Body Building - How to Succeed 3

1970’s Onwards

Continued

There was an attempt by the IFBB, in the early 2000s to make bodybuilding an Olympic sport. In 2000, it successfully obtained full membership of the influential IOC. It then attempted to have the sport classified as a demonstration event at the Olympics. The underlying reason was their intention that it would, eventually, allow the sport to be classified as a full contest. Unfortunately, they were not successful in this endevour. Olympic recognition for the sport is still a matter for debate.

It has been suggested in some quarters that bodybuilding is not a sport since the actual contest is more a case of presentation rather than actual effort on the part of the athlete. Further, there are still the lingering doubts concerning the association of bodybuilding to the use of anabolic steroids, which are prohibited in Olympic competitions. Those in favour of the sport being included argue that the posing routine requires skill and preparation. On these grounds alone, they suggest, bodybuilding should be considered a sport.

In 2004, the Mr. Olympia contest underwent a re-branding exercise when the marketing of the contest was handed over to contest promoter Wayne DeMilia.

Types

Professional Bodybuilding

The term “Professional” refers to a bodybuilder who has entered and won a series of qualifying competitions, as an amateur, and so be entitled to receive a “pro” card from the IFBB. Once a professional status has been reached, a bodybuilder is entitled to compete in prestigious competitions, such as:

The Arnold Classic, also known as the Arnold Fitness Weekend, which is an annual bodybuilding competition named after Arnold Schwarzenegger who was instrumental in establishing the sport on a worldwide basis. The competition takes place in Columbus, Ohio in the US. every year, either in the latter part of February or during early March. It is widely regarded the most lucrative competition in bodybuilding. There are many worthwhile prizes, with the first prize consisting of a cheque for $130,000, a Hummer vehicle, and a Audemars Piguet watch. The Arnold Classic is a worthy rival to the Mr. Olympia competition in terms of prestige and popularity. It has now broadened it appeal and includes three different competitions for women, viz. Ms. International, Fitness International, and Figure International.

The Night of Champions is a bodybuilding contest which is staged in New York City
every year. It was originally established in 1978 and is widely accepted as being one of the premier professional events, with the top five finalists being eligible to qualify for entry into the Mr. Olympia contest. Originally, the contest was a men-only affair.
However, in 2003, female competitions were introduced for the first time in three distinct categories, viz. female bodybuilding, female figure and female fitness. In 2004, the Night of Champions incorporated both male and female bodybuilding competitions, but the fitness and figure contests were removed from the programme. Finally, in 2005, the contest was renamed the New York Pro. Since 2002, fitness and figure competitions have been included as part of the programme of the New York Pro. However, both these events have been presented as completely separate events, and staged on different dates.

The title of Mr. Olympia is universally considered as the highest accolade in the world of professional bodybuilding.

Body Building – How To Succeed