Haider Ali.

DEARBORN — Haider Ali stood proud when he came in second place in the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) North American Championship, which took place in Pittsburgh on September 1.

The 35-year-old Iraqi bodybuilder had previously nabbed the top title in 2013, in the lightweight tournament. 

The IFBB Holds competition in the eleven following competitive sports: men’s bodybuilding, men’s classic bodybuilding,men’s fitness, men’s physique, women’s physique,women’s body-fitness, women’s bikini fitness, women’s fitness, mixed pairs, children fitness, men’s wheelchair bodybuilding.

It organizes more than 2,000 local, national, regional, continental and world championships each year.

For the North American Championship, the IFBB gathers the greatest bodybuilders from the U.S., Canada and Mexico and places them in a yearly tournament. At 5’8″ and 180 lbs., Ali is clearly still in the best shape of his life. 

To prepare for such tournaments, Ali drops about 20 lbs. in a 10-day period. He works out five days a week and limits his calcium and potassium, only eating protein and healthy carbs. In the days leading up to his tournament, he can only drink 14 ounces of water.

“I’m used to it now,” Ali said about his strict diet. “But the first time I did it, it was very hard. I used to start a month and a half before in order to lose weight, but now I can do it in 10-12 days.” 

Ali has been into bodybuilding since he was 16-years-old. He was a newly arrived immigrant when his family settled in Dearborn in 1994. He picked up the hobby after he saw other Americans partake in the sport.

“I figured, if they are doing it and being successful at it, why can’t an Iraqi guy?” Ali said.

And that he did. Ali has gone on to win 14 titles as a bodybuilder.

Around Dearborn, Ali has gained a reputation for being a work-out-aholic. When he’s at L.A. Fitness, he’s more than happy to assist both men and women who ask him questions about his fitness regime.

“They ask me about it in the gym all the time,” he said. “They ask me for tips on what to eat and I’m more than happy to help. Never say no to anybody. I’m always there to help others succeed.”

Ali said he encourages teens and young adults to pick up a physical activity as a hobby, because it helps them stay focused and teaches discipline.

 “You feel good when you are healthy, when you are working out,” he said. “I encourage kids to be doing this. It helps you stay far away from the streets and far away from drugs and alcohol. Whether you are old, young, a man or a woman, the gym is good for you.”

Ali already has his eyes set on his next tournament in Las Vegas. He continues to get assistance from his long-time trainer and best friend, Imad Al-Abdy. He also has a support base – Wally Eiwan and Ruth Ilmer – sponsors who help him get to the tournament by paying for his travel fare, hotel costs and food.

“I want to thank my fans and family for the continued support,” he added.

Ali said he’s never felt outcasted for being an Iraqi-American. He added that in sports, coaches and athletes don’t judge you by your skin color, religion or nationality. 

“Believe in yourself. Anybody can do it,” Ali said. “They don’t care where you come from. If you are a good athlete, the fans will support you all the way.”