When comes it comes to the world of professional bodybuilding, the champions of yesteryear, live on through the champions of today. Unlike other sports, most fans in this sport, constantly look to the past, celebrating it and including it with the present. The fitness industry media is no different, as outlets and independent writers often pay homage, case in point. When a champion like Baito come along, the fans and the media take notice. What's very sad, though, is the fact he could have gone so much farther, done so much more, and lived so much more. Although we lost this great champion at just 36 years of age, he will always be a part of the bodybuilding community. His memory and achievements will always be remembered and celebrated.
Today, when anyone talks about Iran and bodybuilding, they automatically think Hadi Choopan. What's noteworthy, however, is that it was Baito that first put the spotlight on the country and it was as a result of his hard work, that so many Iranian bodybuilders, Hadi included, were able to get as much media attention as they have. That media attention then allowed for the fans to discover a whole community of ultra-ripped, super dense, and highly competitive bodybuilders in Persia. The reality is, Iran is a very much isolated country, and its often-times strained relations with the United States, makes it very difficult for athletes from there to get the notice they deserve.
Abbaspour wasn't the first Iranian bodybuilder, but his situation was quite unique. We've all heard of other Persian greats, like King Kamali, but to live in Iran and compete from Iran, is quite a different story. Also, while bodybuilding is very a very international sport, it goes without saying that the United States plays a key role, given that it's in the U.S. that the Olympia is held.
Baito first began training in 1996 and over the next few years, made incredible gains, while perfecting his posing. In 2003, he'd have great success at the World Bodybuilding Championships in India, followed by the Asian Amateur Championships. In the end, he'd earn IFBB Pro status and a whole new chapter in his career would begin. As a pro, he'd go on to take the stage at the 2013 IFBB Nordic Pro in Finland, where the international fitness media first took real notice of him. Competing in Europe also gained him considerable fanfare, as well as in the UK and across the pond, in the United States. The Nordic Pro, in addition to being a top notch contest, served as an important stepping stone for the Iranian bodybuilder.
It was at 2014 212 Olympia Showdown, where Baito really hit the big leagues!! It's one thing to build a great physique, it's even another to take that great physique to big stages around the world, but, when you build a great physique and you're holding your own against the likes of Aaron Clark, Hidetada Yamagishi, Jose Raymond and Eduardo Correa, that's quite another. At the time, these guys were the heavy hitters of the 212. They commanded the magazine covers, big supplement deals, and they enjoyed humongous fanfare. Speaking of the best of the best, it was on this stage, that Baito battled alongside the greatest 212 Bodybuilder of all time, James "Flex" Lewis, who was battling for his 3rd, consecutive title. Who knows where the future would have taken him?
Unfortunately, we'd lose Baito at just 36 years of age in 2015. The sport lost a great warrior, a family man, gym owner and an all around good man. The entire sport came together, hoping they could lend their fame to help him feel loved and to ensure he received the best possible care.
Today, nearly five years after his passing, we continue to hold him in our hearts - and forever will. And while we celebrate Hadi Choopan, for bringing so much positive attention to Iran, helping other Iranian bodybuilders break out, and really growing the sport, we mustn't forget who helped pave the way for him - Baito Abbaspour.
It was at 2014 212 Olympia Showdown, where Baito really hit the big leagues!! It's one thing to build a great physique, it's even another to take that great physique to big stages around the world, but, when you build a great physique and you're holding your own against the likes of Aaron Clark, Hidetada Yamagishi, Jose Raymond and Eduardo Correa, that's quite another. At the time, these guys were the heavy hitters of the 212. They commanded the magazine covers, big supplement deals, and they enjoyed humongous fanfare. Speaking of the best of the best, it was on this stage, that Baito battled alongside the greatest 212 Bodybuilder of all time, James "Flex" Lewis, who was battling for his 3rd, consecutive title. Who knows where the future would have taken him?
Unfortunately, we'd lose Baito at just 36 years of age in 2015. The sport lost a great warrior, a family man, gym owner and an all around good man. The entire sport came together, hoping they could lend their fame to help him feel loved and to ensure he received the best possible care.
Today, nearly five years after his passing, we continue to hold him in our hearts - and forever will. And while we celebrate Hadi Choopan, for bringing so much positive attention to Iran, helping other Iranian bodybuilders break out, and really growing the sport, we mustn't forget who helped pave the way for him - Baito Abbaspour.
