Photos: Israeli bodybuilders compete in annual flex-off

Exhausted from weeks of strict dieting and last-minute exertions, just short of 80 contestants participated in 14 categories at this year's Israel's National Amateur Body Builders' Association competition. Jews and Arabs, male and female, young and old from around the country, worked together ahead of the big show; the muscle-bound athletes primping, painting and prepping before taking the stage as machismo made way for cooperation.

Updated on: Oct 27, 2018 6:41 PM IST

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A contestant flexes backstage during the National Amateur Body Builders’ Association competition in Tel Aviv, Israel. Dozens of glistening competitors took the stage for the annual body building and fitness competition last week. But behind the scenes, machismo made way for cooperation. (Oded Balilty / AP)

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Contestants get ready backstage. In the run up to the flex-off, men and women, young and old, Jews and Arabs from around the country worked together to get ready for the big show. (Oded Balilty / AP)

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Contestants wait for their performance backstage. Just short of 80 contestants participated in 14 categories at this year’s competition. (Oded Balilty / AP)

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Some waited over eight hours for their chance to strut their stuff before the panel of judges. (Oded Balilty / AP)

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Exhausted from weeks of strict dieting and last-minute exertions, the muscle-bound athletes primped, painted and prepped before taking the stage. (Oded Balilty / AP)

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A contestant flexes for the judges. “There is no politics whatsoever in the sport,” said Yoni Hanna, president of the Israeli chapter of the National Amateur Body Builders’ Association. (Oded Balilty / AP)

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Contestants participate in the final round. Hanna, also a former Mr. Israel, says there has been growing interest in fitness and body building in Israel in recent years, and that turnout at this year’s competition far exceeded expectations. (Oded Balilty / AP)

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This year’s men’s winner, 25-year-old Or Magdasi of Tel Aviv, beamed, veins bulging, as he lifted his trophy. Isabell Svatovich was awarded her second consecutive championship in the competition. Magdasi will get a shot at representing Israel at the 2019 Mr. Universe competition in the United Kingdom. (Oded Balilty / AP)