history of the IFBB

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International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness

The IFBB Celebrates its 70th Anniversary in 2016!

Every person who is in any way part of the worldwide bodybuilding and fitness movement knows the names Joe and Ben Weider. Although they are no longer with us, the Weider brothers are synonymous with the equipment, magazine and supplement empires they built. But more important to athletes, officials and enthusiasts in the sport of bodybuilding and fitness is the organization they created in 1946 in Montreal, Canada – the International Federation of Body Builders ... the IFBB. Today, the IFBB is one of the world’s largest international amateur sport governing bodies. To fully understand and appreciate what the IFBB has accomplished in its 70-year history, we need look no further than its own published records. Each year since 1970, the IFBB has held what it calls an “International Congress”. It is at these annual general meetings where IFBB National Affiliates from all over the world gather to celebrate the IFBB’s accomplishments and successes and where decisions are made that affect the future of the federation and the sport it governs. It is through the eyes of the IFBB International Congress reports and minutes that we truly come to know the IFBB and its rich history. Many have asked what was happening within the IFBB between its creation in 1946 and the 1st International Congress in 1970. The answer is found in the December 1971 issue of Joe Weider’s Muscle Builder/Power, in a guest editorial written by Ben Weider called "Come on in, the Water’s Fine!". Ben explains, "During the intervening years, I traveled to more than 90 countries and my brother to more than 40 on behalf of bodybuilding." Ben goes on to say, "Between the years 1946 and 1970, we succeeded in getting 57 nations to affiliate." 1970, Belgrade, Yugoslavia – The IFBB holds its 1st International Congress in conjunction with the IFBB Mr. Universe. Twenty-five countries attend this historic meeting at which a constitution is adopted and an executive council is elected. Arnold Schwarzenegger wins his first of seven Mr. Olympia titles and goes on to become a sport icon, co-promoter of the Arnold Classic, worldwide movie star and governor of California. The Mr. Olympia, the IFBB’s first professional contest, was created by Joe Weider in 1965.

Joe and Ben Weider on the cover of their last book, “Brothers of Iron”,

subtitled “How the Weider Brothers Created the Fitness Movement and Built a Business Empire”

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Twenty-one years earlier, in 1949, Ben Weider met an English gentleman and internationally respected sport official by the name of Oscar State (England). Oscar would play a pivotal role in the early growth and development of the IFBB; counselling President Weider that, for the IFBB to achieve legitimacy on the worldwide stage, it must first become a legal entity, adopt a constitution and a set of rules, hold annual general meetings of its membership, and schedule regular democratic elections. 1971, Paris, France – The IFBB announces its recognition by the General Association of International Sports Federations (“GAISF”). This proves to be a watershed moment since GAISF rules allow it to recognize only one international federation per sport (GAISF would later become recognized by the International Olympic Committee and would in 2009 rebrand to “SportAccord”). With this decision, in the eyes of sport and political officialdom, the IFBB becomes the only legitimate International Sport Governing Body in the world for the sport of bodybuilding.

1972, Baghdad, Iraq – Proving that bodybuilding is acknowledged at the highest levels of sport, IFBB recognition appears for the first time ever on the agenda of the 71st Session of the International Olympic Committee as published in Olympic Review, the official journal of the IOC. 1973, Geneva, Switzerland – The IFBB adopts the Official Guide Book for Judges. Oscar State is honoured for creating the first IFBB Constitution and Rules. The IFBB Medical Commission, established in 1971, issues its first of many reports on the subject of doping in sport.

1974, Verona, Italy (Electoral Congress) – Continental federations are approved in Africa, the Caribbean and South America. Initial talks begin between Ben Weider

and Don Porter (USA), president of the International Softball Federation, regarding a new concept – the World Games – the Olympic games of non-Olympic sports. Ben Weider, having been unanimously elected “Life President” in 1970, declines this position and stands for election in the same manner and under the same rules as all other members. Ben Weider is re-elected IFBB President. Lou Ferrigno, of “Incredible Hulk” fame, wins the IFBB Mr. Universe overall title for the second year in a row. 1975, Pretoria, South Africa – 1975 is a triumph not only for the IFBB but also, over apartheid as Ben Weider works tirelessly to assure equality for all sportsmen regardless of race, religion, politics or culture. In fact, Ben’s steadfast belief in liberty, equality and fraternity becomes the creed of the IFBB – “In sport, there are no limitations; no barriers of race, religion, politics or culture. In sport, we are in touch with each other. Bodybuilding is important for nation building.” Arnold Schwarzenegger wins his 6th Mr. Olympia and becomes chairman of the first IFBB Professional Committee. The “Overall Champion” award is discontinued (it would be

Ben Weider with South African Prime Minister John Vorster. Ben fought hard to ensure equality for all

participants at the 1975 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships/IFBB Mr. Olympia

in Pretoria, South Africa.

