Moscow – capital of Russia – over 850 years old! Moscow was founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Vladimirovich Dolgoruky who built the first wooden fort on Borovitsky Hill on the banks of the Moskva River. Indeed, it is this wooden fort that served as the genesis of what is today known
as the “Kremlin”, a word that in Russian means “fortification” or “citadel”.

Think of “Moscow” and automatically you think of the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral.

President Ben Weider first visited here in 1952 only to discover that bodybuilding was greatly discouraged by Soviet authorities. Thirty-five years later, in 1987, Russia finally recognized the sport and the IFBB and today, bodybuilding and fitness is thriving throughout this country of 150 million.

So much so that the hosting of the 58th IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and IFBB International Congress received the stamp of approval from none other than world-famous ice hockey legend and NHL Hall of Famer Viacheslav Fetisov, now Minister of Sports of Russia, and Youri Luzhkov, Mayor of Moscow.

To this great city came 55 countries, 163 athletes, 60 judges and hundreds of delegates, officials and supporters – all very comfortably accommodated at the 5-star Mezhdunarodnaya Hotel, which is part of the Moscow World Trade Center (WTC) complex.

From the warm welcome at the Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport; to the friendly reception and superb accommodations at the Official Hotel, the Mezhdunarodnaya; to the wonderful Russian cuisine; to sightseeing tours of the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral; to the skillful and professional organization of the Prejudging and Finals; to the Farewell Banquet - all participants left Moscow with only the highest praise for the Organizing Committee.

The Prejudging was held in the Grand Salon of the Moscow World Trade Center, which is attached by inside walkway to the Mezhdunarodnaya Hotel. When the top 5 finalists in 7 categories were revealed, it was like a veritable who’s-who of the world’s bodybuilding elite.

The Finals were held at the Moscow International House of Music, one of the most unique buildings in Moscow, paneled with the best-in-the-world “acoustic” wood from the rare Siberian larch tree. In this grand theater and beautiful setting, seven new World Champions were crowned.

The Farewell Banquet featured a variety of live orchestras, with music from many eras, both past and present – big band, swing, jazz, rock & roll.

To say that the Organizing Committee “left no stone unturned” in their quest to host the best event possible, in the most professional manner, would be a huge understatement.

Vladimir Dubinin
President
Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness of Russia

Konstantin Bochkarev
Vice Governor
Chelyabinsk Region

The IFBB wishes to extend a very special thanks to Konstantin Bochkarev, Vice Governor Chelyabinsk Region, recipient of the IFBB Gold Order and Patron of these Championships. Konstantin’s generosity and kindness is exceeded only by his passion for the sport of bodybuilding. Almost single-handedly, Konstantin’s love of sport brought the 58th IFBB Men’s World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and IFBB International Congress to Russia and Moscow. To a person, each and every participant left Moscow with a genuine sense of gratitude at having experienced the very best of Russian hospitality; due in no small part to Konstantin’s patronage of the IFBB’s premiere bodybuilding event.

We say a fond "farewell" to Moscow and to our gracious hosts - the people of Russia, and look forward to once again meeting in the spirit of friendship and cooperation, in Shanghai, China, for the 59th IFBB Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and International Congress.

Until then, I wish each of you peace, good health, and much success.