Body Builder, Photographer, Artist and Gym Owner.
One of the most influential Bodybuilders of the Golden Era of Bodybuilding In Australia.
Robert Nailon
Robert Nailon [born 1945] is an Australian bodybuilder, artist, and photographer who played a significant role in promoting bodybuilding in Australia and internationally. He is known for his contributions to the bodybuilding community through his photography, gym ownership, and personal connections with prominent figures in the sport.
Early Life
Robert Nailon was born in 1945 in Sydney, Australia, to Michael and Elizabeth Nailon [née Byers].
His father, Michael Nailon, was a tradesman and ex-soldier who served in Papua New Guinea during World War II.
Growing up in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Robert became well-known for driving Mustangs, Corvettes and other muscle cars along the beaches, often posing with his friends for photographs.
Robert spent his childhood engaging in various activities, including drawing, swimming, and even high diving in the Coogee Aquarium pools. In 1963 he met and formed a long term friendship with Paul Graham, who later became an IFBB official.
Career
Bodybuilding and Photography
Robert Nailon’s passion for bodybuilding began in his youth at the age of 12, leading him to become an influential figure in the sport.
As an avid artist and photographer, he documented his and other bodybuilders’ physiques, sending photos to magazines worldwide.
His work was featured on numerous magazine covers, significantly raising the profile of Australian bodybuilding.
Nailon’s photographs not only captured the physiques of bodybuilders but also conveyed the dedication and hard work required in the sport.
His artistic approach brought a unique perspective to bodybuilding photography.
Gym Ownership
In late 1974, Nailon purchased the gym he was a regular at, Coogee Beach Gym, and the building was condemned soon after. At the end of 1974, Robert and a close friend moved the gym from Coogee Beach up to Randwick, a neighbouring suburb of Sydney.
Randwick Gym became a hub for local bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. Nailon’s gym (Randwick Fitness Center) was known for its welcoming environment and state-of-the-art equipment, making it a popular destination for both amateur and professional bodybuilders.
Robert operated the gym until he sold it in 1992. During this period, he continued to contribute to the bodybuilding community through his photography and promotion of the sport.
Connection with Arnold Schwarzenegger
From 1972 to 1980, Nailon served as the personal Australian photographer for Arnold Schwarzenegger. This period marked a highlight in his career, capturing iconic images of Schwarzenegger during his rise to fame in the bodybuilding world. Nailon traveled with Schwarzenegger during his visits to Australia, documenting his training sessions, public appearances, and personal moments. These photographs have become some of the most iconic images of Schwarzenegger’s early career, contributing significantly to his global fame.
The Arnold Collection
Robert Nailon’s legacy is preserved through “The Arnold Collection,” a hobby website run by his son. The website features blogs and stories about Robert’s career, bodybuilding, and his experiences as Schwarzenegger’s photographer. The collection includes rare photographs, personal anecdotes, and insights into the bodybuilding world of the 1970s and 1980s. It serves as a valuable resource for bodybuilding enthusiasts and historians, highlighting Nailon’s contributions to the sport and his close relationship with Schwarzenegger.
