I listened to the interview with Frank Zane and came away respecting him more for what he said. He used his intelligence to succeed in a sport where there were many serious contenders like Robby Robinson. He did many things by working out what was best for himself and didn't follow the herd. I think many of us underestimated Frank.
Seymour Koenig told me Frank was better than Arnold in 1968. It was good to hear the story from Frank. Also, that comment made to Arnold after the 79 Olympia. Arnold got owned that day, and he didn't like it. That made me laugh. No doubt Arnold was out to get even with Frank. No mention was made about the judges at the 80 Olympia nor that it was promoted by Arnold's personal mate, Paul Graham. Perhaps Frank was being polite but I would prefer if people tell what they know. I guess if champions cast doubts at contests others can do the same to the ones they won! Arnold seemed to be mates with ALL of the judges.
He is one of the few champs to stand in a lineup without having his arms out wide. Yep, it made him look better. He didn't say in the interview but I remember that he lost a contest because his shoulders weren't wide enough or something like that. Frank corrected this by working his exterior delts so that they were one of his best features. His physique was conceived then developed over more than a decade.
Frank was honest and candid in his interview. I agree with his assessment of Franco and others like Danny. When I looked at the images of Danny Padilla from the 1980 Mr Olympia I was surprised to see he was the biggest guy on stage. Since he is short he wasn't compared to anyone at the judging. Danny was clearly superior to Franco in 81. Frank never really answered whether it was a mistake NOT to compete in 81. He might easily have won that contest.
Frank didn't come on the harbour cruise after the 80 Olympia so I never caught up with him that year. There were reports that some of the top 5 who were awarded trophies somehow had accidents after the show and the trophies were broken. Not sure who exactly that was but it was more than one competitor. Surprisingly there have never been any reports of anyone ripping up a cheque!
I hope Frank keeps training and later this year takes some shots to prove he doesn't have to photoshop his images.
He did tell me I don't have to go to Disneyland when he visited my penthouse apartment in Sydney back in the late 70s. I asked him why not and he said because I've been living in Fantasyland all my life. He was referring to a statement I made after I won the Mr Canada in 1970 that my ambition was to beat Frank Zane. I emigrated to Australian and not Los Angeles so I never did have the motivation to train hard enough to compete at the highest level.
Anyway, Frank spoke in a fearless manner and said what was on his mind. It was quite refreshing to listen to what he had to say and that he is still working his business his way and is happy with his life.