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resurrected in 1996). For his pioneering efforts in the fields of exercise, nutrition, health and fitness, Ben Weider receives the “Order of Canada”, the Canadian government’s highest civilian honour. 1976, Montreal, Canada – Short, Medium and Tall classes are replaced by Lightweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight categories. The term “IFBB Mr. Universe” is replaced by “IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships”. For the first time, the Prejudging is opened to the public. 1977, Nimes, France – The IFBB passes the 100 mark in the number of National Affiliates. The New York Times, America’s most prestigious newspaper, calls bodybuilding “the fastest growing sport in the world today”. The film Pumping Iron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is released and becomes the all-time classic bodybuilding movie. 1978, Acapulco, Mexico (Electoral Congress) – A record 42 countries attend. The President’s Gold Medal is created. After a 32-year battle with the Amateur Athletic Union (“AAU”) for the control of bodybuilding in the USA, the IFBB emerges victorious. In 1981, Jim Manion (USA) would form the National Physique Committee (“NPC”), which would become the most successful and largest amateur bodybuilding and fitness organization in the USA and the sole recognized US National Affiliate of the IFBB. Ben Weider is re-elected. 1979, Columbus, Ohio, USA – The IFBB creates its first IFBB Women’s Committee, with Christine Zane (USA) its first chairperson. A new Light-Heavyweight category is opened for competition at the 1979 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships, which is organized by the team of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer, who would in 1989 create the prestigious “Arnold Classic”. 1980, Manila, Philippines – Oscar State is appointed Executive Vice President (now Executive Assistant to the President). Oscar creates an IFBB Code of Ethics and an IFBB Professional Rulebook, which are adopted by the Executive Council and Congress. Muscle & Fitness becomes the official journal of the IFBB. The International World Games Association (“IWGA”) is founded. Presidents Weider and Porter (“ISF”) played a key role in creating the IWGA, which would in 2000 become recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The Ms. Olympia is created. 1981, Cairo, Egypt – For the first time, the IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships is staged outdoors, at the foot of the Pyramids. Bodybuilding participates as a medal sport in the 1st World Games in Santa Clara, California, USA. 1982, Bruges, Belgium (Electoral Congress) – A new record is set with 46 countries in attendance. Lee Haney (USA) wins the Heavyweight category at the 1982 IFBB Men’s World

Joe Weider, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ben Weider at the 40th anniversary of the

Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA in 2005

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Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and would go on to break Arnold’s record of seven Mr. Olympia titles. The first IFBB Juniors & Masters World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships is held in Torremolinos, Spain. The IFBB approves Women’s Bodybuilding competition at the World Championships level. Ben Weider is re-elected IFBB President.

1983, Singapore – A Bantamweight category is opened for competition at the 1983 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships only. The Congress votes to implement doping controls in 1985. FLEX becomes the official journal of the IFBB. The first IFBB Women’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships is held in London, England with Lightweight and Middleweight categories.

1984, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – A new record for attendance is set with 58 countries. Oscar State, OBE, passes away on July 2nd, 1984. The “Oscar State Memorial Award” would be created to honour his memory and would be presented each year to the top administrator in the IFBB. The IFBB now has over 125 National Affiliates. The first IFBB Mixed-Pairs World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships is held in Madrid, Spain. Ben Weider is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for “extraordinary efforts aimed at bridging understanding, through the medium of sport, between people around the world”.

1985, Gothenburg, Sweden – China becomes a member of the IFBB. President Weider states, “My efforts to get China to join the IFBB started in 1954 ... 31 years ago!” Prof. Dr. Manfred Donike (Germany), Chairman, IOC Doping Commission, agrees to act as special advisor to the IFBB. Bodybuilding participates as a medal

sport in the 2nd World Games in London, England. Dr. Rafael Santonja (Spain) is appointed Executive Assistant to the President. Three categories are approved for women’s bodybuilding: Lightweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight. The documentary film Pumping Iron II: The Women is released. Bodybuilding is recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia, the largest regional Olympic council in the world. 1986, Tokyo, Japan (Electoral Congress) – The IFBB celebrates yet another watershed moment in its history. Having resolved all of the legal and technical issues that arose the previous year, the first doping controls are conducted at the 1986 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships. The Bantamweight category is re-opened at these Championships. Ben Weider is re-elected IFBB President. 1987, Madrid, Spain – A new record is set with 60 countries in attendance. Ben Weider is invited by IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch to address the IOC Executive Board on the subject of IFBB recognition.

