Only true bodybuilding fans will score 17 or higher... and no cheating!
Think you know Mr Olympia history? This bodybuilding quiz will test your knowledge of champions, records and iconic moments from the sport’s biggest stage. Get 17 or more right and you’ve earned your place among the legends.
Mr Olympia Quiz Questions
Who was the first non-American to win the Mr Olympia title?
In what year did the “Challenge Round” first appear – and then spark huge controversy?
Which year marked Lee Priest’s final Olympia appearance?
Who remains the oldest man ever to win the Open Mr Olympia title?
Which Olympia legend trained out of Metroflex Gym, Arlington, Texas?
What supplement giant sponsored the Olympia for more than a decade until 2017?
At which Olympia did Phil Heath first fall outside the top three placings?
Who reclaimed the title in 2009, ending Dexter Jackson’s one-year reign?
Who was the first man to win both a NABBA Universe and Mr Olympia title?
When was the 212 division introduced at the Olympia, and what category did it replace?
Who won the inaugural Classic Physique Olympia in 2016?
In what year did Big Ramy make his Olympia debut?
Name the two men who have regained the Olympia title after losing or leaving the sport.
Which Olympia was nicknamed “The Massacre” for its shock placings and eliminations?
How many total Olympia appearances did Dexter “The Blade” Jackson make before retiring?
Who was the first British athlete to win the 212 Olympia?
What was the first year the Olympia prize money exceeded $100,000 for the winner?
What was the prize money for the 2023 Mr Olympia champion?
Who served as the head judge for most Olympias between 2004 and 2021?
Which city hosted the first Olympia held outside the US?
SCOREBOARD
17 – 20: 🏆 MR OLYMPIA! — You probably know Bob Cicherillo’s mic lines by heart.
10 – 16: 💪 IFBB PRO — A walking encyclopedia of muscle history.
5 – 9: 🏋️ GYM RAT — You watch the livestream every year, but study up.
0 – 4: 🚪 WORKS OUT IN GARAGE — Great enthusiasm; missed leg day and Olympia trivia day.
Mr Olympia Quiz Answers (flip your phone if you dare)
Sergio Oliva (Cuba) – 1967
2004 – introduced in Las Vegas, scrapped by 2006
2006
Shawn Rhoden – age 43 in 2018
Ronnie Coleman
BSN (Bio-Engineered Supplements & Nutrition)
2018 (2nd to Shawn Rhoden)
Jay Cutler
Arnold Schwarzenegger (NABBA Universe 1967 & Mr Olympia 1970)
2012 – replaced the 202 lb class (2008–2011)
Danny Hester
2013
Jay Cutler and Arnold Schwarzenegger
2020 Olympia – Big Ramy’s dominant upset (“The Massacre”)
YOU'D think trying on a cute dress would be the easy, fun part of a shopping trip. The reward after endless hours of training and meal prepping. But for female bodybuilders, stepping into a high-street changing room can feel like entering an escape room – only with worse lighting and no guarantee you’ll get back out again.
Take it from me. Not long ago, I was in TK Maxx, browsing the racks like any normal woman looking for a little retail therapy. I found this gorgeous dress, floaty, pretty, in my size (or so I thought) and just the thing for keeping cool when the sun's turned up to the max. I squeezed into the changing room, pulled it over my head – and got stuck.
And I don’t mean slightly snug. I mean full panic. Arms jammed above my head like I was trying to signal for rescue, the fabric glued around my shoulders and lats like shrink-wrap. Within seconds I was sweating, make-up smudging, hair stuck to my forehead. There was this fleeting, horrifying moment where I genuinely pictured myself waddling out on to the shop floor in my underwear, half-dressed, begging a stranger to help peel me out of the prison I’d willingly stepped into.
Funny now, but humiliating at the time. That moment perfectly sums up the hidden headache of being a muscular woman in a world of cookie-cutter sizing.
When we talk about the challenges for female bodybuilders, people usually think about heavy weights, strict diets, or stepping on stage in tiny sparkly bikinis. But no one talks about the everyday battles, like trying to find a pair of jeans that will fit over your quads and hug your waist without gaping open like a tent.
