RIP - IFBB Founder Ben Weider
Ben Weider, the founder of the IFBB passed away yesterday in Montreal, Canada at 85 years old. The I.F.B.B., founded by the Weiders in 1946, has 173 member national federations worldwide and sanctions thousands of amateur and professional competitive events.
Ben Weider was born in Montreal Feb. 1, 1923, to Jewish Polish immigrants. He and his brother Joe dropped out of grade school to support the family. He worked in garment sweatshops and restaurants before enlisting in the Canadian Army and serving during World War II.
Originally, Weider wanted to be an architect, but because he was Jewish he was denied entry-level positions in Montreal architecture firms. He worked with his brother Joe to put out a physique magazine and helped him operate his mail-order business in weightlifting equipment.
He stood firm against the racist apartheid system in South Africa, insisting on shared accommodations and equal treatment for all athletes regardless of race at a world championship contest in Pretoria in 1975.
He leaves behind a wife and three adult children.
RIP