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, politician, and former bodybuilder. He gained fame as a bodybuilding champion before transitioning to a successful acting career, starring in iconic action films. He served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011, demonstrating his ability to transition from entertainment to politics. Schwarzenegger's career exemplifies his diverse talents and ambition, spanning athletics, entertainment, and public service.

Sections (6)

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

1964: Won Two Weightlifting Contests

In 1964, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two weightlifting contests.

1965: Won Junior Mr. Europe Contest

In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Junior Mr. Europe contest, marking one of his first major bodybuilding achievements.

1965: Won Two Weightlifting Contests

In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two weightlifting contests.

1966: Won Powerlifting Contests

In 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two powerlifting contests, expanding his athletic achievements.

1967: Youngest Mr. Universe

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

1967: Won Munich Stone-Lifting Contest

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

1968: Won Mr. Universe and Attended Business School

In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger won his next Mr. Universe title in London and attended business school in Munich, working and training at Rolf Putziger's gym.

1968: Won Powerlifting Contests

In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two powerlifting contests, expanding his athletic achievements.

1970: Won Mr. Olympia

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

1971: Continued Winning Streak

In 1971, Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his winning streak in bodybuilding competitions.

1974: Continued Winning Streak

In 1974, Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his winning streak in bodybuilding competitions.

1975: Won Mr. Olympia and announced his retirement

In 1975, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia competition for the sixth consecutive time and then announced his retirement from professional bodybuilding. His training was filmed for the bodybuilding documentary called Pumping Iron.

1976: Starred in Stay Hungry and Won Golden Globe

In 1976, Arnold Schwarzenegger played a significant role in the film Stay Hungry, for which he won the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor.

1980: Came out of retirement to compete in Mr. Olympia and won

In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger came out of retirement to compete in Mr. Olympia. Training for his role in Conan got him into good shape, so he decided he wanted to win the Mr. Olympia contest one last time, winning with only seven weeks of preparation. He officially retired from competition afterwards.

1990: Chairman of President's Council

In 1990, Schwarzenegger was appointed chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports by President George H. W. Bush.

1991: Starred in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

In 1991, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, which became the highest-grossing film of the year and a commercial peak for him.

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

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 opposite Jurassic Park and did not perform well at the box office.

October 7, 2003: Election as Governor of California

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

2004: Saved a drowning man

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: Schwarzenegger wins re-election

On November 7, 2006, Schwarzenegger won re-election as governor against Democrat Phil Angelides with 56.0% of the vote. Commentators noted a shift towards the political center around this time.

2006: Re-elected as Governor

In 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger was re-elected as the governor of California with 55.9% of the vote.

2007: European Voice Campaigner of the Year Award

In 2007, Schwarzenegger won the European Voice campaigner of the year award for his actions against climate change.

April 20, 2009: Opened the 2009 SAE World Congress

On April 20, 2009, Schwarzenegger was invited to open the 2009 SAE World Congress in Detroit, in recognition of his contribution to the US motor industry.