Every year since 2001, the "finals" of the Mr. Olympia—the most prestigious event in the world of professional bodybuilding—have commenced with a stirring display of patriotism. As the lights dim and the tension of the competition peaks, members of a United States Honor Guard unit march onto the stage to present the colors. This is followed by the soul-stirring notes of the national anthem. While this ceremony is now a staple of the Olympia experience, it is more than just a pre-show ritual; it is a profound testament to a partnership between the iron sport and those who serve in uniform.
This tradition, established by the late IFBB Pro League President Ben Weider, serves as a permanent reminder to spectators, athletes, and industry leaders alike that the spectacle of bodybuilding thrives in large part due to the stability and protection provided by the nation’s armed forces.
The Genesis of a Movement: Ben Weider’s Vision
To understand the deep-rooted synergy between the military and bodybuilding, one must look at the man who built the modern IFBB empire. Ben Weider was not merely a sports executive; he was a veteran, a historian, and a man whose life was defined by a commitment to service.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Weider’s Wikipedia entry—a document that spans a lifetime of international influence—begins with a defining "Canadian soldier." In 1942, at the height of the Second World War, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. He served with the 6th Duke of Connaught’s Royal Canadian Hussars, eventually moving into the high-stakes world of intelligence as a member of the Canadian Intelligence Corps.
This military background fundamentally shaped his worldview. After the war, he and his brother Joe transformed the fitness landscape, creating the bodybuilding industry as we recognize it today. While Joe focused on the editorial and training revolution through titles like Muscle & Fitness, Ben channeled his energy into the global governance of the sport. Throughout his rise, his respect for the military never waned.
Rob Wilkins, an Air Force veteran who served as Weider’s executive assistant for years, recalls that Ben’s appreciation for the military was deeply personal. "With Ben being a military person himself," Wilkins notes, "he really understood the importance of showing support and recognizing military people."
Weider’s dedication to service was officially recognized throughout his life. He was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 1975, later promoted to Officer in 2006, and served as an Honorary Colonel of the 62nd (Shawinigan) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA. In 1984, he was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian and sports diplomacy efforts. It was this spirit of service that he brought to the Olympia stage.
Chronology: A Quarter-Century of Solidarity
The defining moment for this partnership arrived in the wake of the national tragedy on September 11, 2001. In the shadow of the attacks, the mood of the country—and the world—was one of uncertainty and mourning. Weider, refusing to let the spirit of the bodybuilding community falter, met with Wilkins and other key stakeholders to propose a radical shift in how the Olympia was presented.
The goal was simple but ambitious: to use the platform of the Olympia to honor the service members who had become the nation’s primary symbol of resilience. The original plan was to provide 200 tickets to service members from military bases in the Las Vegas area. The response, however, far exceeded their expectations. By the time the event concluded, over 1,200 tickets had been distributed to active-duty personnel.
"To this day, there was never anything more electrifying for me than when they would chant ‘USA, USA,’" Wilkins recalls. The imagery of soldiers in uniform standing alongside the world’s most elite physique athletes created an indelible impression on the audience.
This gesture of goodwill has been repeated every year since 2001. As of 2026, the Olympia celebrates the 25th anniversary of this tradition. The program has expanded significantly, with the Olympia offering thousands of free tickets to active-duty service members and creating a platform for veterans who transition from the battlefield to the bodybuilding stage.
The Philosophical Commonality: Why the Military and Bodybuilding Intersect
Critics or casual observers might wonder how a sport centered on aesthetics and hypertrophy aligns with the brutal reality of military service. However, those who live within both worlds recognize a shared set of foundational values that are strikingly similar.
1. Uncompromising Discipline
For a soldier, discipline is the difference between mission success and catastrophe. For a bodybuilder, it is the difference between a podium finish and anonymity. Both disciplines require a lifestyle of total adherence to routine, often under extreme physical and psychological stress.
2. The Invisible Labor
Observers see the stage at the Olympia for a few moments, just as they see the final result of a successful military operation. They rarely see the "invisible labor"—the years of preparation, the missed holidays, the early mornings, the strict nutritional adherence, and the relentless training that occurs when no one is watching.
3. Ambassadors of Wellness
Both the military and the fitness community promote the idea of self-improvement as a duty. Service members must maintain combat readiness, while bodybuilders serve as ambassadors for health and physical longevity. This common thread of "being the best version of oneself" creates a natural alliance between the two demographics.
Official Responses and Modern Implications
Today, the legacy established by Ben Weider continues under the stewardship of current Olympia President Dan Solomon and owner Jake Wood.
"Ben laid the groundwork for a meaningful connection between bodybuilding and the military," Solomon explains. "Since his passing, we have welcomed thousands of active-duty men and women to Olympia Weekend, while continuing to tell their stories here in our Fit to Serve section. We’re always exploring new ways to show our gratitude."
Solomon works closely with Rob Wilkins, who now serves as the Muscle & Fitness Military Editor. Together, they have spearheaded the Fit to Serve initiative, which has documented nearly 140 stories of service members and first responders since 2021. This column has become the leading authority on military-fitness, providing a space for those in uniform to share how training helped them cope with the challenges of service, deployments, and the transition to civilian life.
Wilkins expressed deep gratitude for the current leadership’s dedication to maintaining the traditions of the past. "I’m honored that they still recognize the importance of continuing the tradition," he says. "It’s about more than just a ticket; it’s about respect."
The Future of the Partnership
As the Olympia enters its next quarter-century of military collaboration, the bond appears stronger than ever. The integration of service members into the Olympia weekend is no longer a "special event"—it is part of the event’s identity.
The implications of this are far-reaching. By highlighting the stories of veterans in Fit to Serve, the Olympia has transformed from a mere competition into a hub for community building and mental health advocacy. For many young service members, seeing a veteran succeed on a global stage provides a powerful template for their own post-service lives.
Moreover, the annual presentation of colors serves as a poignant reminder that even in an industry focused on the physical body, there is a deep reverence for the spirit and the sacrifice required to protect the freedom that allows such sports to exist.
As the Olympia continues to grow as a global brand, it carries with it the ethos of its founder. Ben Weider’s life taught us that the pursuit of excellence—whether in the gym, in the boardroom, or on the front lines—is always grounded in a commitment to something larger than oneself.
When the next Mr. Olympia finals begin and the national anthem fills the arena, the applause that erupts will not just be for the athletes. It will be a collective acknowledgement of the silent sacrifice of the men and women who serve. The "Iron Bond" between the military and bodybuilding remains a testament to the fact that when we push our bodies to the limit, we do so best when we are grounded by the values of duty, honor, and country.
The story of the Olympia and the military is a living, breathing tradition—one that promises to inspire, motivate, and honor for generations to come. Through the lens of Fit to Serve, the ongoing support from Olympia leadership, and the enduring memory of Ben Weider’s vision, this relationship stands as a pillar of the industry, proving that the most impressive physiques are those that have also shouldered the weight of the nation.
