History of female professional bodybuilding

The history of female professional bodybuilding dates back to August 18, 1978, when promoter George Snyder organized the IFBB Best in the World competition, which was the first IFBB sanctioned event for female bodybuilding.^[1]

Lenda Murray's reign (2002 – 2003)

2003

On February 28, 2003, the 17th IFBB Ms. International competition was held as part of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. This was Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia's 2nd IFBB Ms. International overall and heavyweight title, while Catherine Priest won her 1st lightweight IFBB Ms. International title. This was Catherine Priest's 1st IFBB pro overall title. Betty Pariso, who placed 2nd in the IFBB Ms. International heavyweight category, and Denise Masino, who placed 2nd in the IFBB Ms. International lightweight category, both qualified for the 2003 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had an IFBB pro debut from Karina Nascimento. This was Denise Masino's 1st IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification.^[2][3][4]

On May 30, 2003, the 2nd IFBB Night of Women's Champions competition was held in New York City, New York. Betty Viana won her 1st heavyweight IFBB Night of Women's Champions title, while Kim Harris won her 1st middleweight IFBB Night of Women's Champions title and Denise Masino won her 1st lightweight IFBB Night of Women's Champions title. Kim Harris and Betty Viana both qualified for the 2003 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Denise Masino's 1st IFBB pro win. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Zdenka Razymova, Barbara Mrazkova, Karen Marillier, and Carmella Key.^[4][5]

On August 15–16, 2003, the 13th IFBB Jan Tana Pro competition was held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Helle Nielsen won her 1st overall and heavyweight IFBB Jan Tana Pro title, while Dayana Cadeau won her 1st middleweight IFBB Jan Tana Pro title, Angela Debatin won her 1st lightweight IFBB Jan Tana Pro title, and Vilma Caez won the best poser award. Helle Nielsen, Dayana Cadeau, and Angela Debatin all qualified for the 2003 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Helle Nielsen's 1st IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification. This was Helle Nielsen's 1st IFBB pro win. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Claudia Bianchi.^[4][6][7]

Iris Kyle's reign (2004)

In 2004, in the sport of female professional bodybuilding, saw Iris Kyle and Dayana Cadeau become the second and third female professional bodybuilder to win both the IFBB Ms. International and IFBB Ms. Olympia in the same year. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia was dethroned at the 2004 IFBB Ms. International by Iris Kyle, who won both the heavyweight and overall IFBB Ms. International title. Lenda Murray was dethroned at the 2004 IFBB Ms. Olympia by Iris Kyle, who won both the heavyweight and overall IFBB Ms. Olympia title. Dayana Cadeau became the first and only Canadian professional bodybuilder to win the IFBB Ms. Olympia title. This was also the last IFBB Ms. Olympia to include weight class categories. During this time saw the rise of professional bodybuilding careers for professional bodybuilders like Marja Lehtonen.

2004

On March 5, 2004, the 18th IFBB Ms. International competition was held as part of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. 2003 IFBB Ms. International lightweight champion Catherine Priest did not attend this year. This was Iris Kyle's 1st IFBB Ms. International overall and heavyweight title, while Dayana Cadeau won her 2nd lightweight IFBB Ms. International title. This was Iris Kyle's 1st IFBB pro overall title. Sophie Duquette, who placed 2nd in the IFBB Ms. International lightweight category, and Betty Pariso, who placed 3rd in the IFBB Ms. International heavyweight category, both qualified for the 2004 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had an IFBB pro debut from Annie Rivieccio, Christine Roth, and Bonny Priest.^[3][8][9]

On May 22, 2004, the 3rd IFBB Night of Women's Champions competition was held in New York City, New York. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia won her 1st overall and heavyweight IFBB Night of Women's Champions title, while Vilma Caez won her 1st lightweight IFBB Night of Women's Champions title. Vilma Caez, who placed 1st in the IFBB Night of Women's Champions lightweight category, Marja Lehtonen, who placed 2nd in the IFBB Night of Women's Champions lightweight category, and Heather Foster, who placed 3rd in the IFBB Night of Women's Champions heavyweight category, all qualified for the 2004 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Vilma Caez's 1st IFBB pro win. This was Vilma Caez's and Marja Lehtonen's 1st IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Michelle Davis, Silvia Matta, and Petra Walk.^[5][9]

On August 7, 2004, the 2nd IFBB Southwest USA competition was held in Arlington, Texas. Bonny Priest won her 1st overall and heavyweight IFBB Southwest USA title, while Mah-Ann Mendoza won her 1st lightweight IFBB Southwest USA title. Bonny Priest, who placed 1st in the IFBB Southwest USA overall and heavyweight category, Mah-Ann Mendoza, who placed 1st in the IFBB Southwest USA lightweight category, and Desiree Ellis, who placed 2nd in the IFBB Southwest USA lightweight category, all qualified for the 2004 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Bonny Priest's and Mah-Ann Mendoza's 1st IFBB pro win. This was Desiree Ellis', Bonny Priest's, and Mah-Ann Mendoza's 1st IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification.^[9][10][11]

On October 8, 2004, the 2nd IFBB Show of Strength Womens BB competition was held in Atlanta, Georgia. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia won her 2nd overall and heavyweight IFBB Show of Strength Womens BB title, while Nancy Lewis won her 1st lightweight IFBB Show of Strength Womens BB title. Lisa Aukland, who placed 3rd in the IFBB Show of Strength Womens BB heavyweight category, Nancy Lewis, who placed 1st in the IFBB Show of Strength Womens BB lightweight category, and Joanna Thomas, who placed 2nd in the IFBB Show of Strength Womens BB lightweight category, all qualified for the 2004 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Lisa Aukland's 1st IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification. The IFBB 2004 Show of Strength Womens BB was featured in the 2005 documentary Supersize She.^{[9][12][13][14]}

On October 29, 2004, the 25th IFBB Ms. Olympia competition was held as part of the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the Mandalay Bay Arena in Paradise, Nevada. This was the last Ms. Olympia to include weight class categories and the last one to be held at the Mandalay Bay Arena. 2003 IFBB Ms. Olympia lightweight champion Juliette Bergmann did not attend this year due to her retirement. Iris Kyle, defeating the previous 2003 IFBB Ms Olympia winner Lenda Murray, won her 1st IFBB Ms. Olympia overall title and her 2nd IFBB Ms. Olympia heavyweight title, thus surpassing with the records of Ritva Elomaa's and Carla Dunlap's IFBB Ms. Olympia record of 1 IFBB Ms. Olympia title, Valentina Chepiga's record 1 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia title, Andrulla Blanchette's record 1 lightweight IFBB Ms. Olympia, along with tying with the records of Chris Dickerson's, Samir Bannout's record 1 IFBB Mr. Olympia title, Robby Robinson's record 2 heavyweight IFBB Mr. Olympia titles, and Kenny Waller's and Mike Mentzer's record 1 heavyweight IFBB Mr. Olympia title. Dayana Cadeau is the first and only Canadian professional bodybuilder to win the IFBB Ms. Olympia title. Iris Kyle, who placed 1st in the IFBB Ms. Olympia heavyweight and overall category, Lenda Murray, who placed 2nd in the IFBB Ms. Olympia heavyweight category, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 3rd in the IFBB Ms. Olympia heavyweight category, Dayana Cadeau, who placed 1st in the IFBB Ms. Olympia lightweight category, Denise Masino, who placed 2nd in the IFBB Ms. Olympia lightweight category, and Marja Lehtonen, who placed 3rd in the IFBB Ms. Olympia lightweight category, all qualified for the 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB Ms. Olympia debuts from Lisa Aukland, Vilma Caez, Desiree Ellis, Marja Lehtonen, Mah Ann Mendoza, and Bonny Priest. The IFBB 2004 Ms. Olympia was featured in the 2005 documentary Supersize She.^[14][15][16]

Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia's reign

In 2005, in the sport of female professional bodybuilding, saw Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia become the fourth female professional bodybuilder to win both the IFBB Ms. International and IFBB Ms. Olympia in the same year. Iris Kyle was dethroned at the 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia by Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia became the first and only Venezuelan professional bodybuilder to win the IFBB Ms. Olympia title. This was also the first IFBB Ms. Olympia to not include weight class categories. This was also the first year to implement the so-called "20 percent rule." During this time saw the rise of professional bodybuilding careers for professional bodybuilders like Bonny Priest.

