US war in Iraq leaves an unlikely legacy of pumping iron

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Bodybuilding is not new to Iraq, but iron-pumping US soldiers revolutionized the sport after the 2003 invasion that led to the ousting of Saddam Hussein, who had tightly controlled the import of all goods, including gym equipment.

US troops first introduced new equipment that could work all muscle groups.

"After the invasion the development started with importing new machines and equipment. I think the first big step started when Arnold Schwarzenegger sent new equipment," says Laith Ahmed, a trainer at Gold's Gym in the up-market Baghdad suburb of Mansour.

A trainer at Gold's Gym. /CGTN Photo

Laith says the soldiers also inspired Iraqi bodybuilders with their gym-pumped physiques. "We know lots of Iraqis who worked with the Americans and coalition forces in that time. When someone sees a big body with muscles, it becomes a motivation and inspires them to look like that, so for these people it becomes a inspiration to have the same muscles," he said.

A trainer at Gold's Gym. /CGTN Photo

But the invasion also led to great pain as well as pleasure for Laith, who noted that "the worse memory was in 2007 when I lost my brother in the sectarian conflict, and for me the happiest memory is when I got the championship title last year and became an instructor in bodybuilding, and well known in Iraq."

Laith won the Mr. Iraq "Classic Physique" titles in 2017 and 2018. He said that bodybuilding is now Iraq' s second biggest sport after football.

A trainer at Gold's Gym. /CGTN Photo

Bodybuilding is supported in Iraq by an internationally recognized organization, which helps locals to compete in international events.

Laith said that he hopes to compete abroad, but also that Iraq can again generate the sort of international iron-pumping attention it has not been able to muster since Baghdad hosted the Mr. Universe competition in 1972.

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