Ms. Olympia Isn’t Worth As Much As Mr. Olympia
Posted by: Annika Harris
Filed in:
news
2:50PM, Tuesday September 29th 2009
I was in Las Vegas for Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend 2009, and male and female bodybuilders competed for the titles of Mr. and Ms. Olympia. While I can’t understand why any woman would want to tone her body to such an extreme level, I’ll be the first to admit that these women’s bodies looked wicked sick (and I mean that in a favorable way), especially since the female body isn’t supposed to be this muscular. I can’t even fathom how many hours they must spend weightlifting, consuming supplements, and exercising to get their bodies into competitive shape. I was really surprised, however, to learn that despite working as hard as the male competitors (or maybe even harder because the female form isn’t meant to be this built), Ms. Olympia is awarded a significantly less amount of prize money than Mr. Olympia.
Although the prize money was increased this year, Iris Kyle (pictured), Ms. Olympia 2009, won $28,000, whereas Mr. Olympia 2009, Jay Cutler, was awarded $200,000. Yes, you read that correctly. The second place contender for Mr. Olympia also gets more money than Ms. Olympia—$100,000—that’s almost three times more than Ms. Olympia gets for coming in second!? While it’s true this sport doesn’t attract women as much as men, you’d think the playing field would be a little more even. I’m surprised the title isn’t called Miss or Mrs. Olympia since organizers have such an archaic way of thinking when it comes to a woman’s worth. [BodyBuilding.com]
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I Go To 11
wrote on September 29 2009 @ 01:54 pm: [report]
I would NOT want to mess with Ms. Olympia!
I agree, what’s with the discrepancy? That’s a very large difference in prize money!
betty123
wrote on September 29 2009 @ 02:06 pm: [report]
To play devil’s advocate, I doubt it is free to enter these competitions. Perhaps the prize partially comes out of entry fees and therefore more money brought in by the men’s division means more prize money?
tigerstripe
wrote on September 29 2009 @ 02:26 pm: [report]
Her boobs are kind of freaking me out. More so than the rest.
sweetsdjc
wrote on September 29 2009 @ 02:33 pm: [report]
How are their bodies sick in a favorable way? They have to oil, tan and DEHYDRATE themselves to sickening levels. The human form is not meant to look like that. Gross.
theattack
wrote on September 29 2009 @ 02:39 pm: [report]
I just somehow can’t believe this picture is real. It just looks so ridiculous.
xeyohe
wrote on September 29 2009 @ 02:40 pm: [report]
I have a problem with the statement that the female form isn’t meant to be this built because for either the female or male body to reach such a form requires the same type of dedication an attention to diet and exercise. The fact that not as many women participate is a result of our society’s particular viewpoint not nature’s intention.
pearljam
wrote on September 29 2009 @ 03:48 pm: [report]
I used to train at a gym with another MS O competitor. Her dedication and drive was unreal. She helped me all the time and looked great. That low bodyfat lasts for like one day. I think bodybuilders should be admired as artists.
Michael
wrote on September 29 2009 @ 04:58 pm: [report]
the prize money is most likely dictated by corporate sponsorship
impoddity
wrote on September 29 2009 @ 10:03 pm: [report]
@xeyohe: good point.
VocalVal
wrote on September 29 2009 @ 10:14 pm: [report]
Are you surprised? Not that it is right, but aren’t we always paid less?
adamjs
wrote on September 30 2009 @ 04:34 am: [report]
@michael: you’re right - it’s all about the prestige and the associated sponsorship; you don’t go into competitive body building for the prize money for the actual competitions…
I think you would also find that the female figure competitors would make more money than the female body builders due to the sponsorship and endorsement deals they get
plasticrose
wrote on September 30 2009 @ 04:59 am: [report]
The prize discrepancy is shocking. Whether they go into it for the prize or not is not the point. How much they make outside of the prize money isn’t the point either. The fact is that the prize money exists, and thus it should be the same for both genders, because a ‘prize’ is something you give to somebody for their achievement. To give the men more money implies that their achievement is more impressive or worth more than that of the women.
But having said that… seriously… no human body, male or female, should look like that. It’s just… wrong.
bogart4017
wrote on September 30 2009 @ 11:32 am: [report]
Qplasticrose—you are so right. It is just wrong. Not only that, its damn unattractive—-male or female.
H. Blue
wrote on September 30 2009 @ 01:14 pm: [report]
I have been to a couple bodybuilding competitions, and it’s an incredible experience. I think even if they were given less prize money (as someone said, women always make less than men, not that it’s right), there should be a smaller discrepancy there. Given that it does take so much time and dedication, she probably relies on the prize money to some extent. So really it’s very unfair.
Healthy or not to be that muscular, you have to see it to believe it- the culture of bodybuilding is absolutely fascinating. It’s actually somewhat inspiring.
Max_Rep
wrote on October 1 2009 @ 06:13 pm: [report]
The Author, Ms. Harris obviously hasn’t researched the history of the Ms. O contest to learn that just a few years ago a well known promoter actually gave up the chance to promote the Ms. O upon the realization that it isn’t viable as a stand-alone. Ticket sales were VERY weak and the contest was “absorbed” into the Olympia weekend to save women bodybuilding from obscurity. This is no reflection on the promoter or the athletes, merely testament to the fact that women’s bodybuilding isn’t anywhere near as popular with PAYING fans as is the men’s activity.