I finally listened to the interview and thoroughly enjoyed listening to Sergio again. Amazing that he is still mates with Arnold and has no hard feelings about the results of some controversial contests, etc. Sergio is a bit hard to understand but he is always candid and outspoken. He just says what is on his mind and it is refreshing to hear unprocessed comments from a former champion. Indeed, he is the only Olympia winner to win without a competitor showing up to compete against him.
He lost an AAU Mr America in 1964 to Bob Gajda who he was training with. He quickly learned he was never going to win the Mr America but could win the Most Muscular Man award. That wasn't good enough for Sergio so he eventually enterred the IFBB Mr America. The guys who wanted that title were annoyed that Sergio enterred that show because he was clearly way better than they were. However, Sergio wanted to be Mr America so more or less got an honorary title from the IFBB. I understand how Sergio felt because he wanted to live the American dream and be a success. He could tell he had the best physique in America so wanted that title.
They never got too much info from Sergio about the 72 Mr Olympia but Sergio was clearly superior to Arnold that year. Arnold confessed in my home that he would have won against himself if he had Sergio's physique. That shows that Sergio just showed up for shows and wasn't concerned about things such as suspensions, etc. Sergio is a classic example of what bodybuilders want. That is to compete wherever and against whoever they wish. Seems Lee Priest is getting the same shaft that Sergio received in those days.
I didn't mind hearing about the shooting by Arlene. Goodness me, he ran out of his apartment, down the elevator and to the local hospital, all while being wounded. That is quite a feat and shows what a guy Sergio was.
Thanks PBW for having Sergio on the show. Nice to hear him talking again and being his candid self. We don't see great guys like him any more in the sport.