Did Larry Scott Use Steroids? The Truth Behind the First Mr. Olympia’s Physique

When bodybuilding legend Larry Scott captivated audiences in the 1960s with his impressive physique and iconic arm development, he forever changed the fitness industry. As the first-ever Mr. Olympia winner, Scott's legacy remains a subject of fascination and controversy decades later.

The question “Did Larry Scott use steroids?” continues to spark heated debates among fitness enthusiasts. While Scott competed during bodybuilding's groundbreaking era when performance-improving substances were becoming more prevalent, the truth about his supplement regimen remains shrouded in speculation. You'll find contradicting claims from various sources, making it challenging to separate fact from fiction about this bodybuilding pioneer's approach to achieving his revolutionary physique.

Who Was Larry Scott: The First Mr. Olympia

Larry Scott revolutionized bodybuilding when he claimed the inaugural Mr. Olympia title in 1965, then successfully defended it in 1966. Born on October 12, 1938, in Blackfoot, Idaho, Scott transformed from a skinny teenager into one of the most influential physique athletes in history. His distinctive V-taper, remarkable shoulder width, and extraordinarily developed biceps—often measured at over 20 inches—earned him the nickname “The Legend.”

Before dominating the Mr. Olympia stage, Scott accumulated impressive credentials including Mr. America (1962), Mr. Universe (1964), and multiple magazine cover appearances for publications like Muscle & Fitness. His aesthetic physique, particularly his arms, created such a sensation that the preacher curl bench became commonly known as the “Scott bench” in gyms worldwide.

Standing at 5'7″ and competing at approximately 205 pounds, Scott's proportions were considered ideal during the 1960s bodybuilding era. His training approach emphasized high volume, frequent workouts, and specialized techniques to develop his signature arms. Unlike today's mass monsters, Scott's physique represented the classic V-taper aesthetic that prioritized symmetry and proportion over sheer size.

Scott's influence extended beyond competitions—he authored training books, created instructional materials, and later founded his own nutrition company. His impact on bodybuilding's golden era cemented his legacy as one of the sport's most groundbreaking figures.

The Rise of Bodybuilding in the 1960s

The 1960s marked a groundbreaking period for bodybuilding, with the sport evolving from niche gymnasiums into mainstream consciousness. This decade saw the establishment of the Mr. Olympia competition in 1965, where Larry Scott claimed the inaugural title and cemented his place in bodybuilding history.

The Golden Era of Bodybuilding

The Golden Era of bodybuilding (1960s-1970s) represented a pivotal shift in physique development and competitive standards. During this period, bodybuilders emphasized aesthetic proportions, symmetry, and definition rather than sheer mass. Training facilities like Gold's Gym in Venice Beach became iconic hubs where legends trained side by side, creating a competitive environment that pushed physical boundaries. The emergence of magazines like Muscle Builder and photography by Artie Zeller captured these athletes' physiques, popularizing the aesthetic ideal that defined this era. This cultural movement coincided with the increasing availability of performance-improving substances, though many athletes like Scott publicly advocated for natural approaches to development even though speculation about widespread use.

Steroid Use in Classic Bodybuilding

Steroid use shaped the foundation of competitive bodybuilding during its formative decades. Larry Scott, the inaugural Mr. Olympia (1965), achieved a 20-inch arm measurement while standing 5'7″ and weighing 205 pounds—proportions significantly larger than later champions like Frank Zane who competed at 185 pounds even though being 5'9″ tall.

Availability and Regulation in the 1960s

Anabolic steroids circulated freely throughout the bodybuilding community during the 1950s-60s with virtually no regulatory oversight. Testosterone-based compounds appeared in U.S. weightlifting publications as early as 1938, with testosterone propionate specifically documented in fitness magazines. Scott's competitive era (early-to-mid 1960s) existed in a regulatory vacuum, as the FDA didn't classify steroids as controlled substances until the 1970s. Athletes accessed these performance enhancers through various channels without legal consequences or testing protocols, creating an environment where experimentation with these compounds became increasingly common among elite competitors.

Evidence Supporting Larry Scott's Potential Steroid Use

Examining Larry Scott's career reveals several compelling indicators suggesting he likely used performance-improving substances. The evidence spans from documented physical changes to firsthand accounts from his contemporaries, providing insight into how steroids may have contributed to his legendary physique.

