Meinhard was widely remembered by neighbors and family friends as the gentler, more artistically inclined brother. He had natural athletic ability, yet he lacked Arnold's relentless drive to conquer the international athletic stage. As their Austrian bodybuilding youth gave Arnold an escape route into global competitions, Meinhard remained closer to home, pursuing trade work and a more conventional lifestyle in Austria.
Their paths diverged sharply in the late 1960s. Arnold won Mr. Universe titles, relocated to Germany, and moved to California in 1968 under the guidance of fitness entrepreneur Joe Weider. Meinhard remained in Europe, grappling with personal demons and heavy alcohol consumption. The brothers drifted apart geographically, speaking rarely as Arnold pursued his American ambitions and Meinhard struggled to carve out his own identity away from his father's policing gaze.
