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Is there a discrepancy between male and female bodybuilding competitions in terms of judging and prize money?

Dorine Warrillow

Hey there!

Are you curious about the world of bodybuilding competitions? Well, hold on to your protein shakes, because we're about to dive into the controversial topic of discrepancies between male and female competitions.

First of all, let's talk about judging. It's no secret that the criteria for judging male and female bodybuilders are different. Men are typically judged on their size, muscularity, and overall aesthetics, while women are judged on their symmetry, conditioning, and a "feminine" presentation. This difference in criteria can lead to frustration and confusion among female competitors, as they often feel that they are not being judged fairly.

But the discrepancies don't stop there. When it comes to prize money, there is a significant gap between male and female competitions. According to a report by Forbes, the total prize money for the 2019 Mr. Olympia (the premier male bodybuilding competition) was $1.36 million, with the winner taking home a cool $400,000. In comparison, the total prize money for the 2019 Ms. Olympia (the premier female bodybuilding competition) was only $110,000, with the winner receiving just $50,000.

This disparity has sparked controversy in the bodybuilding community, with many calling for equal treatment and compensation for female competitors. After all, these women train just as hard as their male counterparts and should be recognized and rewarded for their dedication and hard work.

It's not all doom and gloom, though. Many organizations, such as the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), have taken steps to address the issue by offering equal prize money for male and female competitions. Additionally, more and more female bodybuilders are speaking out and demanding change, which is a step in the right direction.

So, to answer the question, yes, there is a discrepancy between male and female bodybuilding competitions when it comes to judging and prize money. But the good news is that progress is being made, and we can only hope that one day, male and female competitors will receive equal treatment and recognition.

Until then, keep pumping iron and breaking down those barriers, ladies!