Larry Scott: First Mr. Olympia Champion (1965–1966)
Larry Scott: 2-time Mr. Olympia champion (1965, 1966). Learn about the first mr. olympia, Olympia victories, physique, career milestones and legacy.
Larry Scott is the starting point of Mr. Olympia history. He won the inaugural contest in New York in 1965, defended the championship in 1966, and retired from the Olympia stage without a defeat.
Quick facts
- Athlete: Larry Scott
- Country: United States
- Division: Men's Open Bodybuilding
- Mr. Olympia wins: 2
- Winning years: 1965, 1966
- Known for: The first Mr. Olympia
How Larry Scott won the Mr. Olympia
The first Olympia was designed to give established professional bodybuilding champions a new contest. Scott entered as an already respected competitor and defeated Harold Poole in both of his Olympia appearances. The event created a new standard in the sport: winning the Mr. Olympia meant taking the top place among elite professionals.
Physique, posing and influence
Scott is closely associated with arm development and the preacher curl, often called the Scott curl. His physique helped establish the importance of balanced upper-body development before the sport's later emphasis on sheer mass.
A defining Olympia moment
In 1965, bodybuilding gained its enduring professional championship. Scott became its first titleholder, then confirmed the achievement by returning successfully in 1966.
Mr. Olympia winning years
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 1965 | Men's Open — 1st place |
| 1966 | Men's Open — 1st place |
Explore more Olympia winners
Competition record sources
See all Men's Open champions | All athlete profiles
Photo: GMV archive. Archive source. Used with permission.