2005

On January 6, 2005, it was revealed Iris Kyle would not attend the IFBB 2005 Ms. International.^[17]

On March 4, 2005, the 19th IFBB Ms. International competition was held as part of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. 2004 IFBB Ms. International overall and heavyweight champion Iris Kyle did not attend this year. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia won her 3rd overall IFBB Ms. International title and her 3rd IFBB Ms. International heavyweight title, thus surpassing Jason Cutler's and Dexter Jackson's record of 3 overall IFBB Arnold Classic titles along with surpassing Ondrea Gates' record of 3 overall and 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International titles and Laura Creavalle's record of 3 overall IFBB Ms. International titles, while Brenda Raganot won her 2nd IFBB Ms. International lightweight title, thus surpassing Valentina Chepiga's and Catherine LeFrançois' record of 1 lightweight IFBB Ms. International title, and tying with Dayana Cadeau's record of 2 lightweight IFBB Ms. International titles. Betty Viana, who placed 2nd in the IFBB Ms. International heavyweight category, Betty Pariso, who placed 3rd in the IFBB Ms. International heavyweight category, Betty Pariso, who placed 3rd in the IFBB Ms. International heavyweight category, Brenda Raganot, who placed 1st in the IFBB Ms. International lightweight category, Mah-Ann Mendoza, who placed 2nd in the IFBB Ms. International lightweight category, Desiree Ellis, who placed 3rd in the IFBB Ms. International lightweight category, all qualified for the 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia.^[3][16][18]

In April 2005, Supersize She, a Five documentary about female professional bodybuilder Joanna Thomas, the youngest female bodybuilder ever to qualify for an IFBB pro card, and her participation at the 2004 IFBB GNC Show of Strength and the 2004 IFBB Ms. Olympia, premiered at the MIPTV.^[14]

On May 21, 2005, the 4th IFBB New York Pro competition was held in New York City, New York. Rosemary Jennings won her 1st overall and heavyweight IFBB New York Pro title, while Annie Rivieccio won her 1st lightweight IFBB New York Pro title. Betty Viana, who placed 2nd in the IFBB Ms. International heavyweight category, Rosemary Jennings and Annie Rivieccio both qualified for the 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Rosemary Jennings' and Annie Rivieccio's first IFBB pro wins. This was Annie Rivieccio's 1st IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Sarah Dunlap and Susan Facini.^[5][16]

On September 17, 2005, the 3rd IFBB Southwest Super Show competition was held in Dallas, Texas. Bonny Priest won her 2nd overall and heavyweight IFBB Southwest Super Show title, giving her the most IFBB Southwest Super Show titles ever, while Tonia Williams won her 1st lightweight IFBB Southwest Super Show title. Bonny Priest and Tonia Williams both qualified for the 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Tonia Williams' first IFBB pro win. This was Tonia Williams' 1st IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Tonia Williams and Klaudia Larsson.^[10][16]

On September 30, 2005, the 1st IFBB Charlotte Pro competition was held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jitka Harazimova won her 1st overall and heavyweight IFBB Charlotte Pro title, while Antoinette Norman won her 1st lightweight IFBB Charlotte Pro title. Jitka Harazimova and Antoinette Norman both qualified for the 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Antionette Norman's first IFBB pro win. This was Antionette Norman's 1st IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification. This was the last IFBB Charlotte Pro held.^[16][19]

On October 21, 2005, the 26th IFBB Ms. Olympia competition was held as part of the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada and in the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada. This was the first Ms. Olympia since 1999 to not include weight class categories. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, defeating the previous 2004 IFBB Ms Olympia winner Iris Kyle, won her 1st IFBB Ms. Olympia title, thus tying with the records of Ritva Elomaa's and Carla Dunlap's IFBB Ms. Olympia record of 1 IFBB Ms. Olympia title, along with tying with the records of Chris Dickerson's, Samir Bannout's, and Dexter Jackson's record of 1 IFBB Mr. Olympia title. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia is the first and only Venezuelan professional bodybuilder to win the IFBB Ms. Olympia title. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 1st, Iris Kyle, who placed 2nd, Dayana Cadeau, who placed 3rd, Jitka Harazimova, who placed 4th, Brenda Raganot, who placed 5th, and Bonny Priest, who placed 6th, all qualified for the 2006 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB Ms. Olympia debuts from Antionette Norman, Annie Rivieccio, and Tonia Williams.^[15][20]

Iris Kyle's reign (2006 – 2014)

From the 2006 IFBB Ms. International to 2014 IFBB Ms. Olympia, was a period in female professional bodybuilding dominated by Iris Kyle. During this period, Iris Kyle became the most successful, male or female, professional bodybuilder ever, winning 10 overall IFBB Ms. Olympia titles and 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles, along with 7 overall IFBB Ms. International titles, and 1 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International title. With the exception of the 2008 IFBB Ms. International, Iris Kyle won every IFBB Ms. International and IFBB Ms. Olympia she attended during this time. Also during this period, three of the most predominate female professional bodybuilding competitions, the IFBB Jan Tana Pro in 2007, the IFBB Ms. International in 2013, and the IFBB Ms. Olympia in 2014, ended. During this time saw the rise of professional bodybuilding careers for professional bodybuilders like Heather Armbrust, Debi Laszewski, Sheila Bleck, Brigita Brezovac, Alina Popa, Juanita Blaino, Alana Shipp, and Anne Freitas.

2006

On March 3, 2006, the 20th IFBB Ms. International competition was held as part of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. This was the first IFBB Ms. International since 1999 to not have any class categories. Iris Kyle returned after skipping the 2005 IFBB Ms. International to win the title again, defeating Dayana Cadeau, who placed 2nd, and the reigning IFBB Ms. Intentional champion Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 3rd. Iris Kyle won her 2nd overall IFBB Ms. International title, with 1 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International title, thus breaking the record of Kim Chizevsky-Nicholls' and Yolanda Hughes-Heying's IFBB Ms. International record of 2 overall IFBB Ms. International titles. Betty Pariso, who placed 5th, Annie Rivieccio, who placed 7th, and Lisa Aukland, who placed 8th, all qualified for the 2006 IFBB Ms. Olympia.^{[3][20][21][22]}

In 2006, the documentary Beyond the Brawn premiered featured professional bodybuilders Colette Nelson.^[23]

In 2006, Axe Body Spray commercial premiered featuring professional bodybuilders Colette Nelson and Jitka Harazimova.^[23][24]

On August 8, 2006, MTV Video Music Awards shot in West Village, New York City, New York a ring tones commercial featuring professional bodybuilders Lisa Aukland, who represented the ringtone My Humps by Black Eyed Peas, Heather Foster, who represented the ringtone Ms. New Booty by Bubba Sparxxx, and Colette Nelson, who represented the ringtone Gold Digger by Kanye West. The commercial also featured amateur bodybuilders Elena Seiple, who represented the ringtone Grillz by Nelly, and Lena Sanchez, who represented the ringtone Where'd You Go.^[25]

