Ben Weider, C.M., C.Q., SBStJ, Ph.D.
IFBB Founder & President

In 1984, Ben Weider, IFBB President, received the greatest honor of his long and distinguished career by being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Created by Alfred Nobel of Sweden, the Nobel Peace Prize has been recognized as "the greatest honor a man can receive in this world." The first prize was awarded in 1901 to Frederic Passy, Founder and President of the first French peace society and Jean Henry Dunant, Founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva. Some of the many distinguished recipients include Theodore Roosevelt (1906), Albert Schweitzer (1952), Martin Luther King Jr. (1964), Mother Teresa (1979), Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev (1990), and Nelson Mandela (1993).

Weider has spent his life fighting discrimination and his nomination recognized the significant work he has done in breaking down the barriers of color and race in both the world and sport. "Words cannot express the sincere gratitude this nomination has brought me," stated Weider. While Bishop Desmond Tutu was the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Weider was thrilled that he was even considered for such a prestigious award. "The nomination alone is an honor but without the support and dedicated efforts of the IFBB officials, this would not have been possible. I share this nomination with all of them."

When Ben and his brother Joe created the IFBB in 1946, they had two priorities-the promotion of bodybuilding and assurance that the IFBB would be free from political, racial, and religious prejudices. The IFBB was created to unite countries in the spirit of friendship and sport as noted in the IFBB Constitution:

"In sport there are no limitations, no barriers of race, religion, politics or culture. In sport, we are in touch with each other. BODYBUILDING IS IMPORTANT FOR NATION BUILDING."

This brief statement is the foundation on which the IFBB is built and serves to inform all IFBB delegates that they are considered equal and discrimination will not be tolerated. One of the highlights for Weider comes during the IFBB International Congress when as many as 80 countries join together to discuss policy matters related to the IFBB. But more than business, this is also a time of true brotherhood as people from all walks of life join together as friends to celebrate a common cause.

One of the main events leading to Weiders Noble Peace Prize Nomination took place in 1975. During this time South Africa was suffering the injustices of apartheid. Dr. P.G.J. Koornhof, formerly the Minister of Sport and Recreation, wanted to host the IFBB World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships and the IFBB Mr. Olympia competitions in South Africa.

During intense negotiations with Minister Koornhof, Weider informed him that the IFBB would not participate unless the following conditions were guaranteed:

1. Allowing black and white bodybuilders to compete together on stage, at the same time.

2. Black and white bodybuilders be allowed to eat in the same restaurant, at the same time, without segregation or hassle.

3. Black bodybuilders be authorized to stay in the same hotels, and just as important receive the same treatment and service as whites.

Due to Weiders persistence and un-willingness to change his position, Dr. Koornhof agreed to these conditions and the World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships and the Mr. Olympia contest were successfully organized in South Africa without incident or disturbance. These events were the hottest ticket in town as thousands of fans and hundreds of reporters attended this groundbreaking event.

Dr. Koornhof was so pleased with the outcome that in 1976 he directed that black athletes also be permitted and nominated for the distinguished honor of "The Outstanding South African Athlete of the Year," which previously had been reserved for white athletes only.

Being one of the first people to make a major breakthrough in fighting apartheid in South Africa has been one of the most memorable accomplishments in Weiders life.

There are more than 300 peace prizes recognized throughout the world. None are as well known or highly respected as the Nobel Peace Prize; often cited as the world's most prestigious prize awarded for the preservation of peace. Ben Weider's nomination is just another remarkable achievement considering his modest upbringing. While humbled by his success, what satisfies him the most is the fact that for over sixty years, he has built bridges between people from different walks of life--capitalists and communists, blacks and whites, various religions and cultures. None of these differences are important to Weider. His goals were and always will be to serve the role as an ambassador of peace, using bodybuilding as a way to open doors and eliminate the fears that separate us and move toward a greater understanding of our fellow man.