3 Things From 1970 Mr. World Curt Haywood

#1 It doesn’t matter where you live

Curt Haywood is a bodybuilder from Pataskala, OH. Yup, right here in the backyard of where Old School Gym used to be. Curt won the 1970 Mr. World Short Class, but ended up losing the overall to some young bodybuilder named Arnold.

With Curt growing up in a small town right outside Columbus, he didn’t let this limit his dreams of being a competitive bodybuilder. He figured out what he had to do to go to the top, and with all of his hard training, he went on to live his dream. For a short period of time, he was one of the best that walked the stage.

#2 Stay drug-free

I met Curt through some mutual friends at one of my events. The event was a part of what was called the Ohio Natural Bodybuilding Federation (ONBF), which I started back in 2003. Curt said, “I never took drugs, and I was Mr. World once.” That right there was pretty cool to hear.

I’ve never wanted to take drugs for bodybuilding. It’s something that has never resonated well with me, and it just didn’t feel right. That being said, I honestly hold no judgement on people who do take them. To each their own.

Curt was the first high level old school bodybuilder that I met in person that didn’t take drugs and had success in the sport. Hearing all of this from Curt was exciting, and it drove me even harder to do what I’ve done in the sport without taking any drugs.

#3 It’s a lifestyle

Curt was Mr. World of 1970, and on the cover of Muscular Development, which was shown in the classic Pumping Iron book. His success competing was fantastic, but he didn’t hang it up when he was done competing on stage. I heard plenty of stories of Curt competing in cycling, doing other outdoor events, and staying active in general. I have known and heard of many athletes that once they are done, they just let themselves go completely.

We all train to be healthy and at least a little bit competitive at times. Learn it from one of the best, Curt Haywood. He was active until the day he died. With Curt being a Pataskala native, he holds a special place in bodybuilding for me, and is a true inspiration to myself and others. He won a huge show, graced a magazine cover, and lived a life of activity and positivity that cannot be replaced.