On August 25, 2006, the 4th IFBB Southwest Super Show competition was held in Arlington, Texas. Heather Foster, who placed 1st, Dena Westerfield who placed 2nd, and Colette Nelson, who placed 3rd, all qualified for the 2006 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Dena Westerfield, Gina Davis, and Kim Buck. This was Dena Westerfeild's and Colette Nelson's first qualification for the IFBB Ms. Olympia. Ed Pariso said at the athletes meeting that because of the good turnout, that the 2007 IFBB Europa Supershow prize money would be increased and the show, which will move to a larger venue next year.^{[20][22][26][27]}

On September 22, 2006, the 1st IFBB Atlantic City Pro was held at the Sharaton Hotel, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Lisa Aukland, who placed 1st, Helen Bouchard who placed 2nd, and Tazzie Colomb, who placed 3rd, all qualified for the 2006 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Lisa Aukland's first IFBB pro win. This was Helen Bouchard's first qualification for the IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Emery Miller, Klaudia Larson, Carla Salotti, Irene Andersen, Jana Linke-Sippl, Debbie Patton, Kim Pfuetzenreuter, and Tonia Villalobos.^[20][22][28]

On September 29, 2006, the 27th IFBB Ms. Olympia competition was held as part of the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada and in the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada. Iris Kyle won her 2nd overall IFBB Ms. Olympia title, with 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles, thus breaking the record of Rachel McLish's IFBB Ms. Olympia record of 2 overall IFBB Ms. Olympia titles. Iris Kyle regained her title that she had lost at the 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia to Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia. The scorecard was close, with Iris Kyle getting 38 points and Dayana Cadeau getting 40 points. In rounds 1 and 2, Iris Kyle won 10 points, while Dayana Cadeau achieved 20 points. In round 3, Iris Kyle won 5 points, while Dayana Cadeau won 10 points. In round 4, Dayana Cadeau won 10 points, while Iris Kyle won 23 points. Iris Kyle, who placed 1st, Dayana Cadeau, who placed 2nd, Annie Rivieccio, who placed 3rd, Bonnie Priest, who placed 4th, Lisa Aukland, who placed 5th, and Betty Pariso, who placed 6th, all qualified for the 2007 IFBB Ms. Olympia. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who was the previous 2005 IFBB Ms. Olympia winner, placed 7th. This competition had IFBB Ms. Olympia debuts from Helen Bouchard, Colette Nelson, and Dena Westerfield.^{[22][29][30][31]}

2007

On February 24, 2007, the 3rd IFBB Sacramento Pro was held as part of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Crest Theater in Sacramento, California. This was the first IFBB female professional bodybuilding competition to include weight class categories since the 2005 IFBB Charlotte Pro. Heather Policky, who placed 1st in heavyweight and won the overall, and Antoinette Norman, who placed 1st in lightweight, both qualified for the 2007 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had an IFBB pro debut from Heather Policky. This was Heather Policky's first IFBB pro win. This was Heather Policky's first qualification for the IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was the last IFBB Sacramento Pro competition to have a women's bodybuilding category.^[29][31][32]

On March 2, 2007 the 21st IFBB Ms. International competition was held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. Iris Kyle won her 3rd overall IFBB Ms. International title, with 1 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International title. This was Iris Kyle's 2nd consecutive IFBB Ms. International win, thus tying with Yolanda Hughes-Heying's record 2 consecutive IFBB Ms. International wins, along with tying with Kevin Levrone's, Kenneth Wheeler's, and Dexter Jackson's record 2 consecutive IFBB Arnold Classic wins. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia who placed 2nd, all qualified for the 2007 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had an IFBB pro debut from Lora Ottenad.^[29][31]

On June 23, 2007, 14th IFBB Jan Tana Pro Bodybuilding competition was held alongside the NPC King Kamali Classic competition in Tarrytown, New York. This was the first IFB Jan Tana Pro held since 2003. It is also the last IFBB Jan Tana Pro ever held. Sarah Dunlap, who placed 1st in lightweight and won the overall, and Stephanie Kessler, who placed 1st in heavyweight, both qualified for the 2007 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debut from Stephanie Kessler. This was Sarah Dunlap's and Stephanie Kessler's first IFBB pro win. This was Sarah Dunlap's and Stephanie Kessler's first qualification for the IFBB Ms. Olympia.^[29][31][33]

On August 10, 2007, 5th IFBB Europa Supershow competition was held in the Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Sherry Smith, Debi Laszewski, and Debbie Bramwell. Karen Zaremba was the first competitor who won her IFBB pro card in IFBB figure who switched to IFBB professional bodybuilding. Mah-Ann Mendoza, who placed 1st in lightweight and the overall, and Tazzie Colomb, who placed 1st in heavyweight, both qualified for the 2007 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Tazzie Colomb's first IFBB pro win.^[29][31][34]

On September 15, 2007, 2nd IFBB Atlantic City Women's Pro competition was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Nicole Ball and Nadia Nardi. Lisa Aukland won her 2nd overall IFBB Atlantic City Pro title and 1st heavyweight IFBB Atlantic City Pro title. Nicole Ball, who placed 1st in lightweight, qualified for the 2007 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Nicole Ball's first qualification for the IFBB Ms. Olympia.^[31][35]

On September 27, 2007, the 28th IFBB Ms. Olympia competition was held as part of the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada and in the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada. Iris Kyle won her 3rd overall IFBB Ms. Olympia title, with 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles. This was Iris Kyle's 2nd consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia win, thus surpassing Rachel McLish's record 2 consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia wins and surpassing Juliette Bergmann's record 3 consecutive lightweight IFBB Ms. Olympia wins, along with tying with Larry Scott's record 2 consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia wins, along with surpassing Franco Columbu's record 3 consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia wins, and Robby Robinson's record 2 consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia wins. Iris Kyle, who placed 1st, Dayana Cadeau, who placed 2nd, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 3rd, Lisa Aukland, who placed 4th, Heather Armbrust, who placed 5th, and Betty Pariso, who placed 6th, all qualified for the 2008 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB Ms. Olympia debuts from Heather Armbrust, Nicole Ball, Sarah Dunlap, and Stephanie Kessler.^[36][37]

2008

On February 29, 2008, the 22nd IFBB Ms. International competition was held as part of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia won her 4th overall IFBB Ms. International title, with 3 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International titles, giving her more IFBB Ms. International wins than any other bodybuilder and beating the former record of Ondrea Gates, who had 3 overall IFBB Ms. International titles, and 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International titles. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia also surpassed the record of Kenneth Wheeler, who holds 4 overall IFBB Arnold Classic titles. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia's record would not be broken until the 2010 IFBB Ms. International by Iris Kyle. The scorecard was close, with Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia getting 38 points and Dayana Cadeau getting 40 points. In rounds 1 and 2, Dayana Cadeau won 10 points, while Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia achieved 20 points. In round 3, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia won 5 points, while Dayana Cadeau won 10 points. In round 4, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia won 5 points, while Dayana Cadeau won 12 points. This was the third time two-point victory in IFBB Ms. International history. There was a bit of controversy when Iris Kyle tied with Betty Viana-Adkins for 7th place. Sandy Ranalli, head IFBB judge at the Ms. International competition, later said in an interview with Larry Pepe about why Iris Kyle was placed 7th was because "Her shoulders were a little bit you know distorted. There were distortions in her glute area.. At this level of competition, [there is] not a big difference between athletes, those things come into play… It was the distortion and not trying to figure out what it was." Brenda Raganot, who placed 5th, and Catherine LeFrançois, who placed 6th, both qualified for the 2008 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Kristy Hawkins and Tracy Beckham. The 2008 IFBB Ms. International was featured in the 2008 documentary Hooked: Muscle Women.^[37][38][39]

