Walter Chit Tun

Walter Chit Tun (1898 - 1947) was a pioneer of body building and weight lifting in Myanmar (formerly Burma). He was born in Moulmein (Mawlamyine) in Mon State to parents U Chit Tun and Daw Thein Ngwe. Walter Chit Tun studied at Rangoon's St. Paul Convent School and continued to Rangoon University. He went on to India to study where he led a revival in "muscle control". He influenced many some of which were very significant to India's physical culture. He wrote a document titled "Barbell Exercises" which focused primarily on the physical health and mind of the "bodybuilder" or muscle control of the body. Muscle control is a practice not too many are familiar with, however in the time of India's physical culture it was a phenomana. This was what he was well noted for.

Walter Chit Tun completed studying medicine in Calcutta University and went on to work at Rangoon Mental Hospital (Tadalay). There he served as Superintendent of Tadalay Hospital. It was his dream to open a private hospital to assist those who were not being aided. However he died before this dream was ever achieved.

As well Walter Chit Tun was one of the first Burmese movie stars.He appeared in the Burmese movie "Pan Bai Maung Tint Tai".

In Myanmar he shares the honour of one of the first 18 Great Myanmars, howeverChit Tun died in a motorcycle accident on 19 November 1947 after an interview for a Burmese publication. The accident involved military escorts.

He was survived by his wife a British woman, Barbara Margaret King, and their children.

References

"First Myanmars" author Min Yu Wai
*"Burmese Encyclopedia." Vol II. 1955 ed.Daughter of Walter Chit TunGrandson of Walter Chit TunSandowplus Website - Chit Tun Section [http://www.sandowplus.co.uk/Competition/ChitTun/chit-intro.htm]