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Shawn Ray, while interviewing Branch Warren, referenced Mike Mentzer and the 1980 Mr. Olympia competition.
Ray asked Branch about his drive to improve. Branch stated that a loss only spurs him, motivates him, drives him to come back even better.
Ray mentioned that the '80 O seemed to destroy Mentzer. It was just a brief comment, but I've often thought that Mentzer was demoralized by his being awarded fifth place rather than the ultimate prize in bodybuilding, especially against Arnold "Mr. Volume Training" Schwarzenegger.
If Mentzer had only viewed the loss as incentive to leave absolutely no doubts, wouldn't he have had a chance - a very good chance - at beating Franco at the 1981 Mr. Olympia?
Instead Mentzer's life apparently spun out of control and he failed to ever set foot on an Olympian stage again.
Dead too young, Mentzer had another five Olympias in him, imo.
How do you view defeat? What's your mental game like? Do you believe that something like a win or a loss can set the tone for the rest of your life? Or even shorten your life?
Mentzer's family had a history of health issues, so he may have died exactly as could be expected or predicted, however I'd like to believe that a positive attitude and uplifting determination can serve a healthful benefit to all people.
Any opinions? Any anecdotes?
Ray asked Branch about his drive to improve. Branch stated that a loss only spurs him, motivates him, drives him to come back even better.
Ray mentioned that the '80 O seemed to destroy Mentzer. It was just a brief comment, but I've often thought that Mentzer was demoralized by his being awarded fifth place rather than the ultimate prize in bodybuilding, especially against Arnold "Mr. Volume Training" Schwarzenegger.
If Mentzer had only viewed the loss as incentive to leave absolutely no doubts, wouldn't he have had a chance - a very good chance - at beating Franco at the 1981 Mr. Olympia?
Instead Mentzer's life apparently spun out of control and he failed to ever set foot on an Olympian stage again.
Dead too young, Mentzer had another five Olympias in him, imo.
How do you view defeat? What's your mental game like? Do you believe that something like a win or a loss can set the tone for the rest of your life? Or even shorten your life?
Mentzer's family had a history of health issues, so he may have died exactly as could be expected or predicted, however I'd like to believe that a positive attitude and uplifting determination can serve a healthful benefit to all people.
Any opinions? Any anecdotes?