On April 27, 2008, the documentary Hooked: Muscle Women premiered. The documentary focuses on professional bodybuilders Colette Nelson and Kristy Hawkins competing at the 2008 IFBB Ms. International.^[40]

On May 10, 2008, the 2nd IFBB New York Women's Pro competition was held in New York City, New York. Catherine LeFrançois won her 1st IFBB New York Women's Pro title, while Debi Laszewski won her 1st IFB New York Women's Pro best poser award. Jeannie Paparone, who placed 2nd, and Rosemary Jennings, who placed 3rd, both qualified for the 2008 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Tina Chandler and Saskia Salemink. This is the first New York Women's Pro competition held since 2005.^[37][41][42]

On June 11, 2008, Barely Productions released the Incredible McCain Girl, a pro 2008 John McCain presidential campaign featuring professional bodybuilder Colette Nelson. It was a parody of I Got a Crush... on Obama.^[43]

On June 14, 2008, on a live episode of Geraldo at Large, featuring professional bodybuilder Colette Nelson talking about the Incredible McCain Girl video.^[44]

On August 8, 2008, the 1st IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships was held in Tampa, Florida. Nicole Ball won her 1st IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships title, while Carla Salotti won the 2009 IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships best posing award. Nicole Ball, who placed 1st, Klaudia Larson, who placed 2nd, Debbie Bramwell, who placed 3rd, all qualified for the 2008 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Beverly DiRenzo and Nicole Pfuetzenreuter.^[37][45][46]

On August 16, 2008, the 6th IFBB Europa Supershow was held in Dallas, Texas. Sherry Smith, who placed 1st in heavyweight, and Jennifer Sedia, who placed 1st in lightweight, both qualified for the 2008 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Sherry Smith, Jennifer Sedia, Jena Mackey, Benincia Lopez, Tonia Moore, and Carri Baldwin. This was last IFBB pro female professional bodybuilding competition with weight categories. This was also the last IFBB Europa Supershow competition to have a women's bodybuilding category.^[37][47]

On September 9, 2008, Iris Kyle made an appeared on episode 9, The Special Episode, of season 1 of the show, Wipeout.^[48]

On September 13, 2008, 3rd IFBB Atlantic City Women's Pro competition was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Isabelle Turell and Charlotte Collins. Lisa Aukland won her 3rd overall IFBB Atlantic City Pro title, along with 1 heavyweight IFBB Atlantic City Pro title.^[37][49]

On September 16, 2008, Iris Kyle's appearance was featured the top 25 moments of episode 11, Top 25 Moments, of season 1 of the show, Wipeout.^[50]

On September 26, 2008, the 29th IFBB Ms. Olympia competition was held as part of the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada and in the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada. Iris Kyle won her 4th overall IFBB Ms. Olympia title, with 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles, thus surpassing Kim Chizevsky-Nicholls' IFBB Ms. Olympia record of 4 overall IFBB Ms. Olympia titles. This was Iris Kyle's 3rd consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia win, thus tying with Sergio Oliva's record 3 consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia wins, along with surpassing Rachel McLish's record 2 consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia wins and surpassing Larry Scott's record 2 consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia wins. Iris Kyle, who placed 1st, Betty Viana-Adkins, who placed 2nd, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 3rd, Lisa Aukland, who placed 4th, Dayana Cadeau, who placed 5th, and Catherine LeFrançois, who placed 6th, all qualified for the 2009 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB Ms. Olympia debuts from Debbie Bramwell, Jeannie Paparone, Jennifer Sedia, Sherry Smith, and Klaudia Larson.^[51][52]

2009

On March 6, 2009, the 23rd IFBB Ms. International competition was held as part of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. Iris Kyle regained her title and won her 4th overall IFBB Ms. International title, with 1 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International titles. Iris Kyle surpassed the record of Kenneth Wheeler, who holds 4 overall IFBB Arnold Classic titles. This was Iris Kyle's 3rd consecutive IFBB Ms. International win, thus tying with Laura Creavalle's record 3 consecutive IFBB Ms. International wins, along with tying with Jason Cutler's record 3 IFBB Arnold Classic wins. Debi Laszewski, who placed 2nd, Heather Armbrust, who placed 4th, and Isabelle Turell, who placed 7th, all qualified for the 2009 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had an IFBB pro debut from Maria Segura.^[52][53]

On May 16, 2009, the 3rd IFBB New York Women's Pro competition was held in New York City, New York. Catherine LeFrançois won her 2nd IFBB New York Pro title, giving her more IFBB New York Pro wins than any other female bodybuilder. Betty Pariso, who placed 2nd, and Rosemary Jennings, who placed 3rd, both qualified for the 2009 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Fabi Antoine and Diana Tinnelle.^[52][54]

On August 8, 2009, the 2nd IFBB PBW Championships was held in Tampa, Florida. Betty Pariso won her 1st IFBB PBW Championships title, while Beverly DiRenzo won the IFBB PBW Championships best posing award. Gale Frankie, who placed 2nd, and Tina Chandler, who placed 3rd, all qualified for the 2009 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Gayle Frankie, Angie Salvagno, and Nicole Acker.^[52][55][56]

On September 12, 2009, 4th IFBB Atlantic City Women's Pro competition was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Lisa Aukland won her 4th overall IFBB Atlantic City Pro title, along with 1 heavyweight IFBB Atlantic City Pro title. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Athena Siganakis, Cassandra Floyd, Rita Rae, and Jamie Lynn Troxel. This was the last Atlantic City Pro with a women's bodybuilding category.^[52][57]

On September 25, 2009, the 30th IFBB Ms. Olympia competition was held as part of the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada and in the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada. Iris Kyle won her 5th overall IFBB Ms. Olympia title, with 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles. This was Iris Kyle's 4th consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia win, thus tying with Kim Chizevsky-Nicholls' record 4 consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia wins, along with surpassing Frank Zane's record 3 overall and 3 lightweight consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia wins and surpassing Sergio Oliva's record 3 consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia wins. Iris Kyle, who placed 1st, Heather Armbrust, who placed 2nd, Debi Laszewski, who placed 3rd, Lisa Aukland, who placed 4th, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 5th, and Betty Pariso, who placed 6th, all qualified for the 2010 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB Ms. Olympia debuts from Debi Laszewski, Kristy Hawkins, Tina Chandler, and Gale Frankie.^[58][59]

2010

On February 20, 2010, the 1st IFBB Phoenix Pro competition was held in Mesa, Arizona. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia won her 1st IFBB Phoenix Pro title. Zoa Linsey, who placed 3rd, qualified for the 2010 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Zoa Linsey's first IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification. This was the last IFBB Phoenix Pro to have a women's bodybuilding category. The 2010 IFBB Phoenix Pro was featured in episode 160 of HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.^[59][60][61]

