08.17.2004:Bodybuilding History - Weider Brings Bodybuilding to China

In this Olympic year, we look back at the international achievements of Ben Weider.  From the femalemuscle.com article by Rob Wilkins:

China, (People's Republic of China), is the third largest country in the world, with a population of 1.3 billion or 22% of the total population in the world. It is also one of the four oldest civilizations in the world with a written history that can be traced back over 4,000 years. The martial arts were one of the primary methods of physical fitness due to their ability to develop cardiovascular fitness as well as muscular strength. Prior to Ben Weider's influence, weight training was rare in China. However, Chinese youngsters were fascinated with this new sport called bodybuilding and the muscles that it built. Bodybuilding was practically non-existent in this great county until 1954 when Ben Weider, invited by Mr. Chen Lien Hua, the former Sport Director for China, laid the foundation...." more category:vintage bodybuilding