Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Edmund Karolewicz

The Enigmatic Figure of the 1972 Mr. Olympia: Edmund Karolewicz

The 1972 Mr. Olympia contest remains a fascinating chapter in bodybuilding history, featuring iconic names like Franco Columbo, Serge Nubret, Sergio Oliva, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, and a lesser-known but intriguing figure—Edmund Karolewicz.

Who is Edmund Karolewicz, you ask? Well, his presence in the 1972 Mr. Olympia was somewhat of a mystery. According to some accounts, Karolewicz was invited to compete by fellow Frenchman Serge Nu’bray, showcasing Nu’bray’s unique power of special invitation, much like Joe Weider’s special invite to Takeshi Kimura for the 1968 IFBB Mr. Universe.

While the official records may be incomplete, Muscle Memory lists Karolewicz placing either third or fourth in his class at three different Mr. France competitions, along with a 6th place finish at the ’72 Olympia. Intriguingly, a 1996 French publication captions images of Karolewicz as “Eight-time French champion. The best veteran in the entire history of French bodybuilding.”

What sets Edmund Karolewicz apart is his rare distinction of being one of the few bodybuilders, alongside Reg Lewis in 1970, to compete against both Sergio Oliva and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the same Mr. Olympia contest. This places Karolewicz in a unique position in bodybuilding history, bridging the gap between the golden era legends like Oliva and Schwarzenegger.

While Edmund Karolewicz may not be a widely recognized name in bodybuilding lore, his presence in the 1972 Mr. Olympia adds an intriguing chapter to the sport’s history. Whether viewed as a mystery or a footnote, his story offers a glimpse into the unique dynamics and special invites that occasionally shape bodybuilding competitions.