On March 5, 2010, the 24th IFBB Ms. International competition was held as part of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. Iris Kyle won her 5th overall IFBB Ms. International title, with 1 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International title, giving her more IFB Ms. International wins than any other bodybuilder and beating the former record of Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who had 4 overall IFBB Ms. International titles, and 3 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International titles. This was Iris Kyle's 4th consecutive IFBB Ms. International win, giving her the most consecutive IFBB Ms. International wins ever, thus surpassing Ondrea Gates' record 3 overall and 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International wins and Laura Creavalle's record 3 IFBB Ms. International wins, along with surpassing with Jason Cutler's record 3 consecutive IFBB Arnold Classic wins. Dayana Cadeau, who placed 6th, qualified for the 2010 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Alina Popa and Elena Shportun. Betty Pariso competed at this compention at the age of 54 years, the oldest IFBB female professional bodybuilder competing at an IFBB professional competition ever. The 2010 IFBB Ms. International was featured in episode 160 of HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.^[59][61][62]

In 2010, Twisted Sisters, an MSNBC documentary featuring IFBB professional bodybuilder Kim Buck, along with amateur bodybuilders Brenda Smith and Lauren Powers, premiered.^[63]

On May 8, 2010, the 4th IFBB New York Women's Pro competition was held in New York City, New York. Catherine LeFrançois won her 3rd IFBB New York Pro title. The scorecard was close, with Catherine LeFrançois getting 15 points and Sheila Bleck getting 16 points. In the judging round, Catherine LeFrançois won 6 points, while Sheila Bleck achieved 9 points. In the finals round, Sheila Bleck won 7 points, while Catherine LeFrançois won 9 points. This was the first one-point victory in IFBB New York Pro history. Catherine LeFrançois, who placed 1st, Sheila Bleck, who placed 2nd, and Heather Foster, who placed 3rd, all qualified for the 2010 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Sheila Bleck, Rahel Ruch, and Andrea Carvalho. This was Sheila Bleck's first IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification. This was the last New York Pro to have a women's bodybuilding category.^[59][64]

On July 14, 2010, premiered episode 160 of HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. The episode featured the segment Pumping, in which Bryant Gumbel dealt with the subject of female professional bodybuilding. The episode had interviews with professional bodybuilder Colette Nelson and Dena Westerfield , along with amateur bodybuilders Brandi Akers, Lauren Powers, and Brian Moss. Subjects covered in the episode include performance enhancing drugs, sessions, and prize money disparity between male and female professional bodybuilders. The episode featured the 2010 IFBB Ms. International and the 2010 IFBB Phoenix Pro, along with the amateur bodybuilding competitions, the 2009 NPC Excalibur and the 2009 NABBA Universe. The episode featured, but did not interview, professional bodybuilders Betty Pariso, Debi Laszewski, Zoa Linsey, Lisa Aukland, Iris Kyle, Mah-Ann Mendoza, Jeannie Paparone, Brenda Raganot, Dayana Cadeau, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, Elena Shportun, Alina Popa, along with amateur bodybuilders Kim Farley, Brooke Terry, Moe Wiggins, Ligia Orantes, Larissa Cunha, Lisa Cross, Valentina Yefymchuk, Sonia Cabre, Simone Sousa, Caroline Gaume, Lisa Bailey, Riana Beech, Rene Campbell, Lily Casella, Jeannie Ellam, Jesica Ghigo, Mona Johansson, Vera Safanieva, Sheila Vieira, Caroline Wang, and Delene Watkins.^[61][65][66]

On July 17, 2010, the 3rd IFBB PBW Championships was held in Tampa, Florida. Brigita Brezovac won her 1st IFBB PBW Championships title, while Debbie Bramwell won the IFBB PBW Championships best posing award. Brigita Brezovac, who placed 1st, and Tina Chandler, who placed 2nd, all qualified for the 2010 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This was Brigita Brezovac's first IFBB pro win. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Brigita Brezovac, Lisette Acevedov, Skadi Frei-Seifert, Candice Carr-Archer, Beni Lopez, Carmen Knights, Tracy Mason, Daniela Sell, and Gusmary Villalobos. This was Brigita Brezovac's first IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification.^[59][67][68]

On July 25, 2010, the 1st IFBB Europa Battle of Champions was held in Hartford, Connecticut. Brigita Brezovac won her 1st IFBB PBW Championships title. Helen Bouchard, who placed 2nd, qualified for the 2010 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Skadi Frei, Lisette Acevedo, Tammy Patnode, and Daniela Sell. This was Helen Bouchard's first IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification.^[59][69]

On September 24, 2010, the 31st IFBB Ms. Olympia competition was held as part of the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada and in the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada. Iris Kyle won her 6th overall IFBB Ms. Olympia title, with 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles, thus breaking the record of Cory Everson's IFBB Ms. Olympia record of 6 overall IFBB Ms. Olympia titles. This was Iris Kyle's 5th consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia win. Iris Kyle, who placed 1st, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 2nd, Debi Laszewski, who placed 3rd, Sheila Bleck, who placed 4th, Dayana Cadeau, who placed 5th, and Heather Foster, who placed 6th, all qualified for the 2011 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB Ms. Olympia debuts from Zoa Linsey, Brigita Brezovac, Helen Bouchard, and Sheila Bleck.^[70][71][72]

2011

On March 4, 2011, the 25th IFBB Ms. International competition was held as part of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. Iris Kyle won her 6th overall IFBB Ms. International title, with 1 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International titles. This was Iris Kyle's 5th consecutive IFBB Ms. International win. Alina Popa, who placed 3rd, Betty Viana-Adkins, who placed 5th, and Catherine LeFrançois, who placed 6th, all qualified for the 2011 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Maria Bello and Sarah Hayes. This was Alina Popa's first IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification.^[72][73]

On April 16, 2011, the 1st IFBB FIBO Power Pro Germany competition was held in Essen, Germany. Helle Nielsen won her 1st IFBB FIBO Power Pro Germany title. Helle Nielsen, who placed 1st, and Skada Seifert, who placed 2nd, both qualified for the 2011 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Roberta Tuor, Andrea Zürcher, and Eleni Kavva. This was Skada Seifert's first IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification. This was the last FIBO Power Pro Germany competition held with a women's bodybuilding category.^[72][74]

On June 17, 2011, the 2nd IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow competition was held in Toronto, Canada. Brigita Brezovac won her 1st IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow title. Brigita Brezovac, who placed 1st, Nicole Ball, who placed 2nd, and Mah-Ann Mendoza, who placed 3rd, all qualified for the 2011 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Lyris Cappelle, Melody Spetko, and Elizabeth Meza.^[72][75]

On June 25, 2011, the 3rd IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships was held in Tampa, Florida. Catherine LeFrançois won her 1st IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships title, while Tina Chandler won the IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships best posing award. Tina Chandler, who placed 2nd, qualified for the 2011 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Monique Jones, Stacey Pillari, Candice Carr, Nathalie Foreau, and Claire Rohrbacker-O'Connell.^[72][76][77]

On July 30, 2011, the 2nd IFBB Europa Battle of Champions was held in Hartford, Connecticut. Kim Buck won her 1st IFBB Europa Battle of Champions title. Kim Buck, who placed 1st, Monique Jones, who placed 2nd, and Kimberly Perez, who placed 3rd, all qualified for the 2011 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Bonnie Pappas, Pamela Franklin, and Julia Korfhage. This was Kim Buck's first IFBB pro win. This was Kim Buck's, Monique Jones's, and Kimberly Perez's first IFBB Ms. Olympia qualification.^[72][78]

