An excellent article on what is universally accepted as the “First Body Building Contest”. It was promoted by Eugen Sandow and took place on September 14 in 1901 at Albert Hall in London. 15,000 spectators witnessed the event.
The Bronze Statue (3rd place prize) from the event would be donated and reappear as the first prize trophy presented to Steve Reeves at the initial NABBA Universe in 1950. A replica of the trophy has been presented to Mr Olympia winners from 1977 onwards. Frank Zane would take the title and the ‘first’ Bronze Sandow trophy in this year.
Source: Peak Muscle Maker (Vol.2 No.8)
