The IFBB Pro League issued the following Advisory Notice regarding qualify for the Olympia. This is a huge change in the competition and we will see a much, much smaller 2012 Olympia.

September 21, 2011

NEW OLYMPIA QUALIFYING RULES

After meetings held during the Olympia Weekend and following further discussions between IFBB Professional League and Mr. Olympia, LLC, beginning 2012, only the following competitors will qualify for the Olympia:

1. top four (4) in each division at the Olympia. 2. top three (3) in each division at the Arnold Classic/International; 3. top two (2) in each division at the New York Pro; and 4. 1st Place at all other competitions

The top four (4) in each division at the 2011 Olympia will qualify for the 2012 Olympia.

The remaining 2011 competitions are not affected.

The IFBB Professional League and Mr. Olympia, LLC may offer special invites.

Jim Manion Chairman IFBB Professional League

The Hardbody Take: I have no issue with this as it applies to the mens division. I think the male bodybuilders competing only one time a year hurts promoters and shows. I am not a big fan of this as it applies to the women. Why? Lets say Erin Stern, Nicole Wilkins, Ava Cowan or Candice Keene decide to enter shows throughout the year. They are already qualified for the Olympia but if they win a show there will be no other qualifications awarded. That means we could see around 10 women total in the Olympia. Its highly unlikely that they will enter the majority of shows in 2012 but theres nothing stopping them. I think one person from every competition should qualify. That means if the first place competitor has qualified second should get the qualification. That would grant one competitor for each show to qualify for the Olympia. Awarding only the first place person and then opening the Olympia up to special invites is a little unsettling to me. It then opens up a can of worms of how they will be chosen, how many and who gets them. I totally understand and agree with the Olympia organizers wanting to cut down on the number of people qualifying for the show. Limiting the bikini, figure and fitness to just the winner makes me uneasy.

If the new rule were in place this year wed see this line up for the Figure Olympia competition. 1. Erin Stern 2. Nicole Wilkins 3. Cheryl Brown 4. Candice Keene 5. Ava Cowan 6. Gennifer Strobo 7. Felicia Romero 8. Kristal Richardson 9. Courtney West 10. Heather Mae French

That would leave Teresa Anthony and Alicia Harris who placed in the top six at the Olympia not even qualifying for the Olympia. Kristal Richardson and Heather Mae French did not compete in the 2011 Olympia. Courtney West finished tied for 16th, Felicia Romero was 15th, Cheryl Brown was 7th and Gennifer Strobo was 11th.

Whats your thoughts on the new Olympia qualifications?

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