On September 16, 2011, the 32nd IFBB Ms. Olympia competition was held as part of the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada and in the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada. At the end of the posedown, emcee Bob Chicherillo announced that this would be the last IFBB Ms. Olympia for competitors Dayana Cadeau and Mah-Ann Mendoza. Iris Kyle won her 7th overall IFBB Ms. Olympia title, with 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles. This ties Iris Kyle with Arnold Schwarzenegger's IFBB Mr. Olympia record of 7 overall IFBB Mr. Olympia titles, and 2 heavyweight IFBB Mr. Olympia titles. This was Iris Kyle's 6th consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia win, thus tying Corinna Everson's record 6 consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia wins, along with tying with Dorian Yates' 6 consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia. Iris Kyle, who placed 1st, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 2nd, Brigita Brezovac, who placed 3rd, Debi Laszewski, who placed 4th, and Alina Popa, who placed 5th, all qualified for the 2012 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB Ms. Olympia debuts from Alina Popa, Brigita Brezovac, Nicole Ball, Monique Jones, Kim Buck, Skadi Frei-Seifert, and Mah Ann Mendoza. This was the first IFBB pro competition to enact the IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series and the first IFBB Ms. Olympia since the 2004 IFBB Ms. Olympia to not grant qualification for the next Ms. Olympia for 6th place.^{[79][80][81][82]}

2012

On February 19, 2012, it was announced Iris Kyle injured her leg and would not be competing at the 2012 IFBB Ms. International.^[83]

On March 2, 2012, the 26th IFBB Ms. International competition was held as part of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia won her 5th overall IFBB Ms. International title, with 3 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International titles. Catherine LeFrançois, who placed 4th, got 6 points, and Kim Buck, who placed 5th, got 5 points. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Alevtina Goroshinskaya and Geraldine Morgan.^[82][84][85]

On March 13, 2012, IFBB Pro League, in conjunction with Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend, announced the creation of the IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series, a points-based system that will help determine qualifiers for the IFBB Ms. Olympia. The IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series awards points to competitors placing in the top 2 to 5 of all Pro League events, with the exception of the Ms. Olympia. At the end of the Ms. Olympia qualifying season, the five competitors with the highest total points in the IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series will qualify to compete at the IFBB Ms. Olympia. Every IFBB Pro League competitions, with the exception of the IFBB Ms. International and the IFBB Ms. Olympia, awards 4 points for 2nd place, 3 points for 3rd, 2 points for 4th place, and 1 point for 5th place. The IFBB Ms. International awards 8 points for 2nd place, 7 points for 3rd, 6 points for 4th place, and 5 points for 5th place. IFBB Ms. Olympia competitors placing in the top 5 automatically qualify for the following year's IFBB Ms. Olympia.^[86]

On June 2, 2012, the 3rd IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow MuscleGirlz competition was held in Toronto, Canada. Lisa Giesbrecht won her 1st IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow title. This was Lisa Giesbrecht's first IFBB pro win. This was Lisa Giesbrecht's IFBB pro debut in women's bodybuilding. Lisa Giesbrecht had previously competed at the IFBB California Governor's Cup in IFBB pro women's physique. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Gillian Kovack, Janeen Lankowski, and Frida Palmell. Kim Buck, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Wendy McCready, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Gillian Kovack, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Laura Carolan, who placed 5th, got 1 point. Lisa Giesbrecht qualified for the IFBB 2012 Ms. Olympia. This was Lisa Giesbrecht's first Ms. Olympia qualification.^[82][87][88]

On June 30, 2012, the 3rd IFBB Europa Battle of Champions competition was held in Hartford, Connecticut. Anne Freitas won her 1st IFBB Europa Battle of Champions title. This was Anne Freitas' first IFBB pro win. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Anne Freitas, Michelle Cummings, Amber DeFrancesco, Natalya Batova, and Janet Kaufman. Michelle Cummings, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Monique Jones, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Tazzie Colomb, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Sarah Hayes, who placed 5th, got 1 point. This was the last IFBB Europa Battle of Champions held. Anne Freitas qualified for the IFBB 2012 Ms. Olympia. This was Anne Freitas's first Ms. Olympia qualification.^[82][89]

On July 6, 2012, the 1st IFBB Wings of Strength Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza competition was held in Chicago, Illinois. Monique Jones won her 1st IFBB Wings of Strength Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza title. This was Monique Jones' first IFBB pro win. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Amy Sibcy, Judy Gaillard, and Sharon Madderson. Helle Nielsen, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Michelle Cummings, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Tazzie Colomb, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Emery Miller, who placed 5th, got 1 point. This was the first Wings of Strength IFBB competition held. Monique Jones qualified for the IFBB 2012 Ms. Olympia.^[82][90]

On August 11, 2012, the 4th IFBB PBW Championships was held in Tampa, Florida. Sarah Hayes won her 1st IFBB PBW Championships title, while Sheila Bleck won the IFBB PBW Championships best posing award. This was Sarah Hayes' first IFBB pro win. Sheila Bleck, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Janeen Lankowski, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Melody Spetko, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Kimberly Perez, who placed 5th, got 1 point. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Beth Wachter, Roxanne Edwards, Michelle Brent, Lupe Leito, Robyn Mentgen, and Drorit Silverman. Marina Lopez was a competitor who won her IFBB pro card in IFBB pro physique category switched to IFBB professional bodybuilding. Sarah Hayes, Kim Buck, Michelle Cummings, Catherine LeFrançois, Sheila Bleck, and Helle Nielsen all qualified for the IFBB 2012 Ms. Olympia. This was Sarah Hayes' and Michelle Cummings' first Ms. Olympia qualification.^[82][91][92]

On September 28, 2012, the 33rd IFBB Ms. Olympia competition was held as part of the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada and in the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada. Iris Kyle won her 8th overall IFBB Ms. Olympia title, with 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles, thus tying with Lenda Murray's IFBB Ms. Olympia record of 8 overall IFBB Ms. Olympia titles and 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles. Iris Kyle also surpassed the IFBB Mr. Olympia record of Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman, who both hold 8 overall IFBB Mr. Olympia titles, and the IFBB Mr. Olympia record of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has 7 overall IFBB Mr. Olympia titles, and 2 heavyweight IFBB Mr. Olympia titles. This was Iris Kyle's 7th consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia win, thus surpassing Corinna Everson's record 6 consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia wins, along with surpassing Arnold Schwarzenegger's record 6 overall and 2 heavyweight consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia wins and Dorian Yates' record 6 consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia wins. Iris Kyle, who placed 1st, Debi Laszewski, who placed 2nd, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 3rd, Alina Popa, who placed 4th, and Brigita Brezovac, who placed 5th, all qualified for the 2013 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB Ms. Olympia debuts from Sarah Hayes, Lisa Giesbrecht, Michelle Cummings, and Anne Freitas.^[93][94]

2013

On March 1, 2013, the 27th IFBB Ms. International competition was held as part of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. Iris Kyle, after skipping the 2012 IFBB Ms. International due to a leg injury, came back, reclaimed her IFBB Ms. International title from Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, and won her 7th overall IFBB Ms. International title, with 1 heavyweight IFBB Ms. International titles. Catherine LeFrançois, who placed 5th, got 5 points. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Olga Puzanova and Eleni Kavva. This was the last IFBB Ms. International ever held.^[94][95]

On June 7, 2013, event promoter of the IFBB Arnold Sports Festival, Jim Lorimer, announced that in 2014, the IFBB Arnold Classic 212 professional men’s bodybuilding division would replace the IFBB Ms. International professional women’s bodybuilding competition at the 2014 IFBB Arnold Sports Festival. Lorimer, in a statement, said “The Arnold Sports Festival was proud to support women’s bodybuilding through the Ms. International for the past quarter century, but in keeping with demands of our fans, the time has come to introduce the Arnold Classic 212 beginning in 2014. We are excited to create a professional competitive platform for some of the IFBB Pro League’s most popular competitors.”^[96]

