Tom Platz used poses he saw from Arnold during his first-ever show.
Tom Platz competed against Arnold Schwarzenegger during his career but as he was coming up, Platz used the all-time great as inspiration. During a recent video on social media, Platz explained how Arnold inspired him during his first competition.
“I was living as if I was Arnold at that time, only I was Tom Platz, but I mimicked Arnold.”
Platz, who also goes by the names “The Golden Eagle” and “The Quadfather”, was a 70s and 80s era bodybuilder. He even stepped on the Mr. Olympia stage from 1979 to 1986, competing against some of the best to ever step on stage.
Although Tom Platz never won a Mr. Olympia, this does not take away from how impressive his physique was on the stage, and he even managed to secure a third place finish in 1981, which was a stacked Olympia. Platz’s bodybuilding career is still remembered and celebrated by fans of the sport, with many aiming to train with the same intensity as him.
Tom Platz Talks Inspiration From Arnold Schwarzenegger
Platz first stepped on stage at 16 years old at the Mr. Iron Man competition. Here, he saw a picture of Sergio Oliva and was immediately taken back. As he continued to work toward his overall goals, Platz used Arnold as inspiration.
“I put my arms over my head like Arnold did and sort of bowed like Arnold did. And learned my own movement of how I wanted to do that and how I wanted to finish my posing routine.”
@tomplatzofficial My first bodybuilding competition, Mr. Ironman,1971. I was 16. Video Credit to Jordan Joly, Exclusive Media Host. Instagram @ tomplatz #theQuadSensei #5MoreReps #ClanPlatz #DareDtoDream #LEGenDArY #NoRegrets #theGoldenEagle #ftp #fypage #MyPurpose #StoryTelling @revdrcha @Cardillo Weight Belts ♬ Storytelling – Adriel
Platz was familiar with Schwarzenegger and his style of poses on stage. At 16 years old, this is what Platz attempted to mimic in his first show.
“My first bodybuilding contest, Mr. Iron Man, I had my whole gym class there and I told Rob to tell all the guys to go crazy when I walk out. Tell them to stomp and clap and yell and scream and I was emulating what I saw Arnold do on CBS Wide World of Sports.”
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