Samir Bannout

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Samir Bannout is a Lebanese former professional bodybuilder and commentator. Nicknamed 'The Lion of Lebanon', he won the 1983 Mr. Olympia, defeating Mohamed Makkawy and Lee Haney. He is the first Middle Eastern bodybuilder to win a Mr. Olympia title. Bannout is considered by most as the last of the champions from the golden era of bodybuilding, where the emphasis was on shape and balance rather than mass. Known for his balanced and aesthetic physique, definition, leg development, and back, he is most famous for his well-developed lower back and introducing his signature "Lebanon cedar". He is considered to have had one of the best backs of his era. Since retirement, Bannout has taken up the role of a commentator surrounding the sport. In 2002, he was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame. Read more

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