Oscar State, OBE, and Ben Weider. The “Oscar State Memorial Award”,

presented to the IFBB’s top administrator each year, is named

in his honour.

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1988, The Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia – The USSR becomes a member of the IFBB. Ben’s efforts to get Russia to join the IFBB started in 1952. President Weider proudly remarks, “After 36 years, my persistence and determination paid off. Mission accomplished!” 1989, Paris, France – The IFBB participates as a medal sport in the 3rd World Games in Karlsruhe, Germany. 1990, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Electoral Congress) – With 70 countries present, a new record for attendance is set. Ben Weider is re-elected IFBB President. 1991, Katowice, Poland – The IFBB approves a Pan-Arab Bodybuilding Federation. Efforts are made to bring all of the 22 Pacific Island nations and territories into the IFBB. Ronnie Coleman (USA) wins the 1991 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships Heavyweight category and, in 2005, would tie Lee Haney’s record eight straight Mr. Olympia titles. 1992, Graz, Austria – The IFBB is recognized by the South Pacific Games Council (now Pacific Games Council), which itself is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. 1993, Seoul, Korea – The IFBB now has over 150 National Affiliates. Bodybuilding is recognized by over 90 National Olympic Committees. The IFBB participates as a medal sport in the 4th World Games in The Hague, Netherlands. 1994, Shanghai, China (Electoral Congress) – The Welterweight category is opened for competition at the 1994 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships. President Weider reactivates the IFBB Technical Committee. Ben Weider is re-elected IFBB President. 1995, Guam – Prof. Dr. Manfred Donike passes away on August 21st, 1995. A new IFBB Constitution is adopted. The IFBB Gold Order is created; its first recipients are IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch and Dr. Rafael Santonja, IFBB Executive Assistant to the President. Bodybuilding is recognized by the Supreme Council of Sport in Africa (now the Association of African Sports Confederations). A Women’s Fitness division is approved by the IFBB. The Fitness Olympia is created. 1996, Amman, Jordan – Seventy countries are in attendance, tying the record set in 1990. The IFBB now participates in most IOC-recognized Regional Games e.g. South East Asia Games, Asian Games, South American Games, Central American Games, Caribbean Games, Arab Games, and South Pacific Games. The IFBB begins a collaborative relationship with the International Sports Press Association. The “Overall Champion” award is reinstated at the 1996 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships.

Ben and Joe Weider

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1997, Prague, Czech Republic – A new attendance record is set with 72 countries. The IFBB participates as a medal sport in the 5th World Games in Lahti, Finland. Prof. Dr. Eduardo H. De Rose (Brazil), IOC Doping Commission, is appointed special advisor to the IFBB Medical Commission. The Deviation Method of calculating judging accuracy is implemented at all World Championships. The first IFBB Women’s Fitness World Amateur Championships is held in Bratislava, Slovakia. 1998, Izmir, Turkey (Electoral Congress) – President Weider proudly announces yet another watershed moment in the history of the IFBB – the granting of provisional recognition by the International Olympic Committee. Dr. Rafael Santonja is congratulated on playing a key role in gaining IOC acceptance. IFBB.com is launched. Ben Weider is re-elected IFBB President. 1999, Bratislava, Slovakia – The new IFBB Doping Control Policy & Anti-Doping Program is introduced. The program is modelled on the Olympic Movement

Anti-Doping Code. A Judge’s Ranking System is implemented at all World Championships. 2000, Malacca, Malaysia – IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch attends his first bodybuilding competition in

Lausanne, Switzerland – the IFBB European Men’s Amateur Bodybuilding Championships. A new software program is introduced to automatically compile judging scores and is implemented at World Championships. 2001, Yangon, Myanmar – A Flyweight category is opened for competition at the 2001 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships. The IFBB participates as a medal sport in the 6th World Games in Akita, Japan. 2002, Cairo, Egypt (Electoral Congress) – A Light-Middleweight category is opened for competition at the 2002 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships. A Women’s Body Fitness (Figure) division is approved by the IFBB and is opened for competition at the World Championships in Brno, Czech Republic. The European Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (“EBFF”) is created. Ben Weider is re-elected IFBB President. 2003, Mumbai, India – The IFBB votes unanimously to adopt the “World Anti-Doping Code”. Men’s Fitness becomes a sport discipline at the World Cup level. The Figure Olympia is created.