Standard women’s clothing is designed for an ‘average’ female shape; narrower shoulders, slim arms, soft curves. That really doesn’t leave much room for broad lats, thick glutes, or triceps that look like you could smuggle dumbbells under your sleeves.
Here’s the reality:
If it fits your legs, the waistband is a baggy mess.
If it fits your waist, good luck getting it past your thighs.
Shirts and jackets that fit your torso can trap your shoulders like a straitjacket.
Shirts gape at the chest, sleeves squeeze your arms like sausages and fitted dresses? Let’s just say, RIP to seams everywhere.
Add in that we actually want to show off our muscles (we work hard for these physiques) and suddenly the dressing room becomes a battlefield of fabric, zips and broken dreams.
Some people might say, “Just wear gym clothes then.” And sure, we do. Stretchy leggings, hoodies and racerbacks are our daily uniform. But we’re not machines, we’re women, too. We want to feel feminine, to dress up for a wedding, put on a power suit for work, or rock a cute sundress on a date.
That’s where the real frustration kicks in, because the message from the mirror sometimes feels like: “Your body is too much for ‘normal’ clothes'.
The mainstream does not provide clothing for female bodybuilders
It’s a reminder that the same muscles we’re so proud of make us ‘different’, that mainstream fashion still hasn’t caught up with strong female physiques. And while we wouldn’t trade our muscle for anything, the fitting room struggle can test your confidence faster than any competition prep.
So, what’s the solution?
Do we just accept the struggle? Not exactly. Many of us become part-time tailors, amateur stylists and bargain-hunters in the men’s section. Some brands have caught on, a handful now offer ‘athletic fit’ jeans and jackets with extra room for biceps and quads. But options are still limited.
Until the fashion world wakes up to the fact that women can be both muscular and stylish, we do what we always do, adapt, improvise and share our hacks with each other.
So, for my fellow muscle queens stuck in changing room limbo, here are my Top Five Tips to survive:
Top 5 Tips for Dressing a Muscular Body
1: Size Up, Tailor Down:
Don’t be afraid to buy a size (or two) up if it fits your biggest areas; shoulders, arms, quads. Then pay for alterations to cinch the waist or taper sleeves. A good tailor is a muscular woman’s best friend.
2: Embrace Stretch Fabrics:
Look for clothes with a bit of lycra. A small stretch percentage can make a huge difference when pulling jeans over quads, or bending your arms into a blazer.
3: Men’s Section Magic:
Don’t be shy! The men’s department often has better options for broad shoulders or longer torsos. Men’s blazers, shirts and coats can be surprisingly flattering when styled right.
4: Belt It and Own It:
If you end up with a dress that’s roomy at the waist, add a belt. It’ll accentuate your shape instead of hiding it and stop you looking like you borrowed someone else’s clothes.
5: Know Your Brands:
Hunt for brands known for ‘athletic cut’ or ‘curvy fit.’ Some jeans and sportswear labels design specifically for bigger thighs and glutes. Read reviews and join bodybuilding forums, word of mouth is gold.
At the end of the day, I’d rather break a dress than break my confidence. I worked for these shoulders. I built these quads. If they don’t fit the standard high-street sizing? That’s the high street’s problem, not mine.
So next time you see me laughing at myself in a changing room mirror, arms pinned up, stuck halfway into a dress know this: it’s not a weakness. It’s proof that I chose strength over squeezing into someone else’s idea of ‘normal.’ And I’d choose that again every single time.
IFBB Pro vs IFBB Pro League: Why bodybuilders are getting confused
As IFBB Pro cards are awarded in the UK, confusion with the Pro League has sparked backlash across bodybuilding
COMMENT from the Editor
ONE aspect of competitive bodybuilding that always strikes me is the mutual respect competitors have for one another.
It makes bodybuilding stand alone from other sports. It flies in the face of what many perceive as the 'stereotypical' meat-head bodybuilder.
Sadly, however, one aspect of bodybuilding has become abundantly clear over the past 48 hours; an undercurrent of nastiness remains.
