The Parade of Nations

Forty-two (42) countries attended the IFBB Congress.

Affiliated as new members were the following countries: El Salvador, USA (NPC), Bolivia, Jamaica, American Samoa, New Zealand, Libya, and Abu Dhabi.

The IFBB Executive Council

From left to right: Ben Weider, Winston Roberts, Malih Alaywan, and El Guindi

It was proposed that, commencing 1980 (the 1979 agenda had already been set), four (4) bodyweight categories be allowed and that the judging take place over a two-day period, with the prejudging the first day, and the congress and finals the second day.

Oscar State directing the Judges Meeting (is that Walter Van Den Branden on the far left?)

Elections were held with the following results:

Joe and Betty Weider

Top 3 in the Lightweight Class, from left to right: Renato Bertagna (Italy - 2nd), Carlos Rodriguez (USA - 1st), and Robert Dantlinger (Czechoslovakia - 2nd)

Top 3 in the Middleweight Class, from left to right: Petr Stach (Czechoslovakia - 2nd), Tom Platz (USA - 1st), and Darcy Beckles (Barbados - 3rd)

No photo available of the Heavy class. Mike Mentzer (USA - 1st), Jusup Wilkosz (Germany - 2nd), and Reid Schindle (Canada - 3rd).

Best National Team, a clean sweep by the USA, from left to right: Mike Mentzer (1st - Heavy), Tom Platz (1st - Middle), and Carlos Rodriguez (1st - Light)