Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

In the year 1952, Kurt Marnul started his career in weightlifting. In
1958, he founded the Athletic Union in Graz. The training rooms
were located below the grandstands of the sport stadium in Graz
Liebenau.
Athletes worked their muscles hard with simple exercise equipment.
In 1961, Marnul was the first man to become Mr. Austria and was
able to defend it for four years in a row.
Because of his muscular body, Kurt soon became an idol for many
youngsters. The public response was tremendous and not long after,
many young talents came to the gym at the Athletic Union Graz
to workout under the instructions of Mr. Austria.
In the summer months, Marnul and his training partners often visited
the area around the Thalersee. The young, well-trained bodybuilders
were often the cause of amazement of other visitors.
At this time, Willi Richter worked as a lifeguard at the Lake Thalersee.
In May 1961, he spoke to Marnul and drew his attention to the
sons of the local police commander Gustav Schwarzenegger. When
Kurt Marnul met the brothers Meinhard and Arnold Schwarzenegger
for the first time, he was able to grant them one of their greatest
wishes: a signed photograph of the first Mr. Austria. After this meeting,
the two brothers were absolutely certain: One day, we want to
be as good looking and have the same body as our idol, Kurt Marnul.
In the same month in 1961, Meinhard and Arnold became active
members in the Athletic Union Graz.
Kurt Marnul quickly recognised Arnold Schwarzenegger's great talent.
His special ambition, his exceptional training endurance, and
his goals were unique. It was at the very gym of the Athletic Union
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