On Sunday, the British Physique Alliance awarded seven IFBB Pro cards to overall champions of different categories. The BPA did this following an agreement that was put in place between their federation and IFBB Pro president Rafael Santonja.
It is a similar agreement with which the UKBFF have been awarding IFBB Pro cards for years.
Only this time, there was uproar.
What is the difference between IFBB Pro and IFBB Pro League?
People were claiming that two pro cards being offered under the banner of 'IFBB' was confusing. This, despite the fact the same has been going on for the past seven years.
And this from the same people who purport to "loving this shit" whenever they refer to bodybuilding. I would suggest that if someone loved their sport so much, they would consume as much information as they could lay their hands on. Information, let's not forget, that has been in the public domain for seven years.
Still, let's go through it once more; a brief history for those who remain confused. We have reported this before, republishing an excellent piece from the website Evolution of Bodybuilding. In fact, we linked to this story in our preview of the BPA British Finals, which we published on Saturday evening.
'IFBB Pro' – as it is now called – is the original IFBB federation founded by Joe and Ben Weider in 1946. This is the federation that was, until recently, called IFBB Elite Pro.
The IFBB Pro League, on the other hand, was born in 2005. This is the 'federation' that still has rights to the Olympia.
Ben Weider empowered Jim Manion to run the Pro League under the banner of the IFBB. When Ben Weider retired, he handed over the overall IFBB presidency to Rafael Santonja (above).
In 2017, however, Manion informed Santonja that the NPC and the Pro League were leaving the IFBB and starting their own organisation. But Manion decided to keep the name 'IFBB', despite having no affiliation with that federation. If this is where the confusion reigns, then point the finger at Manion and no one else, for it is he who insists on using the IFBB name.
In response, Dr Santonja created a new pro division for the IFBB called the IFBB Elite Pro. This was, however, recently rebranded to the IFBB Pro.
Manion went on to expand the NPC and continued to run the IFBB Professional League. This includes the Mr Olympia and other pro events.
To reiterate, as it stands there is a federation called 'IFBB Pro' – the original IFBB created by Joe and Ben Weider.
FATHERS OF FITNESS: Ben Weider (left) and Joe Weider
Then there is what is still called – rightly or wrongly – the IFBB Pro League. One would imagine that, sooner or later, the Manions will rename this the 'NPC Pro League' or such like.
As mentioned, Manion's IFBB Pro League offers access to a number of pro shows and includes the biggest one of them all, the Mr Olympia.
Santonja's IFBB Pro remains the original bodybuilding federation set up by the Weider brothers and offers competitions such as the following:
IFBB Pro Arnold Classic, the IFBB Pro Night of Champions, IFBB Pro Mr Universe and the IFBB Pro World Championships.
This seems fairly clear. But still the vitriol on social media over the past few days has been baffling.
"Just to clarify, this [being an IFBB Pro after winning an IFBB Pro card] is not the same as being an IFBB Pro," cried one.
Read that again; 'being an IFBB Pro is not the same as being an IFBB Pro'...
"They [IFBB Pro cards] are pretend pro cards," bleated another, peppering this well-researched reply with as many crying-with-laughter emojis as they could. "They can’t get the Olympia therefore not real Pros."
What incredible logic. 'If you cannot try to qualify for the Olympia, you are not a real professional'.
Does this count for those other federations who offer pro status? NABBA, PCA, FitX, GBO?
Many bodybuilding purists would argue that being a pro with the federation started by Joe and Ben Weider – men who effectively created bodybuilding as a sport – is worth an order of magnitude more than those four mentioned above.
Not so, according to another, who claimed that competing as a professional with the federation started by the Weider brothers was "just the same as being a pro with the PCA or GBO".
When challenged on this point, this person then claimed they did not know where they were trying to devalue people's achievements. They signed off with one of those crying-with-laughter emojis. And in an instant, it was clear this was a deliberate attempt to belittle fellow bodybuilders. In a nutshell they were saying, 'you know what, you are really not as good as you think you are". Classy.
