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Joseph Baena<\/a><\/strong> is officially stepping into his father\u2019s legendary territory.<\/p>\n The 28-year-old son of Arnold Schwarzenegger<\/strong><\/a> made a major impression at his first-ever bodybuilding competition, taking home multiple top finishes at the NPC Natural Colorado State event.<\/p>\n \u201cMission accomplished,\u201d Baena captioned a Saturday<\/a>, March 28 Instagram post<\/a> celebrating the big moment.<\/p>\n Baena secured first place in the Men\u2019s Open Bodybuilding Heavy Weight Class, Men\u2019s Classic Physique True Novice, and Men\u2019s Classic Physique Novice, while also earning second place in the Men\u2019s Classic Physique Open Class C.<\/p>\n Fans quickly flooded the comments with their congratulatory messages.<\/p>\n \u201cSo awesome!!! Congratulations,\u201d Mr. Olympia winner Phil Heath wrote.<\/p>\n Another fan wrote, \u201cHuge congrats, brother! Stay strong in body, mind, and spirit! God bless! \ud83d\udcaa\ud83c\udffc\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffc\u201d<\/p>\n A third shared, \u201c\u200b\u200bFantastic start big Joe congratulations.\u201d<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfac<\/strong> SIGN UP for Parade\u2019s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox<\/strong><\/a> \ud83c\udfac<\/strong><\/p>\n While comparisons to his father are inevitable, Baena\u2019s journey hasn\u2019t been without its challenges. Despite now showcasing an elite-level physique, he previously revealed that fitness didn\u2019t always come naturally. \u201cPeople sometimes forget that I used to be chubby in high school. I got cut from my basketball and soccer team because I couldn\u2019t keep up with the other kids,\u201d he shared in a past post.<\/a> \u201cSwim didn\u2019t have tryouts thankfully and completely changed my life forever.\u201d<\/p>\n Now, he\u2019s training alongside one of the most iconic figures in bodybuilding history. Schwarzenegger, a seven-time Mr. Olympia winner, has been spotted working out with his son<\/a> in recent weeks, with Baena even sharing a classic piece of advice from his dad: \u201cYou have to shock the muscles!\u201d<\/p>\n Schwarzenegger shares Baena with Mildred Patricia \u201cPatty\u201d Baena<\/strong>, while also having four children with ex-wife Maria Shriver.<\/strong><\/p>\n This story was originally published by Parade<\/a> on Mar 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the News<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n