On June 1, 2013, the 3rd IFBB MGL Toronto Pro Women's Bodybuilding competition was held in Toronto, Canada. Jennifer Scarpetta won her 1st IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow title. This was Jennifer Scarpetta's first IFBB pro win. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Jennifer Scarpetta, Rene Marven, and Sharon Mould. Anne Freitas, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Maria Bello, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Melody Spetko, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Michelle Cummings, who placed 5th, got 1 point. Jennifer Scarpetta qualified for the IFBB 2013 Ms. Olympia. This was Jennifer Scarpetta's first Ms. Olympia qualification.^[94][97]

On July 6, 2013, the 2nd Wings of Strength IFBB Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza competition was held in Chicago, Illinois. Monique Jones won her 2nd Wings of Strength IFBB Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza title, giving her the most Wings of Strength IFBB Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza titles ever, while Juanita Blaino won the Wings of Strength IFBB Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza best posing award. The scorecard was close, with Monique Jones getting 15 points and Juanita Blaino getting 16 points. In the judging round, Monique Jones won 7 points, while Juanita Blaino achieved 9 points. In the finals round, Juanita Blaino won 7 points, while Juanita Blaino won 8 points. This was the first one-point victory in Wings of Strength IFBB Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza history. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Juanita Blaino, Rene Campbell, Nancy Clark, Sherry Gray, and Ann Gannon. Juanita Blaino, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Tina Chandler, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Rene Campbell, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Nancy Clark, who placed 5th, got 1 point. Monique Jones qualified for the IFBB 2013 Ms. Olympia.^[94][98][99]

On August 10, 2013, the 5th IFBB PBW Championships was held in Tampa, Florida. Tammy Jones won her 1st IFBB PBW Championships title, while Helle Nielsen won the IFBB PBW Championships best posing award. This was Tammy Jones' first IFBB pro win. Maria Bello, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Tonia Moore, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Tina Chandler, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Helle Nielsen, who placed 5th, got 1 point. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Tammy Jones, Shannon Courtney, Agatha Dulson, Mirian Gerard, and Terri Harris. Maria Bello, Catherine LeFrançois, Tina Chandler, Anne Freitas, and Juanita Blaino all qualified for the IFBB 2013 Ms. Olympia. This was Maria Bello's, Juanita Blaino's, and Tammy Jones' first Ms. Olympia qualification.^{[94][100][101][102]}

On September 27, 2013, the 34th IFBB Ms. Olympia competition was held as part of the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada and in the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada. Iris Kyle won her 9th overall IFBB Ms. Olympia title, with 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles, thus surpassing Lenda Murray's IFBB Ms. Olympia record of 8 overall IFBB Ms. Olympia titles and 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles, thus making Iris Kyle the most successful, male or female, bodybuilder ever. This was Iris Kyle's 8th consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia win, thus tying with Lee Haney's and Ronnie Coleman's record of 8 consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia wins. Iris Kyle, who placed 1st, Alina Popa, who placed 2nd, Debi Laszewski, who placed 3rd, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 4th, and Brigita Brezovac, who placed 5th, all qualified for the 2014 IFBB Ms. Olympia. This competition had IFBB Ms. Olympia debuts from Jennifer Abshire, Maria Bello, Juanita Blaino, and Tammy Jones.^[103][104]

2014

On May 31, 2014, the 4th IFBB Toronto Pro Women's Bodybuilding competition was held in Toronto, Canada. Simone Oliveira won her 1st IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow title. This was Simone Oliveira's first IFBB pro win. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Simone Oliveira, Alana Shipp, Virginia Sanchez, Joanne Williams, and Tana McGowan. Alana Shipp, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Virginia Sanchez, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Margaret Martin, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Lisa Giesbrecht, who placed 5th, got 1 point. Simone Oliveira qualified for the IFBB 2014 Ms. Olympia. This was Simone Oliveira's first Ms. Olympia qualification.^[104][105]

On June 7, 2014, the 3rd IFBB Omaha Pro Women's Bodybuilding competition was held in Omaha, Nebraska. Anne Freitas won her 1st IFBB Omaha Pro Women's Bodybuilding title. This competition had an IFBB pro debut from Rene Marvin. Margaret Martin, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Christine Envall, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Tonia Moore, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Alana Shipp, who placed 5th, got 1 point. Anne Freitas qualified for the IFBB 2014 Ms. Olympia.^[104][106]

On July 5, 2014, the 3rd IFBB Wings of Strength Chicago Pro competition was held in Chicago, Illinois. Maria Bello won her 1st Wings of Strength IFBB Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza title, while Emery Miller won her 1st Wings of Strength IFBB Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza best poser award. Lisa Giesbrecht, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Christine Envall, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Juanita Blaino, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Emery Miller, who placed 5th, got 1 point. Maria Bello qualified for the IFBB 2014 Ms. Olympia.^{[104][107][108]}

On August 8, 2014, the 6th IFBB Wings of Strength PBW Pro was held in Tampa, Florida. Sheila Bleck won her 1st IFBB Wings of Strength PBW Pro title and the IFBB Wings of Strength PBW Pro best posing award. This was Sheila Bleck's first IFBB pro win. Jennifer Sedia, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Monique Jones, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Kahla Bullemor, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Melody Spetko, who placed 5th, got 1 point. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Kahla Bullemor, Mimi Jabalee, Aleesha Young, and Lisa Cross. Margaret Martin, Christine Envall, Alana Shipp, Lisa Giesbrecht, and Jennifer Sedia all qualified for the IFBB 2013 Ms. Olympia. This was Christine Envall's, Margaret Martin's, and Alana Shipp's first Ms. Olympia qualification.^[109][110]

On August 28, 2014, the 1st IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Professional Championships was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kim Buck won the IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Professional Championships' Masters 35+ and Masters 45+ categories, while Pamela Franklin won the IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Professional Championships' Masters Masters 55+ category. Kim Buck won her 1st IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Professional Championships' Masters 35+ and Masters 45+ categories, while Pamela Franklin won her 1st IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Professional Championships' Masters Masters 55+ category. This was Pamela Franklin's IFBB pro win. This competition had an IFBB pro debut from Patricia Corbett.^{[111][112][113]}

On September 19, 2014, the 35th IFBB Ms. Olympia competition was held as part of the Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend at the South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada and in the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada. Iris Kyle won her 10th overall IFBB Ms. Olympia title, with 2 heavyweight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles, the highest number of IFBB Ms. Olympia wins ever. This was Iris Kyle's 9th consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia win, thus giving her the most consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia ever, surpassing Lenda Murray's record 8 overall and 2 heavyweight consecutive IFBB Ms. Olympia wins, along with surpassing Lee Haney's and Ronnie Coleman's record of 8 consecutive IFBB Mr. Olympia wins. After winning her 10th overall IFBB Ms. Olympia title, Iris Kyle announced her retirement from IFBB pro bodybuilding. Iris Kyle, who placed 1st, Alina Popa, who placed 2nd, Debi Laszewski, who placed 3rd, Alana Shipp, who placed 4th, and Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 5th, all qualified for the 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. This was Iris Kyle's, Alina Popa's, Debi Laszewski's, Alana Shipp's, and Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia's first Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships qualification. This competition had IFBB Ms. Olympia debuts from Christine Envall, Margaret Martin, Simone Oliveira, and Alana Shipp. This was the last Ms. Olympia ever held.^{[114][115][116]}

