Ms. International

Ms. International is a contest of professional female bodybuilding, organized by the International Federation of BodyBuilders (I.F.B.B.). "The Ms. International" is generally considered to be the second-most prestigious competition for female bodybuilders (behind only the Ms. Olympia competition). It was first held in 1986, and has been held annually by the I.F.B.B., with the exception of 1987 when Ms. International was sanctioned by the A.A.U. Ms. International is held annually in Columbus, Ohio and takes place in late February or early March.

In 1987 the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), who were sanctioning amateur bodybuilding at the time, positioned the International as a premiere amateur event. It was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The AAU brought Serge Nubret (a former Mr. World, Mr. Universe and Mr. Europe) from France to be the featured guest poser.

In 1988 the contest was again sanctioned by the I.F.B.B. Since 1989, the contest has been part of The Arnold Classic Weekend. The 2000 contest saw the introduction of weight classes, with a posedown between the two class winners to decide the overall championship. The contest reverted to the single, open-class format in 2006. The top all-time winner are Iris Kyle with six titles and followed by Yaxeni Oriquen with fix titles. Kim Chizevsky was the first to win both Ms. International and Ms. Olympia in the same year in 1996. Yaxeni Oriquen won both Ms. Intentional and Ms. Olympia in 2005. Iris Kyle went on to win both Ms. International and Ms. Olympia in the same year in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

The 2009 Ms. International was held March 6 - 9 during "The Arnold Classic" Weekend. The winner was Iris Kyle, who was awarded a $25,000 prize and a trophy. Due to an injury the previous Ms. International winner, Iris Kyle, could not compete in the 2012 Ms International and Yaxeni Oriquen won the 2012 Ms. International.