When most people hear the name Arnold Schwarzenegger, they think either of the California Governor or, most likely, Terminator. His famous "I'll be back" quote is used in everything from soap operas to product adverts and his status as a global action hero is undisputed.
But, this was not always the case. Born in an isolated village in Austria to a small strict family, Arnold's policeman father had visions of him joining the military and following him into the police force. The was the way things worked in 1960's Austria.
Arnold, however, had a vastly different idea. Inspired by a magazine article on Reg Park, the British body building champion who went on to become a film star, Schwarzenegger set his heart on becoming Mr. Universe then moving to Hollywood to become an actor. Needless to say his father was not entirely supportive of his goals and he was sent off to join the army.
Trapped on the military base, Schwarzenegger never forgot his goal and managed to train even with the punishing army schedule of exercise and military training. Eventually, shortly before his 18th birthday he received an invite to a competition in Stuttgart. There was no way the army would sanction his entry so he decided to sneak out. Using freight trains to get to Stuttgart, he entered and won the competition.
Unfortunately, on his return to the base his absence was noted and he was locking in solitary confinement for a week as punishment. However, once the army officials found out he had won the competition they relented and as "punishment" assigned him to kitchen duty where he could get more food to assist his growing body. Finally, the army built him a gym and allowed him to train three hours a day.
He did, of course, go on to win the Mr. Universe title and become an actor, all through dedication and a level of single-minded determination not often seen.
