The Olympia is more than a world championship event. As a celebration of community, sport, and spirit, it serves as an example of diplomacy, camaraderie, and peace that other industries and leaders should follow. That’s not hyperbole, either. As a matter of fact, Olympia history validates that statement.

Diplomacy in Action

Many bodybuilding fans remember the 1975 Mr. Olympia, which was held in Pretoria, South Africa, as the one documented for Pumping Iron. The cameras may have been on the men vying for the titles, but the most important man at that year’s event may have been IFBB President Ben Weider.

M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins served as an assistant to Weider for a number of years and heard stories from him about those days of using bodybuilding as a tool for diplomacy. He shared stories of how their Jewish heritage, the Weider brothers themselves felt discriminated against by organizations like the AAU. That personal impact played a role in the formation of the IFBB.

“They felt like they weren’t getting a fair share and opportunities due to their religion. So, they decided to create something where all people could be brought together. The IFBB was a unifier.”

That mission of unity was evident in South Africa. Prior to the Olympia that year, the country held state-sanctioned race segregation (apartheid) policies and was largely isolated from the global sports community as a result. At the time, both Ben and Joe Weider were criticized and accused of choosing money over human rights. What they did not know was that Ben Weider was already working to break down those barriers behind the scenes.

Weider negotiated with the South African government to let athletes of color compete in the Universe and Olympia competitions, or they would move the event to another city and country. He not only wrote about this in his defense of having the Olympia in Pretoria in issues of Muscle Builder magazine but also received written validation from the government that all competitors would be welcomed.

According to some reports, once competitors arrived in Pretoria, efforts were still made to enforce some forms of segregation, including separate buses. However, Weider and then Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger stepped in and stood up for the competitors and demanded that they be treated equally without prejudice. Their demands were met, and the result was for future legends like Albert Beckles, Robby Robinson, and Serge Nubret competing and helping make history in South Africa.

The Ripple Effect After the Contest

Wilkins validated that the impact Weider made went far beyond that year’s Olympia and Universe contests, which served as catalysts for even more change to come in South Africa. The domino effect that began during those contests continued in the years ahead, including Sydney Maree being named the country’s first black “Athlete of the Year” winner.

“Ben’s diplomacy and not trying to go heavy-handed while planning the 1975 Olympia is what made that possible,” Wilkins explained.

Weider’s passion for equality and recognition for bodybuilding led him to travel the world with intentions of using the sport to bring opposing groups together and elevate the bodybuilding community. His travels led him to Eastern Europe during the Cold War and China at different points. He even made his case of the impact that physical culture could have on the world stage to the International Olympic Committee, leading to the IFBB being granted official provisional recognition by the IOC during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, a goal Weider pursued for many years. Wilkins said, “Ben showed that bodybuilding has contributed so much to the world, and it continues today, as evidenced by the Olympia and the IFBB Pro League.”

Sports Can Be the Ultimate Example of Diplomacy

Diplomacy and the impact of sports overall on the world has been a recent focal point thanks in part to the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics and World Cup, the latter of which was held on American soil. The United States will play a significant role in sports and physical culture throughout this next “Decade of Sport,” including the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. There will be other sporting events with global influence to watch as well, including the 2027 Military Games, which 142 nations are eligible for on its own, the CrossFit Games, Arnold Classic, and others.

Every upcoming event can create its own impact beyond the field or court, but Wilkins confirmed that if people want to see the epitome of how sports and diplomacy have and can come together for a greater good, then the Olympia is the template because concepts like training, recovery, optimal performance, and fulfilling our physical potential through bodybuilding can be great unifiers.

“Bodybuilding has shown us how many things we really do have in common.”

Competitions like the Olympia, Olympics, and others do far more than crown the best of the group; they are a celebration of common bonds and community that serve a greater purpose long after the athletes leave the stage. Yes, there are differences in strengths and weaknesses that make each competitor or athlete stand out, which is why contests are held to determine who the best is.

But when you get down to the foundation of why they are there, it boils down to personal standards of excellence and a level of commitment that yields respect and admiration. That may be why bodybuilding serves as an example for others to follow. The key to a better world overall may not be the power held by a few that could meet in a summit. It may be the unifying power of the iron.

Get your tickets to the 2026 Olympia and World Fitness Expo by going to mrolympia.com.