Lisa Lyon (June 1, 1953 - September 8, 2023) was a pioneering figure in the world of bodybuilding and a notable artist. She pursued her education in art at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she initially trained in kendo, the Japanese martial art of fencing. Finding the demands of kendo challenging due to her upper body strength, she turned to weight training, a decision that ultimately launched her into the realm of bodybuilding.
On June 16, 1979, Lyon made history by winning the inaugural International Federation of BodyBuilders Women’s World Pro Bodybuilding Championship in Los Angeles, marking the only competition of her bodybuilding career. Following her victory, she became a prominent advocate for women's bodybuilding, showcasing her journey through numerous magazine features and television appearances. In 1981, she authored the influential book *Lisa Lyon’s Body Magic*, aimed at inspiring women to embrace weight training.
Lyon is often acknowledged as the first female bodybuilder to grace the pages of *Playboy* in October 1980, although she was preceded by Kellie Everts in a 1977 pictorial. Additionally, her collaboration with renowned photographers, including Helmut Newton and Robert Mapplethorpe, resulted in a significant body of work, particularly Mapplethorpe's 1983 publication, *Lady: Lisa Lyon*, which celebrated her dual representation of femininity and strength.
In recognition of her contributions to bodybuilding and her efforts to elevate the sport to an art form, Lyon was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2000. She also explored a brief career in acting, further showcasing her diverse talents.
