COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Arnold Amateur IFBB International Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure and Bikini Championships, already recognized as one of the most prestigious amateur competitions in the world, will continue to grow in 2012 with the addition of NPC Men’s Physique.
The new division will join men’s bodybuilding, women’s bodybuilding, classic bodybuilding, fitness figure, figure masters and bikini at the three-day event to be held March 1-3 as part of the 2012 Arnold Sports Festival. A record 600 competitors are expected to compete.
“The Arnold Amateur continues to grow into one of the largest and best international amateur competitions,” co-promoter Bob Lorimer said. “The International Federation of Body Building and the National Physique Committee are tremendous partners in helping bring the world’s best amateurs together each March in Columbus.”
Overall winners at the Arnold Amateur in men's bodybuilding, women's bodybuilding, fitness, figure and bikini may petition their national federations for pro status in the IFBB Professional League.
In addition, Arnold Amateur winners who earn professional status will be invited to compete in a future Arnold Classic, Ms. International, Figure International, Fitness International or Bikini International, the marquee events of the Arnold Sports Festival.
Classic bodybuilding, a division that mandates competitors’ height and weight be proportionate, will return for a second straight year. “Classic bodybuilding is becoming very popular internationally because it allows all athletes to compete on a level playing field,” Lorimer said.
Past Arnold Amateur winners have gone onto successful IFBB Pro League careers, including 2009 men’s overall champ Roelly Winklaar and 2010 winner Essa Obaid. Other Arnold Amateur winners who have turned professional include Maria Rita Bellow (women’s bodybuilding), Allison Ethier and Sylvia Tremblay (fitness) and Noemi Olah (bikini).
The Arnold Amateur IFBB Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure and Bikini Championships and NPC Men's Physique Championships will be held March 1-3 at Veterans Memorial and the Greater Columbus Convention. Visit www.arnoldamateur.com for more information.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brent LaLonde
Arnold Sports Festival
614-431-2600
brent@arnoldexpo.com