Physical Transformations and Achievements

Larry Scott's documented physical development shows dramatic gains that align with steroid use patterns. He gained over 14 pounds and increased his biceps from 18.6″ to 20.5″ within just six weeks while using Dianabol. This remarkable transformation rate exceeds typical natural muscle-building capabilities. His physique displayed disproportionate upper-body development—particularly in the shoulders, chest, and arms—consistent with testosterone-based compounds that preferentially enhance upper torso growth. These physical markers match known steroid-induced development patterns observed in athletes.

Testimonies From Contemporaries

Fellow elite bodybuilder Sergio Oliva explicitly named Scott among steroid users in a documented interview, grouping him with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu. Scott himself confirmed limited steroid use during his competitive years, acknowledging taking 20mg of Dianabol 6 weeks before competitions. This admission provides direct confirmation from Scott about his supplement regimen. The testimonies align with widespread industry practices during the 1960s when performance enhancers were becoming increasingly prevalent among top competitors seeking physical advantages in high-level bodybuilding competitions.

Arguments Against Steroid Use

Even though evidence suggesting Larry Scott used steroids, there are compelling arguments that challenge the significance of performance enhancers in his success. These counterpoints focus on his natural genetic potential and his personal philosophy about training and supplementation.

Natural Genetics and Training Philosophy

Larry Scott's remarkable physique stemmed from exceptional genetic foundations that provided a substantial base for his development. His natural proportions—particularly his narrow hips and broad shoulders—created the perfect canvas for his V-taper physique. Scott emphasized hard work over shortcuts, developing innovative training techniques like the “preacher curl” (now known as Scott curls) specifically to target his biceps. His training philosophy centered on mind-muscle connection, controlled movements, and volume training that maximized natural growth potential. Scott frequently attributed his success to consistency and proper form rather than pharmaceutical assistance, stressing that his approach to bodybuilding was rooted in sustainable, health-focused practices.

Larry Scott's Own Statements About Performance Enhancement

Larry Scott maintained a complex position on steroid use throughout his career, acknowledging their presence in bodybuilding while carefully framing his personal involvement. In documented interviews, Scott admitted to using Dianabol, taking approximately 20mg for six-week periods before competitions. This limited cycle helped him gain impressive results – adding over 14 pounds of muscle and increasing his biceps from 18.6″ to 20.5″ during these short preparation phases.

Scott's public statements about performance enhancement typically included warnings about potential side effects. He recognized steroids' effectiveness for muscle growth while cautioning against their risks, telling aspiring bodybuilders: “Steroids can significantly accelerate muscle development, but they're not without consequences for your long-term health.” This balanced perspective revealed his practical knowledge of PEDs while attempting to guide athletes toward responsible decisions.

Unlike some contemporaries who denied steroid use entirely, Scott took a more nuanced approach – neither glorifying nor completely rejecting performance enhancement. His statements reflect the reality of 1960s bodybuilding, where anabolic compounds were legal, widely available, and considered a standard competitive tool rather than a taboo subject. Scott's candid acknowledgment of limited steroid use provides valuable historical context about supplement practices during bodybuilding's formative era.

Impact on His Legacy and the Sport

Larry Scott's steroid use dramatically altered bodybuilding's trajectory, transforming it from the “smooth-bodied” aesthetic of early competitions to the hyper-muscular standard that dominates today. As the inaugural Mr. Olympia champion (1965-1966), Scott's physique became the new benchmark that competitors strived to surpass, effectively normalizing pharmaceutical enhancement in elite bodybuilding circles.

Sergio Oliva, a contemporary champion, explicitly identified Scott among several Golden Era bodybuilders who used performance-improving drugs including Dianabol. This revelation contextualizes Scott's achievements within the sport's evolving drug culture rather than diminishing them. His development marked a pivotal evolutionary step in competitive physique standards.

The post-Scott era saw increasingly dramatic muscular development through athletes like Lee Haney, Dorian Yates, and Ronnie Coleman—each pushing chemical boundaries further than their predecessors. Scott's participation in early steroid culture established a competitive foundation that made natural competition at the highest levels increasingly impossible.

