two competitors left - and these two are Arnold and Sergio. Both athletes were tired of posing and did not know how to get out of this situation. Then Arnold approached his opponent and whispered in his ear: let’s finish, let’s leave the stage as much as possible! Oliva moved off the podium, Arnie lagging behind him a little... and then turned around and remained on stage. The audience understood this as the surrender of the Cuban and began to chant: “Arnie, Arnie!” Oliva realized that he had been duped, but it was too late. The judges awarded first place to the future Terminator.

The proud Oliva could not bear such a humiliating blow: in his hearts he interrupted his membership in the professional association of bodybuilders and left it for 12 years. In return, he joins other bodybuilding organizations - these are WABBA and WBBG. At the same time, he makes his debut as a coach. And indeed, he has something to pass on to his wards - colossal experience.

Training program from Sergio Oliva

Sergio Oliva is a follower of intuitive training , in addition, he also believes that exercises taken from powerlifting are best for growing muscle mass, and recommends doing them to all beginners who want to build a muscular body.

Training program

In his training programs, Sergio likes to use high-intensity approaches, supersets , with little rest, according to the 5x5 .

Only 6 training days per week, the last day of the week is rest.

Sergio Oliva in the gym

Monday

the pectoral muscles on this day .

• Set #1: Bench Press 200 lbs x 8, 15 reps of Chin Ups
• Set #2: Bench Press 220 lbs x 8, 15 reps of chin-ups
• Set #3: Bench Press 260 lbs x 8, 10 reps of Chin Ups
• Set #4: Bench Press 300 lbs x 8, 10 reps of Chin Ups
• Set #5: Bench Press 320 lbs x 8, 8 reps of chin-ups
• Set #6: Bench Press 350 lbs x 8, 8 reps of Chin Ups
• Set #7: Bench Press 380 lbs x 8, 5 reps of Chin Ups

Plus 5 different swing and bend exercises with 80 pound dumbbells.

Tuesday

On this day, the emphasis is on the biceps , triceps , and shoulders .

• Abs – 5 sets x 15 reps with 200 lbs.
• Barbell Curls with Cheat – 5 sets x 5 reps with 200 lbs.
• French Press – 5 sets x 5 reps with 200 lbs.
• Scott Bench Curls – 5 sets x 10 reps with 150 lbs.
• Scott Bench Dumbbell Curls – 5 sets x 5 reps with 60 lbs.
• Seated French Press - 5 sets x 5 reps with 60 lbs.

Sergio Oliva trains shoulders
Wednesday

the calf muscles, abdominal muscles and back are pumped .

• Bent-Knee Press - 10 sets x 50 reps
• Hanging Leg Raises – 5 sets x 20 reps
• Side Bends with Weight Behind the Neck – 5 sets x 200 reps
• Barbell Squats – 300 lbs x 5 reps
• Squats 400 lb x 5 reps
• Squats 440 lb x 5 reps
• Squats 470 lb x 5 reps
• Squats 500 lbs x 4 reps
• Standing Calf Raise – 10 sets x 8 reps with 300 lbs.

Thursday

This day is dedicated to the development of shoulders , back and chest .

• Bench Press – 200 lbs x 5 reps
• Bench Press 220 lbs x 5 reps
• Bench Press 260 lbs x 5 reps
• Bench Press 300 lb x 5 reps
• Bench Press 320 lb x 5 reps
• Bench Press 350 lb x 5 reps
• Bench Press 380 lbs x 5 reps
• Barbell Overhead Press – 5 sets x 5 reps with 250 lbs.
• Seated press performed with 80-pound dumbbells, did not disclose further details
• Dips – 5 sets x 8 reps

Sergio Oliva and Joe Weider in the gym
Friday

On this day, work was done on the muscles of the back and arms .

• Abs – 3 sets x 5 reps with 200 lbs.
• Barbell Curls with Cheat – 3 sets x 5 reps with 200 lbs.
• French Press – 3 sets x 5 reps with 200 lbs.
• Scot Triceps Bench Press – 3 sets x 5 reps with 200 lbs.
• Dumbbell and Overhead Presses – 3 sets x 5 reps with 50 lbs.
• Head Pull-Ups – 5 sets x 5 reps
• Chest Pull-Ups - 5 sets x 5 reps

Saturday

Sergio Oliva trains biceps

The last training day of the week is devoted to the development of the abdominal muscles , back and leg .

