The Inside Fitness Team journeyed to Columbus, Ohio, to cover the Arnold Classic, an event that has been a cornerstone of the fitness and bodybuilding community for over two decades. Terry Frendo, Publisher and a veteran attendee since the late '90s, witnessed firsthand the evolution of this prestigious event. The essence of the Arnold Classic remains unchanged: a gathering place for fitness enthusiasts to celebrate the pinnacle of physical achievement and connect with the stars of the sport.
This year's Arnold Classic was a testament to the event's ever-growing appeal and the expanding landscape of fitness culture. The presence of MUTANT as the title sponsor and their dominance in the battle of the booths set a vibrant tone for the expo. Noteworthy were the contributions of PVL, which brought the crowd together with a Vertical Leap competition led by Shai Ross, and ALLMAX, which attracted a significant crowd eager to sample new flavors. The Hosstile booth maintained its popularity, while the Stackd3d pavilion buzzed with excitement, underscoring the diverse appeal of the show's exhibitors.
A highlight of the event was the award ceremony, where Big Jim from Mutant shared the stage with Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, bridging the past and present of bodybuilding glory.
Celebrating the Champions of 2024
The Arnold Classic crowned new and returning champions across various categories, showcasing the diversity and talent within the fitness community:
Fitness International Results:
- First Place: Ariel Khadr
- Second Place: Jaclyn Baker
- Third Place: Jodi Boam
- Fourth Place: Michelle Fredua-Mensah
- Fifth Place: Aurika Tyrgale
- Sixth Place: Tamara Vahn
Classic Physique Results:
- First Place: Wesley Vissers
- Second Place: Ramon Rocha Queiroz
- Third Place: Urs Kalecinski
- Fourth Place: Breon Ansley
- Fifth Place: Michael Daboul
- Sixth Place: Damien Patrick
Classic Wellness International Results:
- First Place: Francielle Mattos
- Second Place: Isabelle Nunes
- Third Place: Sandra Colorado Acal
- Fourth Place: Bruna Seredich
- Fifth Place: Lili Dong
- Sixth Place: Anne-Marie Gobeil
Arnold Classic
- First Place: Hadi Choopan
- Second Place: Samson Dauda
- Third Place: Rafael Brandao
- Fourth Place: Jon Delarosa
- Fifth Place: James Hollingshead
- Sixth Place: Akim Williams
Men's Physique
- First Place: Diogo Montenegro
- Second Place: Vinicius Mateus Lima
- Third Place: Vitor Chaves
- Fourth Place: Kyron Holden
- Fifth Place: Corey Morris
- Sixth Place: Emanuel Hunter
Bikini International
- First Place: Lauralie Chapados
- Second Place: Aimee Delgado
- Third Place: Vania Auguste
- Fourth Place: Angelica Teixeira
- Fifth Place: Phoebe Hagan
- Sixth Place: Eli Fernandez
Pro Wheelchair
- First Place: Rajesh John
- Second Place: Gabriele Andriulli
- Third Place: Josue Fabiano
- Fourth Place: Harold Kelley
- Fifth Place: Gaylon Grigsby
- Sixth Place: Bradley Betts
Arnold Strongman Classic
- First Place: Mitchell Hooper
- Second Place: Mateusz Kieliszkowski
- Third Place: Tom Stoltman
- Fourth Place: Hafthór Björnsson
- Fifth Place: Bobby Thompson
- Sixth Place: Oleksii Novikov
- Seventh Place: Evan Singleton
- Eighth Place: Martins Licis
- Ninth Place: Thomas Evans
- Tenth Place: Oskar Ziółkowski
Arnold Strongwoman Classic
- First Place: Angelica Jardine
- Second Place: Olga Liashchuk
- Third Place: Lucy Underdown
- Fourth Place: Hannah Linzay
- Fifth Place: Inez Carrasquillo
- Sixth Place: Samantha Belliveau
- Seventh Place: Rebecca Roberts
- Eighth Place: Andrea Thompson
- Ninth Place: Melissa Peacock
- Tenth Place: Erin Murray
Reflections on a Milestone Event
The 2024 Arnold Classic not only celebrated the achievements of its competitors but also highlighted the evolving dynamics of the fitness industry. The integration of digital platforms, the rise of fitness influencers, and the innovative approaches to engagement at the expo reflect a broader shift in how fitness is consumed and celebrated.
As the Arnold Classic continues to grow, its core mission remains the same: to inspire, motivate, and bring together a community united by a passion for fitness. The Inside Fitness Team's coverage of the 2024 event captures a moment in time where tradition meets innovation, and the future of fitness looks brighter than ever
Full Photo Gallery below (Photos via Arsenik Studios)