Scott's later advocacy for natural training creates an interesting contradiction in his legacy. While he promoted health-conscious approaches in his later years, his earlier career choices helped establish the very competitive industry that made such natural approaches competitively unviable. This tension between idealism and competitive realities remains a defining characteristic of professional bodybuilding's relationship with performance enhancement.

Conclusion

Larry Scott used anabolic steroids during his competitive bodybuilding career. Multiple sources confirm his usage of testosterone-based compounds and Dianabol (methandrostenolone), which were widely available during the 1960s when Scott competed. Fellow bodybuilder Sergio Oliva explicitly named Scott among steroid users, stating, “everybody in the old days used them: Zane, Columbu, myself, Arnold, Larry Scott… There's no way to deny it.” Scott himself acknowledged taking 20mg of Dianabol daily for six weeks before competitions, though his dosages were modest compared to modern standards. His physique—featuring 20-inch arms on his 5'7″ frame—reflected the physical changes consistent with steroid-enhanced development. As the inaugural Mr. Olympia champion in 1965-1966, Scott's steroid use helped establish new standards for muscular development in competitive bodybuilding, eventually transforming the sport's aesthetic from the “smooth-bodied” look of earlier eras to the more muscular physiques that dominate today. Even though later advocating for natural approaches, Scott's early career choices contributed significantly to normalizing performance enhancement in elite bodybuilding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Larry Scott the first Mr. Olympia?

Yes, Larry Scott won the inaugural Mr. Olympia competition in 1965. He successfully defended his title in 1966, becoming a two-time champion before retiring from competitive bodybuilding. His victories at this prestigious event helped establish both the competition and Scott himself as significant forces in bodybuilding history.

How did Larry Scott get his famous arms?

Larry Scott developed his famous 20-inch arms through specialized training techniques, particularly the “preacher curl” (now known as Scott curls). He emphasized high-volume training, mind-muscle connection, and controlled movements. Scott trained arms twice weekly with multiple exercises and sets, focusing on perfect form rather than heavy weights to maximize bicep development.

Did Larry Scott admit to using steroids?

Yes, Larry Scott admitted to limited steroid use. He specifically acknowledged taking 20mg of Dianabol for six-week cycles before competitions. However, he framed his usage as minimal compared to other bodybuilders of his era and later advocated against excessive use, warning about potential health consequences while promoting more natural approaches to bodybuilding.

How tall was Larry Scott and what was his competition weight?

Larry Scott stood 5'7″ tall and competed at approximately 205 pounds. Despite his relatively modest height, his remarkable proportions—particularly his broad shoulders and narrow waist—created the distinctive V-taper physique that became his trademark. His balanced muscular development made him appear larger than his actual measurements.

What impact did Larry Scott have on bodybuilding?

Larry Scott revolutionized bodybuilding by helping transform it from an obscure subculture into a mainstream pursuit. As the first Mr. Olympia, he established new standards for physique development, particularly for arm training. Scott's aesthetic appeal, training methodology, educational materials, and nutrition company continued influencing the fitness industry long after his competitive career ended.

When did steroids become common in bodybuilding?

Steroids became common in bodybuilding during the 1950s and 1960s. During Scott's competitive era, testosterone-based compounds were widely available with minimal regulation, as the FDA had not yet classified anabolic steroids as controlled substances. This created an environment where elite bodybuilders could freely experiment with performance enhancers without legal consequences.

What competitions did Larry Scott win?

Larry Scott won numerous prestigious titles, including Mr. America (1962), Mr. Universe (1964), and two consecutive Mr. Olympia competitions (1965 and 1966). These victories, particularly the inaugural Mr. Olympia win, cemented his status as one of bodybuilding's most influential champions and helped define the aesthetic ideals of bodybuilding's Golden Era.

What is the “Golden Era” of bodybuilding?

The Golden Era of bodybuilding (approximately 1960s-1970s) was characterized by an emphasis on aesthetic proportions, symmetry, and definition rather than extreme mass. This period saw iconic training facilities like Gold's Gym emerge, bodybuilding magazines gain popularity, and champions like Larry Scott, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Frank Zane set aesthetic standards that many still consider the ideal physique blueprint.