A historic photograph showing Dr. Rafael Santonja, Pamela Kagan and Ben Weider with IOC President Juan

Antonio Samaranch outside IOC Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. Note the IFBB flag flying alongside the IOC flag. In 1998, the IOC granted

provisional recognition to the IFBB.

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2004, Moscow, Russia – The IFBB changes its name to “International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness” but keeps the acronym “IFBB” and the IFBB logo, which are globally recognized brands. 2005, Shanghai, China – The IFBB participates as a medal sport in the 7th World Games in Duisburg, Germany. The new sport discipline of “Classic Bodybuilding” is officially recognized and would be opened for competition at the World level in 2006. Men’s Fitness opens at the World Championships level after World Cups in 2003, 2004 and 2005. The IFBB adopts new IFBB Anti-Doping Rules, following the World Anti-Doping Code. A new Super-Heavyweight category is opened for competition at the 2005 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships. The IFBB Professional Division separates from the IFBB and the IFBB Professional League is created. Ben Weider names Jim Manion as president and Tony Blinn (Canada) as general secretary of the new IFBB Pro League. The IFBB has 173 National Affiliates. 2006, Ostrava, Czech Republic (Electoral Congress) – After 60 years as IFBB President, Ben Weider officially retires. On October 29th, 2006, at the IFBB International Congress, Ben addresses the delegates from 63 countries by video and announces his decision to retire. Ben assures all members that he will remain available should the new President, Executive Council or National Federations require his counsel or assistance. Afterwards, the Congress unanimously elects Dr. Rafael Santonja of Madrid, Spain, as the new IFBB President. Since 1985, Rafael served with distinction as Ben's Executive Assistant. Rafael worked closely with Ben over the previous 21 years, traveling the world on behalf of the IFBB, solving difficult problems with skill and diplomacy, and working diligently to raise the image of the IFBB in the sporting world, most particularly among IOC officials. Rafael’s first official act as the newly elected IFBB President is to nominate Ben Weider as “Honorary Life President”. The Congress voices its unanimous approval with a standing ovation. The IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships sees competition in eight categories: Bantam (65kg), Light (70kg), Welter (75kg), Light-Middle (80kg), Middle (85kg), Light-Heavy (90kg), Heavy (100kg) and Super-Heavy (100+kg). Classic Bodybuilding, with weight limits, makes its debut on the world stage with three categories – Short (170cm), Medium (178cm) and Tall (178+cm). The Congress adopts two women's bodybuilding categories, with a cut-off of 55kg.

Dr. Rafael Santonja with Joe and Ben Weider. Rafael would succeed Ben on his retirement as IFBB President in 2006 and would become only the second

president in the 60-year history of the IFBB.

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2007, Jeju, South Korea – The 1st Arnold Classic Amateur is held in Columbus, USA, with participation from more than 40 countries and 300 competitors. IFBB headquarters transitions from Montreal, Canada, to Madrid, Spain. 2008, Manama, Bahrain – The IFBB Family and indeed, the entire bodybuilding and fitness world, is deeply saddened by the passing of Ben Weider on October 17th, 2008. Past IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch proposes that an annual Ben Weider Gold Cup be held in memory of the IFBB’s co-founder and that the overall champion at all future IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships receive the Ben Weider Memorial Trophy. In 2008, over 1,400 competitions are

