He came ready to conquer and indeed did so with a near-perfect physique that is still considered today as being one of the most symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing of all time.Though smaller than his closest competition by a good 15-20 pounds, Zane disproved the adage that a 'good big man will beat a good small man' with a flawless, polished display of physical magnificence never before seen on the Olympia stage. Placing second was Robinson with master poser Ed Corney coming hard on the heels of the Black Prince to round out the top three.In '78, and with 12 competitors to contend with, Frank Zane again had his hands full with Robby Robinson, who that year was tipped as the one competitor likely overthrow the champ.Again proving that quality over quantity will win out every time (especially within bodybuilding) Frank Zane won his second Mr. Olympia title in as many years, again edging out Robinson who had to settle for second once more. Though Zane had shown he was the best bodybuilder in the world, his greatest showing would arguably come in '79.As Zane prepared for his second title defense he could not have imagined a bodybuilder no less imposing as Mr. Heavy Duty himself, Mike Mentzer, to contend with, and so was born another great bodybuilding rivalry that would continue into the 1980's.In a contest that Zane considers his best ever, he faced tough opposition, not only in Mentzer - the largest man in the contest, with probably the densest muscle development seen up until that point - but with Robinson and promising newcomer, Chris Dickerson. Nevertheless, Zane was awarded his third Sandow along with the distinction, and added pressure, of being the man to beat in 1980.Says Zane of his third title win, his ability to not only outmuscle, but outsmart the opposition, and what he considers to be his best showing yet: "In '79, it was close between me and Mike Mentzer. I was behind going into the evening posing round, but I also knew I was going to win. I hadn't been compared to Mentzer and I knew that when we were, all the work I had put in would show and I would beat him."I knew Mike didn't pose too well. What happened was that Mike watched me pose, and when it came [to be] his turn he imitated each of my poses. That was perfect for me; it was follow the leader."Out of the three Mr. Olympia's it (the best) would have to be the last one. I think in 1979 I was in my best shape of all time considering everything. I had some really good years but I think '79 was my best year as far as combining size and shape. Just having it all together."
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