Sergio Olivia Biography: Age, Weight, Net Worth, Height, Death, Wife, Parents, Nationality, Awards

Sergio Oliva, also known by his epithet ‘The Myth,‘ was a highly accomplished Cuban American bodybuilder who earned his nickname for his incredible physique and performance on stage.

He was a three-time Mr. Olympia winner, cementing his place as one of the greatest bodybuilders in history.

Despite facing challenges and discrimination throughout his career, Oliva’s legacy inspires and influences generations of athletes.

Profile

• Full Name: Sergio Oliva
• Stage Name: The Myth
• Born: July 4, 1941
• Died: November 12, 2012 (age 71 years), Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, Illinois, United States
• Birthplace: Pinar del Río, Cuba.
• Nationality: Cuban American
• Occupation: Cuban American bodybuilder
• Height: 1.78 m
• Parent: Mr. and Mrs. Olivia
• Siblings: unknown
• Ex-Spouse: Arleen Garrett,
• Children: 4, Sergio Oliva Jr.
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life And Education

The Myth was born on July 4, 1941, in Pinar del Río, Cuba. He was raised by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Olivia, and grew up with siblings whose names are unknown to the media.

The Myth is of Cuban American descent and follows the Christian faith. Although educated, his early educational background is unknown to the press.

Career

Sergio Oliva, nicknamed “The Myth,” had a remarkable and impactful career in professional bodybuilding.

Here’s a breakdown of his journey: Early Life and Defection: Born in Cuba in 1941, Oliva was a naturally gifted athlete. He started as a weightlifter and was part of the Cuban national weightlifting team.

In 1962, while representing Cuba at the Central America and Caribbean Games in Jamaica, he defected to the United States, seeking political asylum. Early Bodybuilding Career: After settling in Chicago, Olivia transitioned to bodybuilding.

However, later in his career, Oliva faced accusations of using performance-enhancing drugs, which were common in the bodybuilding world at the time.

This controversy tarnished his legacy and called into question the validity of his victories and accomplishments.

Despite this, Oliva’s impact on the bodybuilding world is undeniable, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.

Despite his impressive physique, Oliva felt he was unfairly treated in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) due to racial undertones. After placing second at the 1966 AAU Mr. America (again winning the “Most Muscular” trophy), he switched to the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB).

In the IFBB, Oliva’s career soared as he won titles such as the IFBB Mr. World (Tall category and Overall) and the IFBB Mr. Universe in 1966.

In 1967, Oliva won his first Mr. Olympia title the following year, becoming only the second person to achieve this prestigious honor. This marked the beginning of his dominant reign as he went on to win the Mr. Olympia title for three consecutive years, defeating notable competitors such as Chuck Sipes, Harold Poole, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1969. These victories solidified Oliva’s place as one of the greatest bodybuilders ever.

However, his career and achievements in bodybuilding were often overshadowed by his rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The two had a fierce competition, with Oliva narrowly losing to Schwarzenegger in a controversial decision at the 1970 Mr.

Olympia. Oliva was also banned from the 1971 Mr. Olympia for competing in another federation, and he faced Schwarzenegger again in 1972, placing second.

Despite these setbacks, Oliva went on to compete and win in various other federations, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest bodybuilders ever.

Outside of bodybuilding, he also had a successful career as a police officer in Chicago for over 25 years. Oliva’s impressive genetics and achievements have solidified his place in the history of bodybuilding.

Award and Nomination

• Mr. Olympia: He won this most prestigious bodybuilding title three consecutive times: 1967, 1968 (uncontested), and 1969. He was the second person to win the Mr. Olympia title.
• Mr. Universe (IFBB): Won in 1966 and 1967.
• Mr. World (IFBB): Won in 1966.
• Mr. International/Mr. Azteca (IFBB Pro): Won in 1973.
• Mr. Galaxy (WBBG): Won in 1972 and 1973.
• Mr. Olympus (WBBG): Won in 1975, 1976, and 1978.
• Pro World Championships (WABBA): Won in 1977 and 1980.
• Professional World Cup (WABBA): Won in 1980 and 1981.
• Mr. America (AAU): Won “Most Muscular” title in 1965 and 1966; placed 2nd overall in 1966.
• Junior Mr. America (AAU): Won in 1966 and won “Most Muscular” in 1965 and 1966.
• Mr. Illinois: Won in 1964.
• Mr. Chicago: Won in 1963.
• Professional Mid-States Championships (WABBA): Won in 1984.
• Key Recognitions and Facts:
• First non-white athlete to win: Mr. America, Mr. World, Mr. International, Mr. Universe, and Mr. Olympia.
• Only Mr. Olympia won uncontested: In 1968, no other bodybuilder competed against him. This is a Guinness World Record.
• The only bodybuilder to defeat Arnold Schwarzenegger in a Mr. Olympia competition was him in 1969.
• Considered by many to have one of the most incredible physiques of all time. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself acknowledged Oliva as “the best bodybuilder ever.”
• Known as “The Myth” for his unbelievable size, shape, and presence.
• Pioneer of mass monster physique: He was one of the first bodybuilders to achieve a massive and dense muscularity that was considered far ahead of his time.
• Smallest waist measurement for a Mr. Olympia champion: Reportedly had a 27-inch waist at a contest weight of 235 lbs.
• Thighs larger than waist: His thighs measured larger than his waist, a rare feat.
• Largest arms and forearms for a Mr. Olympia winner (at the time of his victories): His arms were measured at 23 inches flexed and forearms at 21 inches flexed in 1968.
• Broke racial barriers in bodybuilding.

Social Media

The Myth social media account is unknown to the media.

Personal Life

The Myth, Sergio Oliva, was a highly accomplished Cuban American bodybuilder with an incredible physique and stage presence.

However, despite his success in bodybuilding, his personal life was not without its challenges. He was married to Arleen Garrett, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1990.

He also had four children from two marriages, and his son, Sergio Oliva Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and became a professional bodybuilder.

In addition, Oliva survived being shot five times by his then-wife in 1986 during a domestic dispute. He also worked as a police officer in Chicago for over 25 years before retiring in 2000.

Sadly, Sergio Oliva passed away on November 12, 2012, due to apparent kidney failure in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

Despite the challenges he faced in his personal life, Oliva will always be remembered as a legendary bodybuilder and an inspiration to many in the fitness industry.

Net Worth

“The Myth,” was a highly accomplished Austrian American bodybuilder, actor, and politician.

He earned his nickname for his incredible physique and performance on stage in bodybuilding.

Despite his success and estimated net worth of $2 million, Schwarzenegger passed away on November 12, 2012, due to apparent kidney failure in Chicago, Illinois.