organized at regional, national, continental, intercontinental and world levels. The World Anti-Doping Agency (“WADA”) confirms that the IFBB’s doping program is in conformity with the WADA Code. National Federations can enter an “A” and a “B” team (equal in numbers) at World Championships, except Masters where the number of “B” team athletes is unlimited. New Masters categories are created. IFBB international judges must attend a judging seminar every three years to maintain their IFBB Judge’s Card. A Men’s Wheelchair Bodybuilding division is approved by the IFBB. The 202 (later 210 and finally 212) Olympia is created. 2009, Doha, Qatar – A record 75 countries attend. The IFBB grows to 185 member-countries. Jim Lorimer (USA), longtime friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger and promoter of the Arnold Classic, is named IFBB Patron. The IFBB grants full recognition to the Asian Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness under the presidency of H.E. Sheikh Abdulla Bin Rashid Al Khalifa (Bahrain). A proposal from the IFBB Anti-Doping Commission to create continental anti-doping commissions is adopted. The duties and responsibilities of the IFBB Anti-Doping Commission, IFBB Disciplinary Commission and IFBB Appeal Commission are added to the IFBB Constitution. The IFBB participates in the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and the 2009 World Police and Fire Games in Vancouver, Canada. 2010, Baku, Azerbaijan (Electoral Congress) – New categories and bodyweight limits are adopted for Classic Bodybuilding. Also adopted is a new scoring system for Men’s and Women’s Fitness, a set of rules for Bikini, the elimination of the one-piece swimsuit in Body Fitness and the IFBB Masters Degree program. Bikini and Children’s Fitness divisions are approved by the IFBB. The Bikini Olympia is

Ben Weider and Dr. Rafael Santonja at the 2006 Olympia Weekend in

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

President Santonja with H.R.H. Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, President of the Olympic Council of

Asia and Association of National Olympic Committees. The IFBB is recognized by the OCA.

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created. The first World Children’s Fitness Championships are held in Bratislava, Slovakia. President Santonja is re-elected for a second four-year term. 2011, Mumbai, India – The IFBB now has 190 member-countries. The IFBB Press Commission starts producing IFBB Universe, the IFBB’s online magazine. An Arnold Classic Amateur is held in Madrid, Spain, in conjunction with the Arnold Classic Europe. A fitness presentation is made at the Pan-American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. The IFBB becomes a member of the International Council for Coaching Excellence. The age limit for “junior” competitors is set at 16-23. The IFBB participates in the 2011 Pan Arab Games. The first Olympia Amateur is held in Northamptonshire, UK.

2012, Guayaquil, Ecuador – Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Beuker, longtime secretary of the IFBB Medical Commission, passes away on January 28th, 2012. The IFBB Academy website is re-launched. Men’s and Women’s Athletic Fitness and Men’s and Women’s Physique divisions are approved by the IFBB. Judging and Anti-Doping seminars are presented worldwide. Discussions begin on Classic Bodybuilding for women. Women’s Bodybuilding is reduced from two categories to one open category. Four categories are opened in Bikini Fitness. The 2012 Olympia Amateur is held in Kuwait. 2013, Marrakech, Morocco – The IFBB mourns the loss of Joe Weider, IFBB co-founder, who passes away on March 23rd, 2013. The Arnold Classic Amateur expands from the USA to Europe (Madrid) in 2011 and South America (Brasil) in 2013. The Olympia Amateur events are a growing success. The 1st Ben Weider Diamond Cup is scheduled to be held in Athens, Greece. The IFBB votes to discontinue Women’s Bodybuilding and Athletic Fitness at the continental and world levels. Bodybuilding recognition is re-confirmed by the

Olympic Council of Asia. 2014, Brasilia, Brasil (Electoral Congress) – The IFBB now has 191 member-countries. An IFBB Vice President for Central America position is created on the IFBB Executive Council. The IFBB has competition in 11 divisions. The 2nd Ben Weider Diamond Cup is scheduled for Lianyungang, China. The IFBB votes to combine the World Men’s Amateur Bodybuilding Championships with the World Men’s Amateur Classic Bodybuilding Championships. The IFBB participates in the Asian Beach Games in Phuket, Thailand. These games are organized under the banner of the Olympic Council of Asia. President Santonja is re-elected for a third four-year term.

President Santonja with Dr. Julio Cesar Maglione, President of the Pan American Sports Organization.

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2015, Benidorm, Spain – Arnold Amateurs are held in Columbus, Ohio, USA; Melbourne, Australia; Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; and Madrid, Spain. Olympia Amateurs are held in Kuwait City, Kuwait; Torremolinos, Spain; Prague, Czech Republic; Liverpool, England; Hong Kong; Gold Coast, Australia; and Moscow, Russia. The IFBB is recognized by the Pan American Sports Organization. In 2016, the IFBB will launch the “Ben Weider Legacy Cup” and “IFBB Diamond Cup”, both of which will be international pro qualifiers.

