History
It is considered the most lucrative competition in bodybuilding, with a number of large prizes. Most notably, first prize consists of a $130,000 check, a Hummer vehicle, and an Audemars Piguet watch. The Arnold Classic rivals the Mr. Olympia in prestige and popularity. Like most bodybuilding competitions it is always hotly contested, and often only one or two competition points will separate the winners.
The Arnold Classic includes three different competitions for women: Ms. International, Fitness International, and Figure International. It has also been expanded to feature gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, fencing, skateboarding, table tennis, yoga, martial arts, strongman competitions, archery, wrestling, powerlifting and many other sports.
The Arnold Strongman Classic is now one of the most high profile events in the strongman calendar. Beginning in 2006, events in boxing, martial arts and figure skating were added at Nationwide Arena. The Arnold Expo is held in the Greater Columbus Convention Center, while finals of the bodybuilding, fitness, figure, and strongman competitions are held in the Franklin County Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
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—Frances A. Griffin, U.S. suffragist. As quoted in History of Woman Suffrage, vol. 4, ch. 19, by Susan B. Anthony and Ida Husted Harper (1902)