• Bent-Knee Press - 5 sets x 10 reps
• Lying Leg Raises – 5 sets x 10 reps
• Side Bends with Weight Behind the Neck – 5 sets x 50 reps
• Barbell Squats – 3 sets x 3 reps with 300 lbs.
• Barbell Squats 2 sets x 3 reps with 400 lbs.
• Barbell Squats 3 sets x 20 reps with 250 lbs.
• Front Squats – 5 sets x 10 reps with 200 lbs.
• Seated Calf Raise – 5 sets x 5 reps with 200 lbs.

Escape from the country

In 1959, a revolution occurs in Cuba, and Fidel Castro comes to power for many years. Intuitively, Sergio has a presentiment that he is not on the right track with the new regime. And then he plans to escape from Liberty Island - to where, according to his ideas, there is real freedom - in the USA.

The plan came true thanks to the athlete’s participation in the Pan American Games with the national team. This tournament in 1961 was held in Jamaica, and from there it’s a stone’s throw to the States. Successful performance at the tournament spurred Oliva to take decisive action. Seizing the moment, he rushes to the American embassy and asks for political asylum. This is how Sergio’s dream comes true to be in a country in which every talented person is able to realize himself to the fullest.

True, the reality is that in America every emigrant has to prove his worth and overcome various difficulties. The prose of life opened up before the twenty-year-old Cuban: he did not immediately get used to everyday unsettled conditions and a constant lack of money. At first, finding himself in Miami, he had to forget about bodybuilding for a while and work in different places: first, he worked on unloading goods, then in a television studio, repairing televisions. The path was not strewn with roses, but Sergio did not give up.

Two years later, the emigrant leaves his home in Miami and moves to Illinois. This is where he finally gets to do what he loves - pumping iron and perfecting his physique. He is taken under the wing of a local muscleman, who later became the owner of the title “Mr. America”, Bob Gadja. Bob recognizes significant potential in the young emigrant, generously shares his training methods and promises that an unprecedented triumph awaits Sergio!

And indeed, Oliva’s muscles grew by leaps and bounds. The persistence of the former Cuban citizen was not in vain. For the first time he won the competition called “Mr. Chicago” all in the same year 63

Experts immediately noticed a black bodybuilder with ideal body proportions

Sergio Oliva Jr.

Sergio Oliva has two sons, the youngest of them was born on October 20, 1984 and decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and conquer Olympia, although he was seen as a lawyer in another matter, but genes, so to speak, took their toll.

It is worth noting that the youngest son of Sergio Oliva is making good progress in bodybuilding (his height is 183 cm, weight 113 kg, he has already become the absolute champion at NPC Nationals 2015 ) and who knows, maybe we will all see him in the near future at the Mr. Olympia competition.

At the age of 71, on November 12, 2012, the bodybuilder nicknamed “The Myth” died of kidney failure.

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Who beat Arnie

Cuban Sergio Oliva found an opportunity to leave Cuba when he was 22 years old. At home, he was involved in weightlifting, spent time in the gym, in America he repaired televisions and served in the police for over 25 years, while simultaneously practicing athletics.

At the age of 44 he left professional sports.

And for 22 years in the bodybuilding profession, he managed to become famous as “Mr. Chicago” (1963), “Mr. Illinois” (1964), second place at “Mr. America” (1965), at the Mr. World and Mr. Universe (1966), fourth place at Mr. Olympia (1966), Mr. World (1966), Mr. Universe (1967), Mr. Olympia (1967).

In 1969, Arnold Schwarzenegger, a debutant in the main competitive forum, lost first place to Sergio Oliva. This was the only person whom Iron Arnie allowed to do this. No one else!

He received everything from higher powers, who gave him excellent genetics to become the king of this sport. In addition to natural physical abilities, he had willpower, a desire to win, and colossal capacity for work.

