Thanks to
www.musclememory.com for the write-up. From IronMan: Vol 27, No 1 Page 15. January 1968.
Pearl and Schwarzenegger Win Mr. Universe TitlesBy George Greenwood
Editor, Man's World Magazine
THE 19th annual Mr. Universe Contests sponsored by Britain's National Amateur Bodybuilders' Association (NAABA) were staged at London's Victoria Palace Theatre on Saturday, September 23rd.
Nearly 70 of the world's best-built men traveled from various parts of the globe to compete in the amateur and professional classes. Never before was such an array of talent assembled on one stage.
All tickets for the big show were sold out more than two months before the event took place. The theatre was packed to capacity with enthusiasts thronging the gangways. Several hundred optimists, who had hoped to squeeze in, had to be satisfied with listening to the roars of applause as they were unable to gain entry.
As in previous years, the, amateur Mr. Universe Contest was split into three separate classes: class 3 for men up to and including 5'6"; class 2 for men over 5'6" up to 5'9"; class 1 for men over 5'9".
Amateur Class 3 --
Seventeen competitors linde up for the short men's class with representatives from England, St. Lucia, France, Sweden, Singapore, Jamaica, Barbados and Wales. Speculation was rife. Could the current Mr. Britain, Wilfred Sylvester, in superb shape, make it a double? He looked good, in fact, quite fantastic, but was not quite a match for husky John Citrone of England. John at 5'4" has 18" upper arms and a 47" chest with other measurements to match. Very muscular and very strong, he is perhaps one of the most popular bodybuilders in Britain today.
Amateur Class 2 --
This class also had 17 entries with men from Germany, South Africa, Belgium, Spain, Norway, England, Malta, Barbados, Sweden, Holland, Italy and Wales. Muscular sensation, Albert Beccles of Barbados, took first place, with Roy Callandar, also of Barbados, second. Third position went to Arthur Fairhurst of England. Albert Beccles has simply superb definition with upper arms taping 19". His physique resembles that of the great Melvin Wells. A worthy victor indeed!
Amateur Class 1 --
Eleven giants from South Africa, India, England, Jamaica, Scotland, Trinidad, Mexico, Austria and U.S.A. made a spectacle worth traveling a long way to see. Current Mr. America, Dennis Tinerino was a big favourite, but the question was, could he defeat the young Austrian giant, Arnold Schwarzenegger? Arnold, in the best shape of his short but brilliant career, proved too good for everyone. He carried off the Class 1 title and was nominated Amateur Mr. Universe 1967. Just look at his measurements: height 6'2", weight 245, neck 18", waist 32", thigh 27", calf 18½", upper arm 21½ ", chest 57"-age 20! He is doubtless the biggest man in the world of bodybuilding and thoroughly deserves his victory. Tinerino was a good second and with Henry Greaves of Trinidad third.
The Professionals --
Two classes only in this section: class 2 - 5'8" and under, and Class 1 for men over 5'8".
In Class 2 the lineup included champions from France, Italy, Guadeloupe, Norway, and the standard was high. Diminutive Charles Sintat took first prize in this class. He is perhaps the most muscular man in France today. Guiseppe Deiana of Italy was second, with Ludwig Ingebregsten of Norway third.
Professional Class 1 --
Everybody present was waiting to see the mighty Bill Pearl. He did not disappoint, and really looked magnificent as he stood in line with competitors from Germany, England, France and Guadeloupe amongst others. There could be no doubt whatsoever that Pearl was going to win. In marvelous shape, he is rightly regarded as one of the top bodybuilders of the century. Just look at his measurements. Height 5'11", weight 230, neck 18¾", waist 34", thigh 28½", calf 19", upper arm 19½ ", chest 54". Bill is 36, but definitely in best ever condition. He "brought the house down" with his superb display of muscular posing and delighted the audience with his friendly smile. A great champion, a great showman and a professional in the true sense of the word.
Thus ended another great Mr. Universe Show. Show organizer, Oscar Heidenstam, one of the big personalities of the bodybuilding game, is to be congratulated on a faultlessly organized and presented programme, one more success to his long list of achievements.
