- Member of the 1963 Cuban National Weightlifting Team.
- One of the three bodybuilders who has defeated Arnold Schwarzenegger in a bodybuilding contest.
- Won numerous top Physique competitions, including 3 consecutive Mr. Olymia titles (1967, 1968, 1969).
- Active Chicago Police Officer since 1976.
- Competed both as an amateur and a professional Bodybuilder.
- Defected to the United States after competing in the 1963 Pan American Games.
- Turned down a lucrative offer to train for a career in the Pro Wrestling game.
- His seeking to join the Chicago Police Department as a policeman was thwarted due to the archaic system that was in place in the selection of "qualified candidates." According to this antiquated and irrationally rigid set of rules, Sergio Oliva was too heavy in body-weight; implying obesity and lack of proper physical fitness.
Some years after his being hired as a special physical trainer for the Chicago Police Academy, a more modern criteria was used and he was able to qualify for the job. The new method evaluated applicants on a more personal manner; rather than relying on rigid height to body weight ratios. It also took in the fact that muscle weighs more than fat tissues and the individuals abilities to perform tests of strength, endurance and general physical tasks.
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