Muscle Builder, September 1955, page 22,

Weider Beats The World

Weider Men Sweep Mr. Universe Contest

Leo Robert, Clancy Ross, Mickey Hargitay and John Penman cover themselves with glory to win 4 out of 5 possible 1st places in big contest. Read all about it here.

THE 1955 Mr. Universe Contest was held on the dates of June 10 and 11 at the London Palladium, in London, England. A brilliant array of contestants, representing the cream of muscular manhood from more than a dozen countries thrilled the enthusiastic audience with their fabulous builds and flawless posing routines. And -- besides being representative examples of the best in bodybuilding, they also taught their viewers the facts of barbell life -- for out of 5 possible first places in the various divisions competed in, all except one was cornered by a Weider Man! Then, when the main awards in the professional and amateur classes were handed out, along with the title of Professional and Amateur Mr. Universe, once again Weider Men wore the crowns.

PRO. MR. UNIVERSE

CLASS 1

  1. Clancy Ross (U.S.A.)
  2. Arnold Dyson (Britain)
  3. Reub Martin (Britain)
  4. James Mathe (France)

CLASS 2

  1. Leo Robert (Canada)
  2. Jim Saunders (Britain)
  3. Monohar Aich (India)
  4. Wally Wright (Britain)

PRO "MR. UNIVERSE"
  Leo Robert

AMATEUR MR. UNIVERSE

CLASS 1

  1. Mickey Hargitay (U.S.A.)
  2. Dick Dubois (U.S.A.)
  3. John Lees (England)
  4. Henry Downs (England)

CLASS 2

  1. John Penman (New Zealand)
  2. Mohamed El Zole (Syria)
  3. Cecil Addison (Jamaica)
  4. Tony Hillman (England)

CLASS 3

  1. Paul An (S. Vietnam)
  2. Jimmy Stevens (England)
  3. Ahmed Khurshid (Pakistan)
  4. Reub Govender (S. Africa)

Best Arms
Mahmoud Namdjou (Iran)
Best Legs
Mickey Hargitay (U.S.A.)
Best Chest
John Lees (England)
Best Back
John Lees (England)
Best Abdominals
Ted White (Englang)

AMATEUR "MR. UNIVERSE"
  Mickey Hargitay

Here are the highlights of the event. In the professional division, Tall Man's Class, Weider Booster Clancy Ross won the top spot, hands down. In the Medium Height Class, Leo Robert, Weider Pupil and Booster won in a walk-away. The judges who had the inenviable job of deciding between these two perfect men for the title of Professional Mr. Universe, finally awarded Leo Robert the title. It was close and while we are delighted that our pupil Leo won, in fairness to Ross we must mention that the long trip from California to London took a lot out of him. He fell victim to the Flue two days before the big event and competed against doctor's orders, weighing only 187 pounds instead of his regular 202 pounds bodyweight knowing that he wasn't in top shape. Only conjecture is possible when considering the outcome if Ross hadn't been ill.

The Amateur Division found handsome Mickey Hargitay fulfilling the prediction we had made back in 1952 when we introduced him to the bodybuilding world as a star to watch. He scored a stunning upset to beat out Dick Dubois, Mr. America 1954 for top spot in the Tall Man's Class. Mickey follows Weider Methods in his training -- uses flushing, cheating, peak contraction and other Weider Principles.

A comparative unknown, Weider Pupil John Penman of New Zealand made an amazing showing to wrap up first place in the Medium Height Class. We featured John some while back in Muscle Power Magazine as a Weider Pupil who had gained 70 pounds of muscle and 6" on his upper arms following our courses.

In the Short Man's Class, muscular Paul An of S. Vietnam earned the judge's nod. We don't know much about Paul's training and therefore can't say whether he follows Weider Methods or not, so we'll settle for 4 first out of possible 5 which is a good batting average.

When the three divisional first place amateur winners were reviewed by the judges to select the man who would wear the amateur 1955 Mr. Universe Crown, Mickey Hargitay was finally chosen.

In all, the Mr. Universe Contest was a thrilling event and we bring you the picture highlights taken at the scene of action. The judges were Dr. I. J. MacQueen, Oscar Heidenstam, George Kirkly, Emlyn Jenkins, David Webster, Norman Guest and Peter Seldon who performed their hard official jobs impartially and capably.

To those who won, we extend our heartiest congratulations. To those who lost, we say that in a contest of this sort there are no losers -- for each contestant covers himself with physical glory and has the satisfaction of knowing that there can be a 'next time'.

For your complete information, here are how the four top men in each division placed. (see box)

PHOTO CAPTIONS

- Three champions, and two are Weider Men! Photo above shows, left to right:- John Penman, 1st place winner in Mr. Universe Contest in Amateur, Medium Height Class, Leo Robert, Professional Mr. Universe 1955, and Paul An, Amateur winner in small man's division. Penman and Robert are Weider Men. Picture on top left shows Penman when he enrolled with Weider. One below that was taken several years later. Today he is a great star and the Weider System did it all! Read article for details of the 1955 Mr. Universe Contest.

- We knew he could do it! Several years ago we predicted that Mickey Hargitay would be a champion. Now he is, having won Amateur Mr. Universe Crown. Mickey is another star who follows Weider Methods of training.

- Meet the two big winners! Mickey Hargitay, on left, is Amateur Mr. Universe 1955. Leo Robert, right, holds Professional Title. Movie star, Vera Day is in center.

- British actress Vera Day smilingly tests the muscle power of Mickey Hargitay and Leo Robert in this informal photo-flash. All three seem to be enjoying themselves.

- In winning the Professional Mr. Universe title, muscular Leo Robert established himself solidly as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. Competition in his division was keen, but Leo's Weider trained body stood the test, giving him top spot in exciting event.

- Clancy Ross, who too first place in his height class in the Professional Mr. Universe Contest, congratulates the big winner, Leo Robert. Unfortunately, Ross was not at his best for contest, having suffered an attack of flu several days before. He competed against doctor's orders and deserves great credit for his fine showing despite this handicap.

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