And as soon as that emoji dropped, this publication knew that its time was better spent doing anything else on the planet rather than engage further.
And even more tried to denigrate the IFBB Pro by labelling their pro cards as 'pretend', littering replies with those belittling crying-with-laughter emojis. This is a direct attempt to devalue the achievement. If everyone is entitled to their opinion, then those people, if they have competed before, should know better.
This week, frontdouble.com has also been accused of spreading "false advertising".
One person suggested we were "giving out false advertisement to con people to compete at this show [BPA British Finals] and leave athletes very disappointed when they soon realise they can’t compete at a Olympia qualifier!!!"
Is it a fact that they are disappointed? Or is this you projecting what your own feelings might be? Maybe they realise the tiny chance anyone has of actually qualifying for an Olympia. Maybe, just maybe, they knew the history of the sport they love and wanted to gain pro status with the federation founded by Joe and Ben Weider.
The accusation is also highly defamatory. The story regarding the BPA was published late on Saturday – three days after registration for their British Finals had closed. How we could possibly 'con' people from this point is beyond me. And that is not to mention the fact that we would never do such an absurd thing.
IFBB Pro card for a federation called IFBB Pro, not IFBB Pro League
We were quite explicit in our description of the pro card being offered too: tt was an IFBB Pro card. You know, to compete in the federation which is called 'IFBB Pro'.
We did not say there was a route into the IFBB Pro League. Nor did we say this particular card was a route to the Olympia. We did not mention the NPC's 'IFBB' Pro League because, if you know anything about the history of bodybuilding, you will already know that it is a separate federation. In fact, it is not a federation at all. It is a business. But that's another story. And is explained in the piece we linked to. As we now know how easily people are confused, you can read that story by clicking here.
We also explained how the IFBB Pro recently removed the word 'Elite' from its name.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this opinion piece, bodybuilding stands apart from other sports because of the widespread respect and camaraderie shown between rivals.
It is a shame that so many have shown this week that they all too keen to belittle, ridicule and laugh at those who they feel are beneath them. That's right, bodybuilders laughed at the achievements of their fellow bodybuilders. All because of the name IFBB.
What would Joe or Ben Weider think if you told them the pro card they were offering was 'pretend' or was 'not the same as being an IFBB Pro'?
Let's not 'pretend'. Those people do not share the true spirit of bodybuilding.
IFBB vs NPC: How Santonja and Manion shaped bodybuilding’s split
From the 2017 split to the fight over the IFBB name, the Santonja–Manion divide continues to shape modern bodybuilding
THIS week, KEVIN GRECH from the website Evolution of Bodybuilding, wrote an informative piece on the current situation regarding the IFBB and the NPC. With his permission, frontdouble.com is republishing his article below:
What Is the Difference Between IFBB and NPC?
The IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) is the global governing body for amateur bodybuilding, while the NPC (National Physique Committee) operates as a private organisation primarily in the United States.
Since the 2017 split, the NPC and IFBB Professional League have operated independently from the IFBB under Rafael Santonja, creating two distinct pathways for athletes pursuing professional status in bodybuilding.
By Kevin Grech
THE International Federation of Bodybuilding, better known as the IFBB, was founded in 1946 – 78 years ago – by two brothers, Joe and Ben Weider.
Joe and Ben dreamed of becoming the top magazine publishers focusing on health and fitness. And became the world’s greatest bodybuilding promoters.
Joe Weider focused on promoting the world’s best bodybuilding events, including the Mr Olympia and focused on the publishing company.
Joe’s brother Ben went on to focus on growing the amateur side of the sport. He travelled all over the world, building relationships and creating national federations. Today there are more than 200 national federations affiliated with the IFBB.
The IFBB has a solid structure, with a president, executive committee and members who vote democratically for every rule or new event.
SPORT'S FINEST: From left, Ben Weider, Ronnie Coleman and Joe Weider
Ben Weider was the president of the IFBB until 2006, when he retired and recommended Dr Rafael Santonja to replace him. At IFBB’s congress in 2006, a vote was taken and Dr Santonja became the new IFBB President, a position he still holds today.
