Chris Dickerson (bodybuilder)


Henri Christophe "Chris" Dickerson is an American former professional bodybuilder.

Early life

Dickerson was born to Mahala Ashley Dickerson as the youngest of triplets. He graduated high school at Olney Friends School in 1957. He studied music and is an accomplished opera singer in addition to his career in athletics.

Bodybuilding career

One of the world's most titled bodybuilders, Dickerson's competitive career spanned thirty years; he was known for both his heavily muscled, symmetrical physique and for his skills on the posing dais.
Dickerson first entered bodybuilding competition in 1965 by taking third place at that year's Mr. Long Beach competition. He turned pro in 1973 and won a total of 15 professional bodybuilding titles across four organizations during his career.
He trained for many of his most important competitions in the 1980s with former Mr. Universe Bill Pearl.
He was the first African-American AAU Mr. America, the first openly gay winner of the IFBB Mr. Olympia contest, and one of only two bodybuilders to win titles in both the Mr. Olympia and Masters Olympia competitions.
Dickerson won the Mr. Olympia once, a distinction he shares with Samir Bannout, Dexter Jackson, Shawn Rhoden, and Brandon Curry.
Dickerson retired after winning the 50+ division at the 1994 Masters Olympia.
Dickerson was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2000.
Today, Dickerson lives in Florida where he continues to train, conduct seminars, and correspond with current athletes.

Modeling

During the 1960s, Dickerson did much physique modeling.
His 1970's nude work for photographer Jim French is today considered some of the best in an admittedly limited field.
Chris appeared in French's hardcover photo essay, Man and also posed for the photographer ten years later.
These photos ran in an issue of Olympus, published by Colt Studios.

Bodybuilding titles