IFBB Professional League
IFBB Professional League is a series of bodybuilding and fitness and figure competition events (collectively known as the "season") open to athletes accredited as professionals by the International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness. With its background in Mr. Olympia introduced in 1965 as the first IFBB professional competition, the series took its current name in 2005 when the IFBB Professional Division officially changed its name.
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History of the IFBB Professional League
First Mr. Olympia was held in 1965 and, in 1975, Arnold Schwarzenegger was named chairman of the first Professional Committee. In 1977, the movie “Pumping Iron”, starring Arnold and Lou Ferrigno, was released. In 1978, Bill Pearl became the first Professional Judging Director. The first Night of Champions was held in New York City.
In 1980, Joe Weider created the Mr. Olympia and the Grand Prix series of competitions were organized throughout the USA and eventually, Europe and Australia/New Zealand. Oscar State (O.B.E.) created the first Professional Rules and Code of Ethics. In 1982, IFBB professional bodybuilding was officially managed by a “Professional Liaison Officer”. In 1986, this title was changed to “Director, Professional Committee”. In 1987, IFBB professional bodybuilding was restructured and became the “IFBB Professional Division”, which was headed by an IFBB Vice President. In 1989, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer teamed up to create the Arnold Classic. In 1990, John Balik created the Iron Man Pro Invitational.
Fitness & figure competition
In 1995, Joe Weider created the Fitness Olympia and, in 2003, the Figure Olympia. Bikini Olympia was inaugurated in 2010.
Progress
In 1965, Joe and Ben Weider created IFBB professional Bodybuilding (and later, professional Fitness and Figure) as a way for elite amateur athletes to further their competitive career and to earn money. In 1966, Larry Scott received $1,000 for his Mr. Olympia win. In 2006, there were over 40 IFBB professional competitions and the total prize money topped 1.6 million dollars.[1]
External links
References
- ↑ IFBB International Congress Reports, 1970-2007
