At Maxx Fitness, you can get training advice from an Olympian

Ahmed with some of his trophies.

Annandale’s Maxx Fitness, has something you’re not likely to find at any other gym around here: The owner, Ahmed Ragheb, is a weightlifting champion who has competed in the Olympics. You’ll find him at the gym most days, advising clients on weightlifting techniques and the proper use of the fitness machines.

 Ahmed competed in the Olympics in Seoul in 1998 and Atlanta in 1996. Unfortunately, his attempt to participate in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney ran afoul of international politics in the aftermath of the war in the Balkans. An American of Bosnian/Egyptian descent, Ahmed had hoped to represent Bosnia-Herzogovinia at the games in honor of his Bosnian mother who had passed away just a few months earlier.

After qualifying to be the sole weightlifter on that team, however, he was ejected from the team a month before the games due to pressure from Serbians who didn’t appreciate his “ethnic makeup.” Despite lobbying efforts on his behalf by members of Congress, there wasn’t enough time to resolve the situation before the games.

Despite the presence of some hardcore bodybuilders at Maxx Fitness, no one should feel intimidated. You’re likely to find plenty of casual exercisers of all ages and sizes working out there.