IFBB Executive Council members and IFBB National Federation delegates at the 2015 IFBB International Congress in Benidorm, Spain

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Members of the IFBB Executive Council present at the 2015 IFBB International Congress and IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships in Benidorm, Spain

Standing left to right: Bob Lorimer (USA – Patron), Javier Pollock (US Virgin Islands – Vice President Caribbean), Celia de la Rosa (Spain – Personal Assistant to the President), Pamela Kagan (Canada – Executive Director),

Eng. Eduardo Abdalah (Nicaragua – Vice President Central America), Juan Santiago Estrada (Nicaragua – Advisor), Aquiles de Cesare (Uruguay – Vice President South America), Juliette Bergmann (Netherlands – Secretary Women’s Committee),

Marco Bosco (Italy – Legal Counsel), Benedetto Mondello (Italy – Secretary Judges Committee), Prof. Mauricio de Arruda Campos (Brasil – Chairman Technical Committee),

Dr. Bob Goldman (USA – Chairman Medical Commission), Dr. Francisco Abril (Spain – Secretary Medical Commission), Hitoshi Tamari (Japan – Patron), Wanda Tierney (UK – Chairwoman Women’s Committee)

Seated left to right: Sheikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa (Bahrain – Vice President Asia), William Tierney (UK – General Secretary), Dr. Rafael Santonja (Spain – President), Albert Busek (Germany – Vice President Europe),

Pawel Filleborn (Poland – Chairman Judges Committee), Paul Graham (Australia – Vice President South Pacific Oceania)

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Appendix 1

2015 IFBB COMPETITIONS WITH PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES AND COMPETITORS (Continental, World and other International Championships)

COMPETITION COUNTRIES COMPETITORS 2015 Arnold Classic Amateur North America (Columbus, OH, USA) 58 738 2015 Arnold Classic Amateur Australia (Melbourne, Australia) 4 427 2015 Arnold Classic Amateur South America (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) 11 509 2015 Arnold Classic Amateur Europe (Madrid, Spain) 67 959 2015 Olympia Amateur (Kuwait City, Kuwait) 17 158 2015 Olympia Amateur (Torremolinos, Spain) 38 315 2015 Olympia Amateur (Prague, Czech Republic) 36 281 2015 Olympia Amateur (Liverpool, England) 34 495 2015 Olympia Amateur (Hong Kong) 20 213 2015 Olympia Amateur (Moscow, Russia) 22 124 2015 World Children’s Fitness Championships (Novi Sad, Serbia) 11 123 2015 World Fitness Championships (Budapest, Hungary) 53 506 2015 World Men’s Bodybuilding & Classic Bodybuilding Championships (Benidorm, Spain)

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2015 World Juniors & Masters Championships (San Salvador, El Salvador) 43 257 2015 European Championships (Santa Susanna, Spain) 45 1297 2015 Asian Championships (Kitakyushu, Japan) 20 177 2015 North American Championships (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) 3 1209 2015 South American Championships (Lima, Peru) 10 354 2015 Mediterranean Championships (Nice, France) 9 84 2015 Central America & Caribbean Championships (Nassau, The Bahamas) 25 212

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Appendix 2

DIVISIONS AND CATEGORIES OPEN FOR COMPETITION AT THE IFBB INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

MEN’S BODYBUILDING (9 categories) 1. Flyweight: Up to and incl. 60 kg* 2. Bantamweight: Up to and incl. 65 kg 3. Lightweight: Up to and incl. 70 kg 4. Welterweight: Up to and incl. 75 kg 5. Light-Middleweight: Up to and incl. 80 kg 6. Middleweight: Up to and incl. 85 kg 7. Light-Heavyweight: Up to and incl. 90 kg 8. Middle-Heavyweight: Up to and incl. 95 kg 9. Heavyweight: Up to and incl. 100 kg 10. Super-Heavyweight: Over 100 kg *Category open in Asia and South America only

JUNIOR MEN’S BODYBUILDING (2 categories)

16-23 years of age inclusive 1. Lightweight: Up to and incl. 75 kg 2. Heavyweight: Over 75 kg

MASTER MEN’S BODYBUILDING (8 categories)

40 to 49 years of age inclusive: 1. Lightweight: Up to and incl. 70 kg 2. Middleweight: Up to and incl. 80 kg 3. Light-Heavyweight: Up to and incl. 90 kg 4. Heavyweight: Over 90 kg

50 to 59 years of age inclusive: 1. Middleweight: Up to and incl. 80 kg 2. Heavyweight: Over 80 kg

