Schwarzenegger Returns to Roots as Mr. Olympia

The worlds of bodybuilding and politics met Saturday night as California Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger handed out medals at the Mr. Olympia event, a competition he won seven times.

Schwarzenegger’s surprise appearance drew cheers and chants of “Arnold!” and “Governator!” from the estimated 6,000 people gathered in the arena at the Mandalay Bay Hotel-Casino.

“Finally I feel at home again,” a smiling Schwarzenegger told the crowd. “This is a terrific sport, and if it wouldn’t have been for bodybuilding I wouldn’t have any of this. It’s a great foundation.”

Joe Weider, founder of the competition, said Schwarzenegger proves that bodybuilding is about more than just lifting weights.

“Finally it’s beginning to dawn on the world that bodybuilders are smart,” Weider said. “They develop determination. They don’t give up. They don’t lose. If they ever apply that to any profession ... they can be a great success.”

Rodney St. Cloud, a professional bodybuilder who placed 12th in the competition, said Schwarzenegger’s appearance was special.

“He shows that, if you put your heart and soul into anything, you can do it,” said St. Cloud, who is also a New York City firefighter.

Ronnie Coleman, from Arlington, Texas, won the competition for his sixth straight title.

Lenda Murray won her eighth Ms. Olympia Friday night, joining Lee Haney as the only other bodybuilder to win eight Olympia titles.