When Arnold appeared on stage at the judging and in the evening he always was cheered loudly. As I recall it 3 people got loud cheers that night. Arnold, local hero Roger Walker, and perhaps loudest of all for local champion Bev Francis. I was sitting in the middle of the audience and even got a seat next to me for John Balik so he could get the best position for photos. He eagerly traded positions with a fellow from my gym who took his place near the stage.
Anyway, Arnold was initally booed when it was announced that he won. But lots of people cheered, too. I mean, the Aussie audiences are not that rude. Many would have felt Arnold deserved to win. I personally was surprised to hear that so many bodybuilders were supporting Chris Dickerson. Truth be told it was a very close contest. Arnold's reputation and size helped him win. Plus his relationships with all the judges. Arnold was Bendan Ryan's hero. Arnold knew Mits Kowashima well in Hawaii, and so on. Arnold did seminars and guest posing for most of the judges. In those days the IFBB selected judges from the loyal Weider agents around the world. Not what I would call fair. Matter of fact the IFBB has been a closed organization since Ben Weider appointed himself life president. The bodybuilders all kissed butt of whoever was in charge because they all wanted to win the titles. Those who did not bow down to the IFBB were usually banned and when they returned they got placed 8th. I have never understood how Bev Fancis and Sergio could be placed 8th in the lineups they were in.
About Franco's seminar. Well, I was about as impressed as how they award "Doctor" titles to chiropractors. That seminar was lacking in any valuable information. You can always tell which bodybuilders have some education. Those lacking resort to answering questions and call that a seminar. People who did that at my gym and in Sydney were Sergio, Franco, Paul Dillette. The best two seminars were given by Ray Mentzer and Larry Scott.
There was a photo taken outside my gym with Franco, Arnold, and Bev in it.
Many might not know that about 6 of the top competitors in that Olympia "boycotted" the following Olympia and Franco won in a condition that has to be the poorest of any champion. Let us face it so many great bodybuilders were "cheated" by the Olympia that it has become a rather controversial event instead of a celebration of the best in the world.
Did Arnold deserve to win in 1980. Yes, in my considered opinion, especially judging from the 400 or so images that I took and inspected. 2nd place could have gone to any of the top men. Even Danny Padilla, who never was compared, looked the best all-round in the photos. Dennis Tinerino looked in superb condition. Boyer Coe had the most impressive posing display. Chris Dickerson presented a beautiful body. Frank Zane looked a bit small compared to some of the others. Roger Walker was as big as anyone there. Others were overlooked but had supporters in the audience. Casey Viator, Samir Bannout and Roy Callender come to mind.
When it was all said and done Arnold was a legend in bodybuilding and that day he had just enough of his size and shape to be a bit better than the rest. Especially his arms and chest. I mean, as much as Chris was a sight to see he was dwarfed beside Arnold. Ditto for Frank Zane. Mike seemed to be carrying a slightly bloated midsection. However, that said I did take a superb photo of Mike that Ironman put on the cover and in that photo you could argue that he looked the best. However, unless you were at the prejudging and show you were not able to see and know everything that occurred. From where I sat I wasn't impressed with Mike. I know he was devastated after the contest but goodness me if you compete you have to know you can lose. Arnold often said that the losers always claim the contests were "fixed". I asked him at my home if that contest he lost to Zane was fixed since he lost? "Yes, it was!" he replied. So I guess he was getting even with Frank and Mike.
I knew from Paul Graham that Arnold was competing. I even told some of the competitors who were waiting at Bondi Beach for a bus to take them to the opera house. No one believed me. Ah, how surprised everyone was. Arnold stayed at the Hilton in town. Others joined him there when the hotel at Bondi had cockroaches or something! There are some stories to tell about that contest. Someone even went to Frank's room after the contest. That person told me he thought he heard someone crying inside. Anyway, Christine told the visitor that Frank didn't want to see anyone. Several of the placegetters smashed their trophies back stage. That was the last year that place getters received trophies. For some incomprehensible reason no competitor has ever ripped up a cheque!
