MALIH ALAYWAN IFBB Vice President for the Middle East

"The Father of Bodybuilding in the Arabic Countries"

By Rob Wilkins,
Special Assistant to the IFBB

On August 2, 1955, Ben Weider, IFBB President, and Oscar State, one of the leading sport officials in the world (and a future IFBB official) traveled to Warsaw, Poland, to participate in the Polish Youth Festival Games.

Also attending this competition was Mr. Malih Alaywan, Chief Delegate and coach of the Lebanese Team participating in the Youth Festival.

In the rare photo taken from the IFBB album, from left to right, Oscar State, Malih Alaywan, Ben Weider, Abed Chouman, Muhiddine Badr, Zakaria Chehab, Ali Jradi, Mohamed Mahjoub, and kneeling is Mohamed Makouk.

Determined to improve the performance of his athletes and learn more about the science of bodybuilding, Alaywan introduced himself to Weider and this initial meeting led to a friendship lasting over 50 years.

With Weider’s support and guidance, Alaywan has not only played a key role in the promotion of bodybuilding in his native country of Lebanon, but has helped develop the sport of bodybuilding throughout the Arab-speaking world.

Blessed with outstanding genetics and an intense work ethic, many Lebanese bodybuilders have achieved pro status and regularly compete in IFBB competitions worldwide. Some of the most popular Lebanese competitors include: Ahmad Haidar, Mustafa Mohammed, Mohamad Anouti, and the winner of the 1983 Mr. Olympia, Samir “The Lion of Lebanon” Bannout.

Recognized as “The Father of Bodybuilding in the Arabic Countries,” Alaywan continues to share his bodybuilding experience as owner of one of the most popular bodybuilding gyms in Lebanon and as a highly sought-after bodybuilding/weightlifting coach. He also is the General Secretary of the Lebanese Olympic Committee (LOC) and the IFBB Vi ce President for the Middle East

In 2004, under his watchful eye, Beirut, Lebanon was the sight of the Lebanese Amateur Bodybuilding Championships. An enthusiastic crowd of over 3,000 fans cheered for their favorite competitors. Also attending these championships were several high-ranking Lebanese sport officials such as Adnan Arakji, secretary of the Lebanese Parliament, Souhail Khoury, president of the LOC and Toni Khoury, vice president of the LOC.

The IFBB congratulates Malih Alaywan for the dynamic leadership he has demonstrated in promoting bodybuilding and powerlifting in Lebanon for over 50 years.

For the most current information related to the IFBB, visit the web site at www.ifbb.com

Rob Wilkins is a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force stationed at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Wilkins is also a Special Assistant to the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) and a recipient of the IFBB Gold Medal. To contact Wilkins, e-mail him at robifbb@yahoo.com