Ben Weider also suggested that Jim Manion remain in charge of the IFBB Professional League – under the banner of the IFBB and Dr Santonja. It is a position he has held since the inception of the IFBB Professional League in 2005.
In 2017 there were significant changes in the sport. First, Manion resolved the NPC from a tax-free amateur organisation to a private company. It is owned by himself and his family. There are questions about whether he allegedly did this in a legal manner, which he denies.
At the 2017 Olympia weekend, Manion announced to Dr Santonja that the NPC and the Pro League were leaving the IFBB and starting their own organisation.
In response, Dr Santonja (below) created a new pro division for the IFBB called the IFBB Elite Pro. This was recently rebranded to the IFBB Pro.
The IFBB also continued to promote the biggest amateur events on the bodybuilding calendar, which include the IFBB European and World Amateur Championships. For the pro athletes, they can compete in numerous pro events that all lead to the IFBB Pro World Championships.
Manion went on to expand the NPC his amateur division and continued to run the IFBB Professional League. This includs the Mr Olympia and other pro events. Manion also has attempted to expand in Europe and other parts of the world, under the name NPC Worldwide. But he has a lot more work to do before he reaches the height of the IFBB.
The NPC and IFBB Professional League are not a federation, but a privately owned business owned by the Manion family. Allegedly, no votes are needed to change any rules.
BODYBUILDING LEGENDS: From left, Joe Weider, Lee Haney and Ben Weider
The fight for power
Before the split in 2017, the NPC and Manion were USA’s affiliates to the IFBB. This allowed amateur athletes to compete at amateur events such as the IFBB World Amateur Championships. Bodybuilding legends such as Lee Haney, Lee Labrada, Bob Paris, Mike Christian and others, represented the USA at these events.
Manion stopped attending the IFBB Congress at the IFBB World Championships. He also stopped sending athletes to represent the USA after 1998. But he continued to be affiliated with the IFBB and Santonja until 2017.
From 1946 till today, IFBB’s international events are a team sport, with athletes representing their country.
According to sources, Manion allegedly never liked to work under the IFBB and Dr Santonja. Allegedly, Manion expected Ben Weider to give him total control of the IFBB amateur and pro division. But Ben Weider had other plans.
Even though Manion was given the power to run the IFBB Professional League, he still had to work under the IFBB and Dr Santonja. As mentioned earlier, this would all come to an end in 2017.
Many experienced people within the NPC could have been the perfect candidate to be vice-president of the NPC and Professional League. But Manion (below) handpicked his grandson, Tyler, to run the show, keeping everything within the family.
The original and real IFBB under Dr Santonja
There are many trademarks and copyrights created with the IFBB name, but there is only one IFBB. That is the one created by Ben Weider. That is the one still growing under the watchful eye of current IFBB President Dr Santonja.
The NPC, NPC Worldwide and IFBB Professional League might still use the name IFBB, but they are not the real IFBB. They are not affiliated with the worldwide federation created by Joe and Ben Weider in 1946.
The IFBB is the only bodybuilding federation in the world recognised by the top sports establishments worldwide. No other federation or private entity comes close.
Manion knows the power of the IFBB name and he and his family will keep using it to promote his events until he eventually switches over to the new names they trademarked. It is only a matter of time before Manion changes his pro organisation from IFBB Professional League to NPC Pro. This would work perfectly with his NPC amateur division.
To make things worse for Manion and his bodybuilding company, Dr Santonja has decided to rebrand their pro division, IFBB Elite Pro, to IFBB Pro. This will be seen by the Manion family that Santonja is starting to tighten his hold on the IFBB name.
History cannot be denied. It is easy to understand where and when the IFBB started and where it is today. While many have important ties to the IFBB, such as Manion, the fact is that Santonja is the only true successor after Ben Weider.
FRONTDOUBLE COMMENT: This month, some UK competitions will be offering athletes the chance to win an IFBB Pro card. Recently, this card, rather than the NPC version, was described to frontdouble.com as a "Skoda v a Rolls Royce". Do you agree with this sentiment? Post your views below.
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