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The famous Arnold Schwarzenegger is termed as one the greatest bodybuilders ever. He has won seven Mr. Olympia titles, the second most in sporting history (after Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman).

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Nicknamed “The Austrian Oak”, Schwarzenegger has won several other bodybuilding titles and awards. Among all these, Schwarzenegger has earned a renowned honor received by no other bodybuilder. He has the prestigious bodybuilding event -The Arnold Classic competition, named after him.

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Unfortunately, the event’s co-founder and a close friend of Schwarzenegger – Jim Lorimer, passed away recently. As a special tribute, the legendary bodybuilder shared an emotional message for his late friend on his social media, while his fellow athletes reacted in the comments.

Famous bodybuilders and celebrities react to Schwarzenegger’s emotional post

Lorimer, aged 96, passed away on November 24th 2022. Besides being a co-founder and organizer of the Arnold Classic event, Jim Lorimer also worked as an FBI agent, a mayor, a national track coach, and took up several other roles.

Together, Lorimer and Arnold Schwarzenegger had aimed at making bodybuilding a popular sport. To make that happen, the two founded the Arnold Classic event in 1989, which became the second most prestigious bodybuilding event. In his tribute, an Instagram post for his lifelong friend, Schwarzenegger wrote, “I am devastated that I won’t sit with him again and hear his wisdom, or critique bodybuilders together, or just laugh and laugh.”

Both Lorimer and Schwarzenegger can be considered pioneers of bodybuilding. During States ex-president George Bush’s era, Schwarzenegger worked as one of his key members. The bodybuilder recalled how his dear friend Lorimer had helped him make the right decision as a chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Many other bodybuilders and celebrities commented on Schwarzenegger’s post and paid their condolences in the comments.

A few legendary bodybuilders like Jay Cutler wrote:

“Sad news RIP”

“So glad I got to meet him while competing 🙌”

“RIP Jim 🫡”

“That tribute is felt through heart and soul – all the way to the bones. So powerful, enlightening and so very true. 🙌 Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP Jim…🙏🏻. Your spirit lives on ❤️”

While others wrote:

“life is an exciting adventure! passes quickly! let’s live here and now, loving and delighting loved ones🔥🔥🔥❤️”

“Sorry for your loss….”

“🙏”

“Blessings”

In his post, Schwarzenegger also sent his thoughts and best wishes to Lorimer’s family.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer’s friendship

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The bodybuilding legend and the organizer’s friendship started way back in 1970 when Lorimer had invited a young Schwarzenegger to an event in Columbus, Ohio.

401614 06: Actor and former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger (L) poses with Jay Cutler, winner of The Arnold Classic 2002, February 23, 2002 in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Soon, the two became great friends and made an unofficial agreement to make bodybuilding a known sport in the States. In 1989, Schwarzenegger and Lorimer started the Arnold Classic event, which became one of the most famous sporting events.

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Schwarzenegger and many other athletes credit Lorimer for the success of bodybuilding and other sports in Columbus and other cities. His passion and love for sports helped him achieve huge goals and success in life.

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