The reinvention of Arnold Schwarzenegger as influencer thunders on as the Austrian Oak released workout community app The Pump and self-help book “Be Useful” last year. In 2024 he popped up in a memorable Super Bowl advertisement with Twins co-star Danny DeVito and the two reunited at the recent Academy Awards. Between all the positive motivation and appearances, Arnold made his way to Columbus, Ohio for the annual Arnold Sports Festival, a Heart-land institution since 1989. Anchored on bodybuilding and strong man competitions, “The Arnold” showcases dozens of sports and thousands of athletes across the likes of martial arts, medieval fighting, gymnastics, and foosball! An exhibition floor is full of vendors hawking gym equipment and workout supplements.
I was born and raised not far from Columbus and attended the show in my youth but had not been there since 2009. It’s rumored Arnold owned part of a nearby mall that housed a Planet Hollywood, and I saw the car from Timecop there in the 90’s. The three-day extravaganza was packed, starting with the line at Arnold’s statue outside the Columbus Convention Center where showgoers posed and took photos. Arnold is all over the show, onstage with special guests, visiting booths, watching competitions, and bestowing prizes at the finals. A couple of gents from The Arnold Fans were on hand and it was fun to walk the show with fellow enthusiasts.
Founding members of The Pump were invited to a one hour “meet and greet” with app runners Daniel Ketchell (former White House intern turned Arnold staffer) and fitness author/enthusiast Adam Bornstein warming up the crowd, talking about working with Arnold (he loves people and wants to live life to the fullest), their experiences at the show (Daniel had a suit ruined by brushing up against someone’s fake tan) and how massive it has become.
Many an attendee expressed their heartfelt gratitude and admiration for Arnold inspiring them which The Governator responded in kind that’s what The Pump and village was all about, supporting one another in a positive way. He also mentioned Fubar season 2 starts shooting in Toronto in late April so here’s hoping Eoin gets to visit set and exchange a Predator shake with President Pump.
