Whereas for many decades, the Mr Olympia contest was dominated by the heavyweights, over the last several years, the tides have shifted somewhat. In terms of popularity, people have found themselves drifting slightly away from the heavyweights, and being drawn to the other classes and divisions. The Men’s Classic Physique division for example, is now one of the most popular classes in the Olympia. One bodybuilder whom many expect to see big things from is one dubbed as ‘Young Arnold’ Calum Von Moger. But who is this exciting young prospect, where did he come from, how does he train, and what can we expect to see from him in the future?
Who is Calum Von Moger?
Calum Von Moger is an Australian, that’s Australian, not Austrian, bodybuilder who bears an uncanny resemblance to arguably the greatest bodybuilder of all time, a certain Austrian Oak named Arnold Schwarzenegger. Von Moger is often known as ‘Young Arnold’ as he bears a striking resemblance to Arnie, both in terms of facial features, and in terms of his physique. Calum is a bodybuilder, social media influencer, actor, entrepreneur, and much more. He has won numerous bodybuilding titles over the years, including the Mr Universe title back in 2015. He recently played Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie ‘Bigger’ which told the story of Joe and Ben Weider.
Early life
Calum Von Moger was born and raised in a small town in Victoria, Australia, on a small farm back in 1990. He had 5 siblings and, growing up on a farm, he was certainly no stranger to hard work. He grew up with animals, and learned about diet and nutrition from a young age, and much of the produce he and his family consumed came from their very own farm. He was always active and physically fit, and aged just 14, he began bodybuilding in an old warehouse using a set of rusty dumbbells with his brother. From the first time he picked his first dumbbell up, he knew he wanted to be big and jacked, like his hero Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Career accolades
Calum began training seriously as he grew older, and he started to learn all about bodybuilding, diet, and nutrition. In 2011, aged just 21, he won the NABBA Junior Championships in Melbourne. He would go on to win multiple shows, including the WFF Mr Universe three times.
Training and physique
Calum stands at 6ft 2 inches tall, and weighs in at around 255 – 260 off-season, and 235 on stage. Because of Calum’s large, but aesthetic physique, he has appeared in multiple magazines, magazine covers, and documentaries. He trains 5 – 6 times per week, placing an emphasis on heavy compound exercises, similar to how they trained back in the 1970s during the ‘Golden Era of Bodybuilding’.
Injuries
After his 3rd Universe win, people were expecting big things from Calum on the Olympia stage. A few weeks out from a contest, he attempted to bicep curl 405-pounds, with the help of his buddy Chris Bumstead. He tore his bicep and was forced to undergo surgery. He rehabbed, packed on the size, and several months later the comeback was on. Sadly, when abseiling, he popped his kneecap and once again tore his bicep. He lost a lot of size and was forced to rehab like a wild man. As yet, he has not yet competed, but keep your eyes peeled, because the comeback will be one you won’t want to miss.
