Chris Dickerson (born Henri Christophe Dickerson on August 25, 1939 in Montgomery, Alabama), is a former American bodybuilder.Dickerson was born to Mahala Ashley Dickerson as the youngest of triplets. He studied music and is an accomplished opera singer in addition to his career in athletics.
Dickerson first entered bodybuilding competition in 1965 by taking third place at that year's Mr. Long Beach competition. He was not only the first African-American Mr. America, but also the oldest winner, at age 43, of the IFBB Mr. Olympia contest, which he won in 1982.
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. He trained for many of his most important competitions in the 1980s with former Mr. Universe Bill Pearl. He retired in 1994. 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.
