Eugen Sandow’s visit to South Africa in 1904 was a triumph of colonial display and racism. Despite its prejudices it influenced the development of bodybuilding in South Africa.
Ron Eland, a South African Olympian who would go on to represent Great Britain in the 1948 Olympic Games.
Ron Eland Private Archives/Author supplied
An exploration of Pillay’s life dispels the notion of weightlifters and body builders as lacking political agency. His legacy created opportunities for other sports people.