Warren Langman can best be described as one of the pioneers of our beloved sport who has dedicated more then 37 years of his life in an official capacity (1965 - 2002) to promote, develop and enhance the status, image and popularity of IFBB bodybuilding.

A stable figure throughout his involvement with the IFBB has been
IFBB Founder and President Ben Weider, CM, CQ, SBStJ, PhD, and Warren acknowledges the many years of friendship and colleagueship he has enjoyed.

Said President Weider, "Warren was the absolute perfect person to organize the South Pacific as an integral part of the worldwide IFBB family of 176 nations. Warren's contribution to the growth and development of the IFBB, demonstrated through longtime dedication, commitment, loyalty, and professionalism, was invaluable. Warren's positive influence within the sport not only impacted the South Pacific but also, the world in his position as an IFBB Vice President."

Warren's efforts in promoting and developing the sport of IFBB Bodybuilding spans four decades and a number of continents, including the ownership of more then 30 gyms. It has been an enduring contribution to our sport.

Warren was the first elected IFBB Vice President in 1992 for the South Pacific Region and his elevation to this role resulted from his efforts to establish the South Pacific Bodybuilding Federation (representing 22 countries of the South Pacific) in 1991.

By establishing the SPBBF, Warren became a central figure that helped the sport of bodybuilding achieve official recognition status with the South Pacific Games Council and IOC South Pacific.

The sport of bodybuilding continues to maintain South Pacific Games status and it has already been confirmed on the program for the 2007
(Samoa) and 2011 (New Caledonia) South Pacific Games.

Aside from dedicating his time and resources over many years to advance the sport of IFBB Bodybuilding, Warren Langman was also a competitive bodybuilder achieving national and international honours, as well as winning numerous power-lifting and bench-press titles, including the 1971 South African Power-lifting Championships.

Warren credits his long-time friend, Reg Park, for getting him into competitive bodybuilding, as it was Reg’s gym that he first joined in 1960.

Warren's bodybuilding wins and titles include - Mr South Africa,
Mr Transvaal, the Masters British Columbia (Canada) Championships, and placing 4th at the 1972 IFBB Mr Universe. The IFBB Mr Universe was a memorable event because his friend Arnold Schwarzenegger assisted him with his posing.

We are pleased to also acknowledge the support extended by
Warren ’s wife Cynthia and their family who have supported his endeavors and allowed him to give his time for the betterment of our sport.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Johannesburg, South Africa (1966 – 1975):

These early years saw Warren host every bodybuilding star of this era for tours throughout South Africa, in conjunction with regional and national bodybuilding championships - such legends as Reg Park, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Larry Scott, Frank Zane, Boyer Coe, Dave Draper, Chris Dickerson, Serge Nubret, Roy Hilligen and Franco Columbo, including Chris Dickerson, who was the first non-white bodybuilder to visit South Africa.

Canada and the USA (1975 - 1983):

Warren promoted a number of major events including the 1978 North American Championships and the 1979 "Diamond Cup" - Canada ’s first men’s professional bodybuilding event. Every bodybuilding great of the day participated in this event and friend Arnold Schwarzenegger was the Master of Ceremonies.

Warren also purchased and established the Gold’s Gym franchise in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, in 1978.

New Zealand (1984 -1988):

Warren opened a Gold's Gym franchise in New Zealand in 1984 and, in subsequent years, organized and promoted the annual Auckland Championships and numerous New Zealand National Championships.

Norfolk Island & other South Pacific Nations
(1988 - 2001):

Warren organized the following events:

1995 IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships & IFBB International Congress, Guam. This was the first time that the IFBB's premiere event would be hosted in the South Pacific.

Warren also organized, promoted and hosted the 1988 Oceania Championships (Norfolk Island), 1996 and 1997 South Pacific Championships (Norfolk Island), and 2001 Mini Games (Norfolk Island).


Biographical data and photographs supplied by:

Philip Hope
IFBB Vice President South Pacific
President, South Pacific Bodybuilding Federation
spbbf@slingshot.co.nz