IFBB News Release
Montreal, Canada, and Madrid, Spain
November 1, 2006

After 60 years as President of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness, Ben Weider has officially retired from the international amateur sport governing body he founded and has led since 1946.

On October 29, 2006, at the IFBB International Congress in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Ben addressed the delegates from 63 countries by video, announcing his decision to retire as IFBB President. Ben assured all members that he would remain available should the new President, Executive Council or National Federations require his counsel or assistance.

Afterwards, the Congress unanimously elected Dr. Rafael Santonja of Madrid, Spain, as the new IFBB President.  Since 1985, Rafael has served with distinction as Ben's Executive Assistant. Rafael worked closely with Ben over the past 21 years, traveling the world on behalf of the IFBB, solving difficult problems with skill and diplomacy, and working diligently to raise the image of the IFBB in the sporting world, most particularly among IOC officials.

Rafael’s first official act as the newly elected IFBB President was to nominate Ben Weider as Honorary Life President.  The Congress voiced its unanimous approval with a standing ovation.

Full report and video to follow.

*Ben Weider will remain President of the IFBB Professional League.