Benjamin "Ben" Weider
1st February 1924 - 17th October 2008

Flexonline.com: "Ben Weider, who in tandem with his brother Joe, took bodybuilding from an underground pastime to a worldwide movement practiced by millions, died suddenly on Friday October 17 in his native Montreal, Canada. He was 85 years old... "

"Throughout their unparalleled odyssey and its numerous setback and challenges Ben and Joe never lost sight of, or faith, in continually elevating the sport of bodybuilding and bringing it to the widest audience possible. And even though he was 85, Ben's energy and passion for the sport was, as always, much in evidence at the 2008 Olympia three weeks ago."

"...This is an immensely sad day for our sport and is indeed the end of an era. Ben's steadying hand and wise counsel will be sorely missed as bodybuilding wends its way though the next few years. After over 60 years the Ben and Joe partnership on this earth is no more, and in truth only mortality could ever have ended it."

Definitely came as a sudden shock when I read in the papers this morning that one of the forefathers of the noble sport, Ben Weider, has indeed passed on. His achievements include founding and running a physical fitness and sporting goods company bearing his name. He was IFBB president until October 29th 2006, when he announced his retirement. He also donated a gym to the Israeli Knesset. In 2008, he was awarded the lifetime achievement award at the Arnold Classic 2008.



Ben is also instrumental in launching Arnold Schwarzenegger's career in the United States - the ultimate stepping stone and mentor towards The Austrian Oak's leap to famedom - competing AND winning the world's most prestigious bodybuilding championship (Mr Olympia) six times; movie-stardom, and is today the Governor of California, no less! Who would've thought... the pinncle of bodybuilding success, Schwarzenegger, owed it all to Ben.


Ben and Arnold... the early days.

The cause of Ben's sudden death is still unknown, and his spokesperson has revealed that he had not been ill.... and has been working out everyday until his death. A warrior until the very end.



To live in the hearts of those we leave is not to die.
RIP Ben Weider.