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BODYBUILDING’S BIGGEST FAN Peter McGough’s commitment to the sport was evident from the start By Ben Weider, CM, CQ, SBStJ, PhD
I first became aware of Peter McGouch in the early 1980s through his writings in British bodybuilding magazines. In particular, what really stood out for me was an article by Peter in the September 1984 edition of Bodybuilding Monthly. It was an obituary for Oscar State, OBE, my longtime friend and right-hand man in the IFBB. I was moved by Peter’s words, which completely encompassed the spirit of this man I knew so well and relied on so much. As I would learn, time and again, Peter McGough has an uncanny ability to hit the nail right on the head when it comes to writing about anyone and anything bodybuilding; the sport that would intertwine our lives for many years to come. In April of 1985, I flew to England and met Peter for the first time, when he visited me at the Weider UK headquarters in Harrogate, Yorkshire. At the time, he was Editor-in-Chief of Muscle & Co., the official journal of the English Federation of BodyBuilders (EFBB). I was immediately struck by his calm British reserve and his knowledge and passion for bodybuilding. My next encounter with Peter was at the World Game at the Wembley Conference Center in London in July of 1985. By that time, he was a leading figure in bodybuilding in Britain and I urged him to get more involved in the EFBB, which he did, having a great impact on the federation from then on. We met frequently over the years. If there was ever a problem or issue in the British or European bodybuilding scene I would consult him for his view, always finding him to be fair and balanced in his opinions, with his objectives always being in the interest of the sport as opposed to himself as an individual. By the late '80s, he was recognized as one of the top bodybuilding writers and editors in the field. In 1991, we met in New York at the Night of the Champions and it was then that I floated the idea of him going to work for my brother Joe at Weider Publications in Woodlands Hills, California. While it was a massive move for Peter, he was eager to take up the challenge and the opportunity. He told me many years later, “Ben, you gave me the ball, and I ran with it”. He sure did run, because off to California he went in July 1992 to work for Joe as a Senior Writer for FLEX where he was quickly established as a key member of the team. In 1995, Peter was made Senior Editor, and two years later, became Editor-in Chief. Under his stewardship and hands-on approach to editing the magazine, FLEX went from strength-to-strength and pulled even further away from its rivals. With Peter at the helm of the industry’s undisputed leader, he is a very influential figure in bodybuilding. Many times I’ve called upon his expertise on matters concerning the future direction of the sport or of the IFBB, and many times Peter has given me good, solid advice and counsel. It is with great confidence that I have come to rely on his insight and wisdom. In recognition of his efforts and many contributions to the sport of bodybuilding and the IFBB, in 1999 he was presented with the IFBB Gold Order at the And due to his life’s devotion to the sport and the federation, in 2005 we proudly presented him with the IFBB Achievement Award at the Mr. Olympia Finals for 25 years of dedication to the bodybuilding movement. I, along with my brother Joe, who I know thinks the world of Peter and has always connected with him on a very deep level of understanding about all things bodybuilding, would like to thank Peter for his unabated loyalty, knowledge and commitment. It is our belief that he will continue to be a great spokesman and leader for all the ideals that Joe and I hold dear.
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