Here we have Samir Bannout winning the 1983 Mr Olympia. To a fan of modern bodybuilding this photo will not really impress. Dozens of bodybuilders these days have striated lower backs. But....when Samir turned round on that stage in Munich, Germany and prepared to spread his lats the audience was stunned by his “Christmas tree” lower back. Many months later when my copy of Muscle & Fitness arrived on the shelves of CNA in Johannesburg I remember being mesmerised by it. Even now I cannot help but stare in admiration at it.
Well done, Samir, a wonderful moment in bodybuilding history.