Israeli contestants participate in a bodybuilding competition co-hosted by MBC-Classic and IBFF amid COVID-19 pandemic in Timorim, Israel, Sept. 3, 2020. (Tomer Neuberg/JINI via Xinhua)
Egyptian professional bodybuilder Mamdouh Elssbiay was crowned on Sunday with the 2020 Mr. Olympia title.
CAIRO, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian professional bodybuilder Mamdouh Elssbiay, also known as Big Ramy, was crowned on Sunday with the 2020 Mr. Olympia title, the biggest bodybuilding international championship, dedicating his victory to all Arabs and Egyptians.
"This title is not for me alone, but for you all my beloved ones. Thank you all from my heart for your support," the Egyptian champion tweeted after winning the title, adding, "Congratulations to Arabs! Congratulations to Egypt!"
The annual competition was held in Florida, the United States, by the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB).
The 36-year-old Egyptian bodybuilder defeated defending champion Brandon Curry and seven-time title-holder Phil Heath and was awarded the IFBB gold medal and a 400,000 U.S. dollar check.
Big Ramy, who was infected with COVID-19 in October, became the first Arab bodybuilder to hold the Mr. Olympia title.
"We've always supported Big Ramy and followed up closely his infection and treatment until he recovered and brought this honor to all Egypt," Ahmed el-Sheikh, executive director of the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports, told Xinhua on Sunday.
"We provide all support and assistance to all athletes and sporting teams in Egypt," the official added. ■