In October 2014, it was revealed that the 2015 Ms. Olympia was cancelled.^{[117][118][119]}

On November 2, 2014, Alina Popa tore her achilles tendon sprinting outside the Armbrust Pro Gym, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.^[120]

On November 5, 2014, Alina Popa, under the influence pain medication, she lost her balance going up the stairs at her home and fell backwards tearing her right distal biceps tendon as well.^[120]

On December 5, 2014, the 2015 IFBB pro schedule was released, revealing the 2015 Ms. Olympia was indeed cancelled.^[121]

Margaret Martin's reign

In 2015, female professional bodybuilding, for the first year since 1979, did not have a Ms. Olympia competition held during that year. Both the 2014 IFBB Ms. Olympia winner, Iris Kyle, and the 2nd place 2014 IFBB Ms. Olympia competitor, Alina Popa, both did not compete this year. This year saw the rise of Margaret Martin, who competed at five IFBB professional bodybuilding competitions, won the IFBB Wings of Strength PBW Pro and IFBB 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships overall and best posing award. This was the first year that half of all IFBB female professional bodybuilding competitions were organized by Wings of Strength. This year was also when Iris Kyle announced her return to female professional bodybuilding.

2015

On February 24, 2015, due to her injuries suffered in 2014, Alina Popa revealed in an interview with Dylan Armbrust that she attend, but not compete at the 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. Alina Popa also stated that she planned on competing next year.^[122]

On March 8, 2015, Wings of Strength announced the creation of the IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. Regarded as the successor to the IFBB Ms. Olympia, Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships adopted the point qualification system that the Ms. Olympia had.^[123][124]

On My 30, 2015, the 4th IFBB Omaha Pro Women's Bodybuilding competition was held in Omaha, Nebraska. Lisa Cross won her 1st IFBB Omaha Pro Women's Bodybuilding title and Margaret Martin won her 1st IFBB Omaha Pro Women's Bodybuilding best posing award. This was Lisa Cross' first IFBB pro title. Monique Jones, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Christine Envall, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Gillian Kovack, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Angela Rayburn, who placed 5th, got 1 point. Lisa Cross qualified for the IFBB 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. This was Lisa Cross' first Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships qualification.^{[116][125][126]}

On June 6, 2015, the 5th IFBB Toronto Pro Women's Bodybuilding competition was held in Toronto, Canada. Christine Envall won her 1st IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow title. This was Christine Envall's first IFBB pro win. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Vera Mikulcova, Bonnie Switzer, and Amanda Aivaliotis. Vera Mikulcova, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Jana Bendova, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Gillian Kovack, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Margaret Martin, who placed 5th, got 1 point. Christine Envall qualified for the IFBB 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. This was Christine Envall's first Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships qualification.^[116][127]

On July 4, 2015, the 4th IFBB Wings of Strength Chicago Pro competition was held in Chicago, Illinois. Helle Trevino won her 1st Wings of Strength IFBB Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza title, Maria Bello won her 1st Wings of Strength IFBB Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza masters category, and Margaret Martin won her 1st Wings of Strength IFBB Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza best poser award. Maria Bello, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Virginia Sanchez, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Isabelle Turell, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Angela Rayburn, who placed 5th, got 1 point. Helle Trevino qualified for the IFBB 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. This was Helle Trevino's first Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships qualification.^{[116][128][129]}

On August 8, 2015, the 7th IFBB Wings of Strength PBW Pro was held in Tampa, Florida. Margaret Martin won her 1st IFBB Wings of Strength PBW Pro title and Jacqueline Fuchs' won the IFBB Wings of Strength PBW Pro best posing award. This was Margaret Martin's first IFBB pro win. Alana Shipp, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Isabelle Turell, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Keli Watkins, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Jacqueline Fuchs, who placed 5th, got 1 point. This competition had IFBB pro debuts from Keli Watkins, Jacqueline Fuchs, and Shawna Strong. Margaret Martin's, Isabelle Turell, Monique Jones, Vera Mikulcova, Gillian Kovack, Rita Bello, Jana Bendova, and Virginia Sanchez all qualified for the IFBB 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. This was Margaret Martin's, Isabelle Turell's, Monique Jones', Vera Mikulcova's, Gillian Kovack's, Rita Bello's, Jana Bendova's, and Virginia Sanchez's first Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships qualification.^{[130][131][132]}

On August 13, 2015, Wings of Strength announced Aleesha Young received a special invite for the IFBB 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. This was Aleesha Young's first Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships qualification.^[133]

On August 14, 2015, Wings of Strength announced Shawna Strong received a special invite for the IFBB 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. This was Shawna Strong's first Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships qualification.^[134]

On August 15, 2015, Wings of Strength announced Irene Andersen received a special invite for the IFBB 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. This was Irene Andersen's first Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships qualification.^[135]

From August 20 to August 22, 2015, the 1st IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships competition was held in conjunction with the IFBB Wings of Strength Texas Pro, the NPC Tim Gardner Texas Extravaganza, and NPC National, in San Antonio, Texas. Margaret Martin won her 1st IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships title and the IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships best posing award. For 1st place, Margaret Martin won $50,000 and a new a Wings of Strength Jeep, the largest prize money for 1st place for IFBB pro women's bodybuilding competition ever. Margaret Martin, who placed 1st, Helle Trevino, who placed 2nd, Debi Laszewski, who placed 3rd, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 4th, and Alana Shipp, who placed 5th, all qualified for the IFBB 2016 Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. This competition had IFBB 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships debuts from Margaret Martin's, Helle Trevino's, Debi Laszewski's, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia's, Alana Shipp's, Aleesha Young's, Isabelle Turell's, Rita Bello's, Lisa Cross', Christine Envall's, Shawna Strong's, Virginia Sanchez's, Monique Jones', Irene Andersen's, and Gillian Kovack's.^{[126][136][137][138]}

On September 3, 2015, the 2nd IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Professional Championships was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Maria Segura won the IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Professional Championships' Masters 35+ category, while Linda Smith won the IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Professional Championships' Masters 55+ category. IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Professional Championships' Masters 45+ category was not held this year. Maria Segura won her 1st IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Professional Championships' Masters 35+ category, while Linda Smith won her 1st IFBB Pittsburgh Masters Professional Championships' Masters Masters 55+ category. This was Maria Segura's and Linda Smith's first IFBB pro win. This competition had an IFBB pro debut from Linda Smith.^[139][140]

On September 25, 2015, in an interview with Dave Palumbo, Iris Kyle announced she will be coming out of retirement to compete at the 2016 Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships.^[141]

On December 2, 2015, the 2016 IFBB Pro calendar was released.^[142]

2016

In the Winter 2016 edition of Muscle Sport Magazine, Iris Kyle, in an interview with Joe Pietaro, criticized the IFBB for its treatment of female bodybuilders and called for the reaction of a union and ambassador for female bodybuilders.^[143]

From May 27 to May 28, 2016, the 1st IFBB Puerto Rico Pro Women's Bodybuilding competition was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Kim Buck won her 1st IFBB Puerto Rico Pro Women's Bodybuilding title. Isabelle Turell, who placed 2nd, got 4 points, Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, who placed 3rd, got 3 points, Silvia Matta, who placed 4th, got 2 points, and Amanda Aivaliotis, who placed 5th, got 1 point. Kim Buck qualified for the IFBB 2015 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships. This was Kim Buck's first Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships qualification.^[144]

References