Sergio Oliva
Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox bodybuilder
Sergio Oliva (Template:IPA; July 4, 1941 – November 12, 2012), often known by his epithet 'The Myth' for his physique and performance, was a Cuban American bodybuilder and three-time Mr. Olympia winner.
Early life
Sergio Oliva was born on July 4, 1941, in Guantanamo, Cuba,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> during the presidency of Fulgencio Batista. As a teenager, Sergio was able to perform clean & jerks above 400 pounds.<ref>(2012, Nov). "Sergio Oliva “The Myth” – R.I.P." Iron Man Magazine.</ref> He was selected to represent Cuba at the 1962 Central America and Caribbean Games.<ref name="Merritt">Template:Cite web</ref> While representing Cuba in Jamaica, he successfully claimed political asylum in the United States. Soon after, 65 other Cuban nationals, which included Castro's entire weightlifting team and their security guards, followed Oliva by seeking asylum in the US. In the United States Oliva lived in Miami, Florida, where he worked as a TV repairman.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Career
Oliva won the Mr. Olympia title three years from 1967 to 1969 in a row. He competed at a contest weight of 225–245 lbs. His second title in 1968 was uncontested.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> In 1969, he won his third consecutive Mr. Olympia by beating four-time Mr. Universe winner Arnold Schwarzenegger.<ref name=":0" />
Oliva was banned from competing in the 1971 IFBB Mr. Olympia competition due to the fact that he competed in the 1971 NABBA Mr. Universe, allowing Schwarzenegger to claim the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1972, Oliva challenged Schwarzenegger again for the year's Olympia in Essen, West Germany. However, he again placed second behind Schwarzenegger.<ref>"Memories Of The Myth: Greats Pay Tribute To Sergio Oliva." Bodybuilding.com.</ref>
In 1985, Oliva returned for a final attempt at the Mr. Olympia title. He finished this year in 8th place - repeating his position from the previous year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Personal life
- Oliva was a police officer in Chicago from 1976 to 2003.<ref name="Merritt" />
- In 1986, Sergio survived being shot by his then-wife Arleen Garrett. He sustained five bullet wounds to his abdomen from a .38 Special handgun.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- His son, Sergio Oliva Jr., is an IFBB Pro bodybuilder who won the 2015 NPC Nationals bodybuilding competition, and who has since competed on Mr. Olympia, Arnold Classic, and New York Pro stages.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Death
Sergio Oliva died on November 12, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois, from apparent kidney failure.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Bodybuilding titles
| Year | Level | Title/Organization | Overall Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | City | Mr. Chicago | 1st | |
| 1964 | State | Mr. Illinois | 1st | |
| 1964 | National | Mr. America / AAU | 7th | |
| 1965 | National | Junior Mr. America / AAU | 2nd | “Most Muscular” Trophy |
| 1965 | National | Mr. America / AAU | 4th | “Most Muscular” Trophy |
| 1966 | National | Junior Mr. America / AAU | 1st | “Most Muscular” Trophy |
| 1966 | National | Mr. America / AAU | 2nd | “Most Muscular” Trophy |
| 1966 | International | Mr. World / IFBB | 1st | 1st in the “Tall” Category |
| 1966 | International | Mr. Universe / IFBBTemplate:Citation needed | 1st | |
| 1966 | International | Mr. Olympia / IFBB | 4th | |
| 1967 | International | Mr. Olympia / IFBB | 1st | |
| 1967 | International | Mr. Universe / IFBBTemplate:Citation needed | 1st | |
| 1968 | International | Mr. Olympia / IFBB | 1st | Second Consecutive Win;
Uncontested & Unchallenged |
| 1969 | International | Mr. Olympia / IFBB | 1st | Third Consecutive Win |
| 1970 | International | Mr. World / AAU (Pro) | - | 2nd in the “Tall” Category |
| 1970 | International | Mr. Olympia / IFBB | 2nd | |
| 1971 | International | Mr. Universe / NABBA (Pro) | - | 2nd in the “Tall” category |
| 1972 | International | Mr. Olympia / IFBB | 2nd | |
| 1972 | International | Mr. Galaxy / WBBG | 1st | |
| 1973 | International | Mr. International, Mr. AztecaTemplate:Citation needed / IFBB (Pro) | 1st | |
| 1973 | International | Mr. Galaxy / WBBG | 1st | |
| 1974 | International | Mr. International / WBBG (Pro) | 1st | |
| 1975 | International | Mr. Olympus / WBBG | 1st | |
| 1976 | International | Mr. Olympus / WBBG | 1st | |
| 1977 | International | Pro World Championships / WABBA | 1st | |
| 1978 | International | Mr. Olympus / WBBG | 1st | |
| 1980 | International | Pro World Championships / WABBA | 1st | |
| 1980 | International | Professional World cup / WABBA | 1st | |
| 1981 | International | Professional World cup / WABBA | 1st | |
| 1984 | International | Mr. Olympia / IFBB | 8th | |
| 1984 | Inter-State | Professional Mid-States Championships / WABBA | 1st | |
| 1985 | International | Mr. Olympia / IFBB<ref>Sergio Oliva the Myth, Building the Ultimate Physique by Sergio Oliva and Frank Marchante 2007 page 320 {by Gras Publishing company}</ref> | 8th |
See also
References
External links
- SERGIO OLIVA: The Myth! Official Website
- Sergio Oliva Profile
- Sergio Oliva Gallery
- El cubano que derrotó a Schwarzenegger
- SergioOlivaJr.com Son's Official Website
- exclusive interview of Sergio Oliva for Lexnews magazine in 2007
- Sergio Oliva - The Myth and the heart throb! Sergio Oliva Article at MuscleMecca 2013
- Sergio Oliva: The Full, Amazing Story of The Myth
Template:S-start
| colspan = 3 align = center | Mr. Olympia
|-
| width = 30% align = center | Preceded by:
Larry Scott
| width = 40% align = center | First (1967)
| width = 30% align = center | Succeeded by:
himself
|-
| width = 30% align = center | Preceded by:
himself
| width = 40% align = center | Second (1968)
| width = 30% align = center | Succeeded by:
himself
|-
| width = 30% align = center | Preceded by:
himself
| width = 40% align = center | Third (1969)
| width = 30% align = center | Succeeded by:
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Template:S-end
Template:Mr. Olympia winners
Template:Authority control