Arnold Classic 2006!

It's that time of year again!

Columbus, Ohio, is once again hosting the 18th annual ARNOLD CLASSIC FITNESS WEEKEND, where the best bodybuilders and athletes of the land come to compte for the prestigious Arnold Classic trophy!

Schwarzenegger was cheered he arrived on saturday. Fans shouted, "We love you, Arnold!" and "Arnold rules!" as he entered the Greater Columbus Convention Center, one of the venues for the weekend's 2006 Arnold Sports Festival. The weekend combines a trade show, contests in several sports, and the main event, the annual Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition.

Schwarzenegger stopped frequently to shake hands, pose for pictures and sign autographs as members of his California Highway Patrol security detail cleared him a path through the thick crowd of mostly young, male and muscular fans.

"It's great to see everyone's energy and enthusiasm, so I hope you all have a good time. This is all for you!" he told them.

The day was a reminder that Schwarzenegger still has a strong base of support, even if it's not among his California constituents. In a poll released Thursday, just 37 percent of California's likely voters said they are inclined to re-elect the governor in November, a huge drop from last year, when 56 percent said they were.

But his problems back home didn't matter to Schwarzenegger's fans in Columbus.

"He's a good guy," said Colin Grahmann, 17, who had traveled from Hallettsville, in south-central Texas, for the Arnold Festival. "He's looking out for the general public. I really like the way that he always stops and talks to fans."

Garrison Groh, 24, of Medina said he gives Schwarzenegger a lot of credit for venturing into politics.

"I think it's a dangerous mix, show business and politics," he said. "You always risk making a fool of yourself. But Arnold stands up for what he believes in, in a state where being too conservative can hurt you. He doesn't govern by sticking his finger in the wind."

The annual fitness contest began as a much smaller bodybuilding competition that Schwarzenegger won in 1970. He promised organizer Jim Lorimer a partnership after he retired from competing.

Watch this space for Arnold Classic updates!!

Global Arnold Staff
 

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