China flexes its muscle

Bodybuilding's international appeal is undeniably evident in the People's Republic of China, as more individuals are becoming attracted to competitive bodybuilding, sports conditioning and physical fitness. Finding dedicated and highly motivated coaches who are also well educated, qualified and available had proven to be a difficult task in the past. However, under the superior guidance of Sun Li, editor for the China edition of MUSCLE & FITNESS, this void has been filled. Under Sun Li's steady direction, hundreds of Chinese coaches have been taught the Weider Training Course, the most advanced and reliable source of bodybuilding principles in the world.

"Teaching correct lifting techniques and proper principles of nutrition are critical for success," Sun Li says. "Following the scientific and sound principles of the Weider Training Course ensures that my students achieve the results they desire in the shortest time possible."

Classes have been taught in major cities, including the capital city, Beijing. Attendance has far exceeded expectations. "Sun Li is doing a fantastic job in teaching the benefits of a well-rounded bodybuilding program," says Ben Weider, IFBB president. "Like a preacher, Sun Li is spreading the 'gospel' of bodybuilding throughout China. Recently, more than 200 of her disciples graduated from the Weider Training Course with honors. This clearly demonstrates what a great instructor Sun Li is, as she continues to educate Chinese people on the positive aspects of a bodybuilding lifestyle."

--Rob Wilkins

Special Assistant to the IFBB

IFBB MILESTONES

IFBB President Ben Weider and the sport of bodybuilding made history in 1975 when the IFBB organized the World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships and the Mr. Olympia contest in Pretoria, South Africa. Weider met with South Africa's prime minister, John Vorster (above left), and other government officials, insisting that before the events could take place, the black athletes must have the right to compete on the same stage, stay in the same hotels and eat in the same restaurants as all other bodybuilders. In the photo on the right, the IFBB president is shown during a Pretoria news conference, announcing that these conditions had been met and that the competitions would proceed.

Weider traveled to Egypt in 1947 on a mission to persuade the Egyptian government to allow bodybuilding to become an official sport. At the time, weightlifting was the country's most popular sport, so Weider directed his efforts toward El Sayed Mohammed Nosseir, Egypt's 1928 Olympic weightlifting gold medalist, who had also become a world record holder with his win. Weider convinced him that bodybuilding was an equally important tool to help Egypt's young people build health and fitness. Thanks to Weider's efforts, Egypt recognized the value of bodybuilding, and the country's first federation was soon formed. The IFBB leader also showed off his equestrian talents while visiting one of the famed pyramids.

For more information related to the Weider Training Course in China, please contact MUSCLE & FITNESS Editor Sun Li by mail at Tian Tan Dong Lu #13, Beijing, China 100078, or visit the Web site at www.ifbb.cn.

For the most current information related to the IFBB, including contest reports, rule changes, press releases and updates, visit the IFBB online at www.ifbb.com.

COMPILED BY MICHAEL BERG

COPYRIGHT 2006 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning