The Parade of Nations

Thirty-three (33) countries attended the IFBB Congress.

IFBB President Ben Weider officially opening the Championships. At his right is Syd Pukalo, President of the Canadian BodyBuilding Federation, and at his left is Father Marcel de le Sablonniere, Vice President of the Canadian National Olympic Committee

Affiliated as new members were the following countries: Denmark, Guatemala, New Zealand and Nigeria. Four federations reorganized and their affiliation was confirmed - Cyprus, Greece, France and the USA. Total nations affiliated to the IFBB - 95.

A view of the Executive Council at the IFBB Congress

The decisions taken at the IFBB International Congress:

1. THAT, instead of only awarding trophies and/or medals to the top 3 finalists in each category, they be awarded to the top 6 finalists.

2. THAT the categories be redefined as follows:

Lightweight - up to and including 75 KG
Middleweight - over 75 KG, up to and including 90 KG
Heavyweight - over 90 KG

Ben and Joe discussing some of the details of prejudging

3. THAT the "overall winner" title and award be removed from amateur competition and that each category winner be declared a "World Champion".

4. THAT a Bantamweight category (up to and including 60 KG) could be included in the Asian Championships or at any national championships if the national federation so desired.

Top 3 in the Lightweight: from left to right: Danny Padilla (USA), 2nd; Mohamed Makkawy (Egypt), 1st; Adolf Zigner (Austria), 3rd

5. THAT, at the end of the public presentation of each category, a "posedown" between the top 3 finalists be held. This would consist of the compulsory poses, followed by free posing.

Top 3 in the Heavyweight: from left to right: Darcy Beckles (Barbados), 2nd; Roger Walker (Australia), 1st; Karl Kainrath (Austria), 3rd

6. THAT the "Ben Weider Trophy" be awarded each year to the "Most Improved Bodybuilder".

7. THAT a new analysis system be used to scrutinize the judge's mark sheetsm - 90% and above (Grade A), 85% to 89% (Grade B), below 85% (Grade C).

Robby Robinson (USA), winner of the Middleweight class. Placing 2nd was Mike Mentzer (USA) and placing 3rd was Ahmet Enunlu (Turkey).

8. THAT the following 3 scoring rounds be used in future competitions:

Round 1 - relaxed attention from 4 sides
Round 2 - 6 compulsory poses individually and all together
Round 3 - free posing for one minute

9. THAT all judges at IFBB events wear the IFBB judging attire (blue blazer with IFBB crest, white shirt, IFBB tie, gray pants, black shoes).

Ben Weider congratulating Mohamed Makkawy (Egypt), winner of the Lightweight class