Arnold Schwarzenegger’s days as the Commando and Terminator may be long forgotten, but the five-time Mr Universe winner, apparently, still has that Balance and Stamina even at 71 as recently seen in South Africa when he was attacked by a fan.
Schwarzenegger hosted an event at the weekend in Sandton, South Africa, when during a Walk through, as he was filming a video, a fan launched into a flying kick and caught the former California State governor in back.
The 71 year-old was the at the fourth annual Arnold Classic Africa competition, held at the Sandton Convention Centre.
“there is nothing to worry about,” Schwarzenegger later tweeted.
“I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot,” he wrote. “I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat.”
I’m not an etiquette expert, but pretty sure if you want to ask Arnold Schwarzenegger for a Lamborghini, flying kicking him in the back is not a good start. pic.twitter.com/1vqV7yLSoy
— The Kiffness (@TheKiffness) May 18, 2019
In an official statement on the matter, organizers of the Arnold Sport Festival Africa referred to the assailant as “a crazed fan.”
“Wayne Price, organizer of the Arnold Classic Africa, believes this incident was carefully planned by the offender, as he is known to police for orchestrating similar incidents in the past,” the statement reads.
Official Statement regarding the unfortunate @Schwarzenegger incident earlier at #ACAfrica2019 #ArnoldSchwarzenegger pic.twitter.com/AMae76ov7w
— Arnold Sport Festival Africa (@ArnoldClassicAF) May 18, 2019
Schwarzenegger remained in good spirits as he continued to support the competitors.
In a thread on Twitter, he advised fans to put the focus more on the athletes instead of “the guy who wants to be famous.”
“We have 90 sports here in South Africa at the @ArnoldSports, and 24,000 athletes of all ages and abilities inspiring all of us to get off the couch. Let’s put this spotlight on them,” he wrote.
“And,” he added, before sharing a version of the video himself, “if you have to share the video (I get it), pick a blurry one without whatever he was yelling so he doesn’t get the spotlight. By the way… block or charge?”
Schwarzenegger, according to the event’s statement, will not be pressing charges.
Thanks for your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about. I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot. I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019