Fans were waiting for Sergio Oliva's appearance on the catwalks as a revelation. And that was it. His muscle mass grew as if in spite of his efforts. It is impossible to take your eyes off the numerous photos of the athlete. How did he do this to himself? Let's look at the video.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=W5k_ccxA4zI

It was impossible to add or subtract. And the young people were pressing, the younger comrade on the podium did not want to let Oliva go ahead. The young Austrian Arnold was making a name for himself in bodybuilding.

And when in 1970 and 1972 he pushed the king of bodybuilding from the throne to second place, it hit the pride of Oliva, who moved into another category - he became a coach, trained his son Sergio Oliva Jr., starred in two films in 1975 and 1977, wrote book "The Myth of Sergio Oliva".

In 1984 and 1985, after a 12-year absence from professional competitions, Sergio tried to take revenge. However, he only got eighth place. Friends joked, calling it the Eighth Wonder of the World. It was apparently not his time anymore. He was lucky to survive after being shot five times in the stomach and arm. His ex-wife shot at Mif, and three children, two daughters and a son, who remained with their father after the divorce, nursed him. Sergio Oliva died of kidney failure at the age of 71 in Chicago, Illinois.

What does "Myth" mean?

If you look at the meaning of the word, then on the one hand it seems to be suitable for a flattering nickname. A myth is information about something or someone significant that happened a long time ago, but remains in the memory of mankind. For example, the tale of a hero equal to God. Something like the legend about the exploits of Hercules or the epic about Ilya of Murom. On the other hand, the word “myth” is sometimes used as a synonym for the words “falsehood” and “fiction”.

In short, whoever dubbed Sergio Oliva with this epithet most likely meant that the Cuban, although a hero, was fictitious, not a real winner, prize-winner and all that. It’s clear why the nickname infuriated the athlete.

Black power

At the peak of his form, young Sergio Oliva starred in the film: “El Poder Negro” (Black Power). In the film, Sergio plays a longshoreman named Pedro who works in the port of Caracas. Pedro witnessed weapons smuggling. And now, he is forced to defend himself from the attack of bandits. He kills one of the smugglers and ends up in prison. At the same time, a wrestler nicknamed “A Thousand Masks” comes on tour. He is looking for a strong guy for his partner. In the newspaper, the wrestler sees a photograph of Pedro and understands that he is exactly the one he needs. A thousand masks seek Pedro's release. Now among the wrestlers there is a new giant nicknamed “Black Power”. This state of affairs does not suit the bandits. The famous singer Mariela falls in love with Pedro, who is courted by the gang leader himself... I don’t know how it ended, I’m not good at Spanish.

Here he is, the great and fearless bodybuilder Sergio “Cuban Myth” Oliva. After completing his sports career, he spent 25 years working in the police. He left this world at the age of 72, on November 12, 2012.

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Olympic intrigue

Many thought it was all related to racial discrimination. The real reason was different. Sergio was an independent and stubborn person, which the IFBB management did not like. Oliva played for other organizations and in European tournaments. He didn't like the Vader brothers' monopoly. They forbade athletes to participate wherever they wished. The Mr. Olympia competition was held in Paris. Serge Nubret was responsible for organizing the competition. Nybre was an honest man and also did not follow the Vaders' lead. He invited Oliva to participate in the competition. The IFBB leadership urged Nybre to award the victory to Arnold. A lot of money was invested in its promotion. Nyubre replied: the worthy one will win and there will be no rigging the results of the competition. In this situation, Arnold had no chance of winning. Naturally, “Myth” was not aware of all these matters and acted as a guest, and not as a participant. Arnold won. After the tournament, Arnold said: “I didn’t deserve the victory!

Deceased bodybuilders

I compiled the list of deceased bodybuilders from the knowledge and news that reached me, if my list is not complete, then write additions in the comments to the article, indicating the name and surname of the athlete, the date of death and its cause.

The purpose of creating such a gloomy list is not to instill fear in young boys and girls, but only to draw their attention to the fact that this sport, like any other, of course, borders on health risks. You need to take care of yourself from a young age.

So……

Mike Mentzer - died in 2001, at the age of 49. The cause of death was a complication of the heart. I am remembered for having developed a training program that is still used today.

Ray Mentzer - died in 2001, at the age of 47. The cause of death was Berger's disease, in other words, cholesterol blockage of the artery. The brother of the famous Mike Mentzer - professed the principles of training his brother.