60 to 64 years of age inclusive: One open category 65 years of age and older: One open category

MEN’S CLASSIC BODYBUILDING (5 categories)

1. Class A: Up to & incl. 168 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] - 100) + 0 [kg] 2. Class B: Up to & incl. 171 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] - 100) + 2 [kg] 3. Class C: Up to & incl. 175 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] - 100 ) + 4 [kg] 4. Class D: Up to & incl. 180 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] - 100) + 6 [kg] 5. Class E: Over 180 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] - 100) + 8 [kg] Note 1: For competitors with a body height of over 190 cm up and up to and including 198 cm, the following formula will be used: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] – 100) + 9 [kg]

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Note 2: For competitors with a body height of over 198 cm, the following formula will be used: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] – 100) + 10 [kg] Note 3: All of the above mentioned competitors will participate in the “Over 180 cm” category.

JUNIOR MEN’S CLASSIC BODYBUILDING (1 category with the following height/weight limits)

16-23 years of age inclusive 1. Up to & incl. 168 cm Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] - 100) + 0 [kg] 2. Up to & incl. 171 cm Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] - 100) + 1 [kg] 3. Up to & incl. 175 cm Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] -100) + 2 [kg] 4. Up to & incl. 180 cm Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] -100) + 3 [kg] 5. Up to& incl. 190 cm Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] -100) + 4 [kg] 6. Up to& incl. 198 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] - 100) + 4.5 [kg] 7. Over 198 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] - 100) + 5 [kg]

MASTER MEN’S CLASSIC BODYBUILDING (2 categories)

40 to 49 years of age inclusive: One open category 50 years of age and older: One open category Note: Bodyweight limitations for all master men’s classic bodybuilding competitors are the same as men’s classic bodybuilding competitors

MEN’S WHEELCHAIR BODYBUILDING (1 category)

One open category

MEN’S FITNESS (1 category with the following height/weight limits)

1. Up to & including 170 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] -100) + 1 [kg] 2. Up to & including 175 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] -100) + 2 [kg] 3. Up to & including 180 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] -100) + 3 [kg] 4. Up to & including 190 cm Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] -100) + 4 [kg] 5. Up to & including 198 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] – 100) + 4.5 [kg] 6. Over 198 cm: Max Weight [kg] = (Height [cm] – 100) + 5 [kg]

JUNIOR MEN’S FITNESS (1 category)

16-23 years of age inclusive Max. Weight [kg] = Height [cm] – 100 [kg]

MEN’S PHYSIQUE (4 categories)

1. Class A: Up to and incl. 170 cm 2. Class B: Up to and incl. 174 cm 3. Class C: Up to and incl. 178 cm 4. Class D: Over 178 cm

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JUNIOR MEN’S PHYSIQUE (1 category) 16-23 years of age inclusive One open category

MASTER MEN’S PHYSIQUE (1 category)

40 years of age and older: One open category

WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE (2 categories) 1. Class A: Up to and incl. 163 cm 2. Class B: Over 163 cm

MASTER WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE (1 category)

35 years of age and older: One open category

WOMEN’S FITNESS (2 categories)

1. Class A: Up to and incl. 163 cm 2. Class B: Over 163 cm

JUNIOR WOMEN’S FITNESS (2 categories)

16-23 years of age inclusive 1. Class A: Up to and incl. 163 cm 2. Class B: Over 163 cm

WOMEN’S BODY FITNESS (4 categories)

1. Class A: Up to and incl. 158 cm 2. Class B: Up to and incl. 163 cm 3. Class C: Up to and incl. 168 cm 4. Class D: Over 168 cm

JUNIOR WOMEN’S BODY FITNESS (2 categories)


MASTER WOMEN’S BODY FITNESS (2 categories)

35 to 44 years of age inclusive: One open category 45 years of age and older: One open category

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WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS (6 categories) 1. Class A: Up to and incl. 160 cm 2. Class B: Up to and incl. 163 cm 3. Class C: Up to and incl. 166 cm 4. Class D: Up to and incl. 169 cm 5. Class E: Up to and incl. 172 cm 6. Class F: Over 172 cm

JUNIOR WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS (2 categories)


MASTER WOMEN’S BIKINI FITNESS (1 category)

age 35 and older One open category

MIXED-PAIRS (1 category)

