The irony that bodybuilding's first professional event should be named after a brand of beer was not lost on Larry Scott, a practicing Mormon whose religion forbid the consumption of alcohol, when he jokingly asked Joe Weider "What, you're going to name this contest I want to win after a beer?" "This contest", however, was not, of course, named after the beer itself, but the associated Olympus, home to the perfectly developed and immortal Gods and Goddesses of Greek mythology.
1965 Mr. Olympia, Larry Scott.The bodybuilders who Joe envisioned walking onstage at his show would similarly prove otherworldly in the physical development they would show. And so it was at the very first contest: Larry Scott - a Mr. Universe, Mr. World and Mr. America champion - with his trademark arms and tiny waist and to applause that arguably has not been witnessed since.Larry Scott demonstrated a physique significantly more advanced in muscle mass, aesthetics and conditioning compared to his closest rival; and this was no walkover considering second place was eventually awarded to the legendary Harold Poole, a man whose bodybuilding credentials (including the breaking of the race barrier with acknowledgement as first black Mr. America in 1963) have secured his place in the IFBB Hall Of Fame and his name as one of the bodybuilding immortals Joe had first envisaged when he named his event. At 21 years old Harold was, and remains, the youngest man to ever contest the Mr. Olympia.
Harold Poole, The Youngest Man To Ever Contest The Mr. Olympia.
Arguably the most important of all Mr. Olympia competitions, the 1965 event helped solidify bodybuilding's future as a legitimate force in professional sports and capitalized on the growing popularity organized bodybuilding had achieved as a viable option for champions wishing to further their sporting careers and heighten their physical success.
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