Ron Teufel - died in 2002 at the age of 45. The cause of death was liver failure. Evil tongues say that steroids killed the guy.

Scott Klein - died in 2003, at the age of 30. The cause of death was kidney failure, which pushed the young and promising guy to commit suicide.

Sonny Schmidt - died in 2004, at the age of 51. The cause of death is cancer. He is remembered for the scandal due to the fact that he was caught smuggling cocaine from Mexico City to Australia, where the guy was flying to a bodybuilding tournament. Won the Master of Olympia tournament in 1995.

Robert Benavente - died in 2004, at the age of 30. The cause of death was a heart attack. The cause of a heart attack at age thirty raises many questions.

Charles Durr - died in 2005, at the age of 44. The cause of death is an enlarged heart. They said that it was a congenital defect, but there is an opinion that this happened as a result of overloading the body with intense training and steroids.

Don Youngblood - died in 2005, at the age of 51. The cause of death was heart attack. Twice he rose to first and second place at the Master of Olympia tournament and took part in Mr. Olympia 2002 where he placed 25th in the overall standings.

Paul Demayo - died in 2005, at the age of 38. The cause of death was a heroin overdose. Participated in Mr. Olympia 1995 where he took 12th place.

Fanny Barrios - died on August 7, 2005, at the age of 41. The cause of death was stroke. She took part in the Mrs. Olympia tournament three times and won bronze in 2002. Originally from Venezuela.

This is what the top ten list of deceased bodybuilders looks like, as we see there is a woman among them. The reasons are all somewhat predictable - heart attack, stroke, liver and kidneys. In general, one gets the impression that 2001 – 2005 were somehow very strange. But let's continue...

Eric Otero - died in 2006 at the age of 37. The cause of death was an infection that entered the bloodstream from a rotting tooth. Ridiculous death. The talented guy withered away in just a week. He was found by relatives in his own apartment.

Eduardo Kavak - died in 2006, at the age of 47. The cause of death was heart attack. The guy has four Olympias behind him with the best result – 8th place in 1987 and a host of other tournaments.

Rob Sager - died in 2007 at the age of 29. The cause of death was heart attack. A very young boy, fitness model, gay porn actor. Also known as Brett Mycles. His photos were often featured on the covers of fitness and bodybuilding magazines.

Greg Deferro - died in 2007 at the age of 53. The cause of death was heart disease, heart attack.

Dan Puckett - died in 2007, aged just 22. The cause of death was heart attack. Well, it’s generally incomprehensible how one can lose a heart at such an age. But the fact remains a fact.

Shelley Beattie - died in 2008, at the age of 39. The cause of death was suicide caused by a depressive state that lasted more than six weeks. The poor guy had struggled with manic depression all his life and at the same time managed to participate and win in an incredible number of tournaments.

Joe Meeko - died in 2009 at the age of 48. The cause of death was Lyme disease caused by a tick bite.

Luke Wood - died in 2011, aged 35. The cause of death was acute renal failure.

Carlos Rodriguez - died in 1991, at the age of 48. The cause of death was throat cancer.

Mohammed Benaziza - died in 1992, at the age of 33. The cause of death was an injection of low-quality clenbuterol. For several days the guy complained of shortness of breath and pain, but he never went to the hospital, he thought it would pass... Mohammed has a huge number of tournaments behind him and two fifth places at the Olympias in 89 and 92.

This is how the second ten of the list of deceased bodybuilders ended, as we see, the reasons are different, but all sudden. I especially feel sorry for Mohammed Benaziz, who showed great promise. He was talked about as a new phenomenon in bodybuilding at that time.

Ray McNeil - died in 1995 at the age of 29. Cause of death: he was killed by his own wife. Sally McMillan shot Ray with a 12-gauge shotgun, firing two shots, the first in the stomach and the second in the head. Two children from their first marriage managed to run into the street, this saved them. The wife calmly waited for the police and surrendered to justice. Large doses of steroids were found in the blood of the spouses, which gave the right to claim an outburst of rage in a family dispute.

Andreas Münzer - died in 1996, at the age of 31. The cause of death was liver and then kidney failure, roughly speaking, organ failure. The guy has an incredible and dizzying career behind him.