Arnold Schwarzenegger's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American actor, businessman, former politician, and bodybuilder. Rising to fame as a bodybuilding champion, he transitioned into a successful acting career, starring in numerous action films. He later entered politics and served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. His career spans multiple domains, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1964: Wins Weightlifting Contests

In 1964, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two weightlifting contests.

1965: Junior Mr. Europe Win

In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Junior Mr. Europe contest.

1965: Wins Additional Weightlifting Contests

In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two weightlifting contests.

1966: Wins Powerlifting Contests

In 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two powerlifting contests.

1967: Wins Mr. Universe Title

In 1967, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Universe title for the first time, becoming the youngest ever at age 20.

1967: Munich Stone-Lifting Contest Win

In 1967, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Munich stone-lifting contest by lifting a 508 German pounds (254 kg / 560 lb) stone.

1968: Wins Powerlifting Contests

In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two powerlifting contests.

1970: Mr. Olympia Win

In 1970, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia competition, becoming the youngest ever Mr. Olympia at 23 years old.

1970: Wins First Mr. Olympia Title

In 1970, at age 23, Arnold Schwarzenegger captured his first Mr. Olympia title in New York.

1971: Winning Streak in Competitions

Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his winning streak in the 1971 competitions.

1974: Winning Streak in Competitions

Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his winning streak in the 1974 competitions.

1975: Mr. Olympia Win and Retirement Announcement

In 1975, after filming his training for the documentary "Pumping Iron," Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia title for the sixth consecutive time. Following the competition, he announced his retirement from professional bodybuilding.

1976: Golden Globe Award for Stay Hungry

In 1976, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor for his role in the film Stay Hungry.

May 1980: Graduation from University of Wisconsin–Superior

In May 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger formally graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Superior, earning his bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing after completing most of his coursework by correspondence.

1980: Mr. Olympia Comeback and Victory

In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger came out of retirement and won the Mr. Olympia contest for the seventh time after training for his role in Conan. This victory was controversial, with critics citing his lack of muscle mass and subpar conditioning.

1990: Chairman of President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

In 1990, Schwarzenegger was appointed as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports by President Bush, who dubbed him "Conan the Republican".

1993: Named International Star of the Decade and Last Action Hero Release

In 1993, Arnold Schwarzenegger was named the "International Star of the Decade" by the National Association of Theatre Owners. His film "Last Action Hero" was released the same year but did not perform well at the box office.

2002: Schwarzenegger Named Most Famous US Immigrant

In 2002, LA Weekly called Arnold Schwarzenegger "the most famous US immigrant", highlighting his overcoming challenges to become a major movie star.

October 7, 2003: Elected Governor of California

On October 7, 2003, the recall election resulted in Gray Davis being removed from office, and Schwarzenegger was elected Governor of California with 48.6% of the vote, defeating Cruz Bustamante and others.

2003: Elected Governor of California

In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected governor of California in a special recall election.

2004: Saved a drowning man in Hawaii

In 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger saved a drowning man while on vacation in Hawaii by swimming out and bringing him back to shore.

November 7, 2006: Won re-election as Governor of California

On November 7, 2006, Schwarzenegger won re-election against Democrat Phil Angelides as Governor of California with 56.0% of the vote.

2006: California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006

Being Austrian and thus European, he was able to win the 2007 European Voice campaigner of the year award for taking action against climate change with the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 and plans to introduce an emissions trading scheme with other US states and possibly with the EU.