One open category

MALE and FEMALE CHILDREN’S FITNESS (5 categories) 1. Class A: up to and incl. 7 years old 2. Class B: 8 to 9 years old 3. Class C: 10 to 11 years old 4. Class D: 12 to 13 years old 5. Class E: 14 to 15 years old

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Appendix 3

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT RECOGNIZE THE IFBB

Alliance of Independent recognized Members of Sport (“AIMS”)

Association of African Sports Confederations (“AASC”)

Central American Sport Organization (“ORDECA”)

International Council for Coaching Excellence (“ICCE”)

International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (“ICSSPE”)

International Pierre de Coubertin Committee (“CIPC”)

International World Games Association (“IWGA”)

Olympic Council of Asia (“OCA”)

Pan American Sports Organization (“PASO”)

SportAccord (formerly, General Association of International Sports Federations – “GAISF”)

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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (“UNESCO”)

World Anti-Aging Academy of Medicine (“WAAAM”)

World Anti-Doping Agency (“WADA”)

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Appendix 4

IFBB AWARDS & HONOURS

IFBB Gold Order

Lifetime Achievement Award

Spirit of Sport Award

IFBB Distinguished Service Award

Spirit of Courage Award

Spirit of IFBB Award

IFBB President’s Medal

IFBB Gold Medal

IFBB Silver Medal

IFBB Bronze Medal

IFBB Master Degree

Athletic Achievement Award

IFBB Diploma of Honour

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Appendix 5

IFBB FOUNDERS BEN WEIDER, Canada [1923-2008]

JOE WEIDER, USA [1920-2013]

THE IFBB EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2014 - 2018

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT DR. RAFAEL SANTONJA, Spain

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT DR. ENG. ADEL FAHIM EL SAYED, Egypt EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PAMELA KAGAN, Canada GENERAL SECRETARY WILLIAM TIERNEY, United Kingdom ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY RAUF BUNYATALIYEV, Azerbaijan VICE PRESIDENTS NORTH AMERICA JIM MANION, USA EUROPE ALBERT BUSEK, Germany CARIBBEAN JAVIER POLLOCK, US Virgins Islands SOUTH AMERICA AQUILES DE CESARE, Paraguay SOUTH PACIFIC & OCEANIA PAUL GRAHAM, Australia AFRICA DR. ENG. ADEL FAHIM EL SAYED, Egypt MIDDLE EAST MALIH ALAYWAN, Lebanon ASIA SHEIKH ABDULLA BIN RASHID AL KHALIFA, Bahrain

CENTRAL AMERICA EDUARDO ABDALAH, Nicaragua JUDGES COMMITTEE PAWEL FILLEBORN, Poland (Chairman) BENEDETTO MONDELLO, Italy (Secretary) TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MAURICIO DE ARRUDA, Brazil (Chairman) WOMEN’S COMMITTEE WANDA TIERNEY, United Kingdom (Chairwoman) JULIETTE BERGMANN, Netherlands (Secretary) MEDICAL COMMISSION DR. BOB GOLDMAN, USA (Chairman) FRANCISCO ABRIL, Spain (Secretary) PROF. DR. EDUARDO H.DE ROSE, Brazil (Special Advisor) RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE LEE LABRADA, USA (Chairman) KP OURAMA, Finland (Secretary) TREASURER JOSE RAMOS, Spain LEGAL COUNSEL MARCO BOSCO, Italy RICK COLLINS, USA LUAY MADI, Jordan PATRONS KIM NAM HAK, Korea FRANCO FASSI, Italy MALIH ALAYWAN, Lebanon HITOSHI TAMARI, Japan JOAN CAMPOLIER, Spain JAMES LORIMER, USA

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Acknowledgment

The IFBB wishes to acknowledge the following individuals who assisted in the creation of this article:

Dr. Rafael Santonja, IFBB President Pamela Kagan, IFBB Executive Director Wanda Tierney, Chairwoman, IFBB Women’s Committee Celia de la Rosa, Personal Assistant to the IFBB President Tony Blinn

Disclaimer

The accuracy of the information that appears in this article has been verified as much as is feasibly possible. This information was extracted from three main sources – hard-copy IFBB International Congress reports produced from 1970 to 1999, online IFBB International Congress reports published from 2000 to 2006, and the minutes of the IFBB International Congresses from 2007 to 2015.

Despite the thorough verification process used, there may still exist a discrepancy. Any such discrepancy will be corrected if proof is provided to support a claim that certain specific information contained within the article is incorrect. Please submit all such claims to [email protected].

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