« Previous Next »

Joe Weider Bodybuilder Then And Now

By Cornell Scott / March 12, 2024

Joe Weider Bodybuilder Then

Early Life and Bodybuilding Career

Joe Weider was born on November 29, 1919, in Montreal, Canada. He was the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland. Weider began lifting weights at a young age, and by the time he was 17, he had already developed an impressive physique.

In 1940, Weider won his first bodybuilding competition, the Mr. Canada contest. He went on to win the Mr. America contest in 1946 and 1948. Weider’s success as a bodybuilder helped to popularize the sport, and he is considered one of the pioneers of modern bodybuilding.

Family Background

Joe Weider married Betty Brosmer in 1941. The couple had three children together: Ben, Lynn, and Michael. Weider and Brosmer divorced in 1971. Weider later married Vickie Gates in 1977. The couple remained married until Weider’s death in 2013.

Competitive History

Weider competed in bodybuilding competitions for over two decades. He won the Mr. America contest four times (1946, 1948, 1949, and 1950) and the Mr. World contest twice (1952 and 1953). Weider also placed second in the Mr. Universe contest in 1947.

In addition to his bodybuilding competitions, Weider also competed in weightlifting. He set several world records in the bench press and squat.

Life After Bodybuilding

After retiring from bodybuilding, Weider continued to be involved in the sport as a promoter and publisher. He founded the International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB) in 1946, and he also published several bodybuilding magazines, including Muscle & Fitness and Flex.

Weider also founded the Mr. Olympia contest, which is considered the most prestigious bodybuilding competition in the world. Weider remained active in the bodybuilding community until his death in 2013.

Joe Weider Bodybuilder Now

Joe Weider died on March 23, 2013, at the age of 93. He is survived by his wife, Vickie, and his three children.

Weider’s legacy as a bodybuilder, entrepreneur, and publisher continues to inspire people around the world. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of bodybuilding.