The 4 female stars of bodybuilding

A sport usually for men only, bodybuilding is gradually opening its doors to the fairer sex. Since then, they are four women to have broadened the horizons of this sport. Fabiola Boulanger, Kike Elomaa, Nathalie Foreau and Iris Kyle are names that all practitioners, professionals or not, now know.

At the edge of the history of female bodybuilding

Like its male counterpart, female bodybuilding began with demonstrations of strength between women, across the world. Whether in Europe, Asia, Africa or America, various civilizations organized kinds of competitions between women in order to find out which one would be the strongest. According to written accounts, these moments were real village shows. Then came the post-war period. Around the fifties, beauty contests were added to these physical tests. The combination of the two resulted in the 1970s in the first competitions in female bodybuilding. In 1977, the first official female bodybuilding competition was held in the United States.

The best of the best

The female pantheon

They are four to sit on the pantheon of female bodybuilding. Prestige ranks disputed by the United States and Europe. Since the invention of this sport, anchored in the millennia, the fairer sex has always been left in the background. Even until a certain period, when morals were more liberated. But since sport still has its pioneers and icons, Fabiola Boulanger, Kike Elomaa, Nathalie Foreau and Iris Kyle have masterfully played this role. These four ladies are staples in the bodybuilding world. They have greatly influenced athletes, and especially sportswomen around the world.

Iris Kyle, the most successful

Iris Kyle is arguably one of the most successful women in bodybuilding. Even sport in general. This American has won the title of Miss Olympia ten times. The Grail in this discipline. Until now, few athletes have achieved this feat. Even in the male category. Born in 1974 in Michigan in the United States, the champion lived in a large family. Her four brothers had an influence on her. But the girl quickly conquered the sports grounds. At the beginning, he practiced several disciplines such as basketball, softball and running. Already, at that time, recruiters had spotted the potential ofIris Kyle. Several universities have opened their doors to it.

A super athlete's journey

She then ended up accepting the offer from Alcom State University, located in Mississippi. Logically integrating the college basketball team, she quickly made her way. It was not yet a question of bodybuilding, because she was also following a course in business management. In 1994, she moved to Orange County, California. There she was very impressed with the health and physique of the inhabitants of the region. Without delay, she began to do strength training. Devouring magazines devoted to this discipline, until the day she sees it Lenda Murray. This sportswoman has become a source of inspiration for Iris Kyle. And the same year, she won her first unprofessional cup. The racing car is launched.

Kike Elomaa the Finnish heroine

Kike Elomaa is one of the female bodybuilders to challenge American hegemony in female bodybuilding. She is without doubt the only European to have won the title of Miss Olympia. And it's not given to just anyone. In fact, in Finland, her native country, she is considered a national idol. You should know that this country, located in the north of Europe, is also a land of sport. With its harsh climate in winter, the people who live there have quite lively and athletic temperaments. So, to stand out in any discipline, you had to have the will and the nerve to win. In this country, the champions who carry the national torch high are immediately placed in the rank of national hero.

An arrow from the north

Champion Kike Elomaa is no exception to this rule. In 1981, she won her first national competition. The same year, she finished first in the European bodybuilding championship. Already, she was showing her ambitions. The Finn immediately tackled professional competitions. 1981, represents the year of his consecration. She won the world games and in the process won the title of Miss olympia. A rather atypical course. The following year, it slows down. She is satisfied with the seconds and third places. However, his imprint has remained. The lady was born in 1955 Lokalahti in Finland. A city located in the southwest of the country. A country where beauty queens are also numerous. And it is also without doubt, one of the strengths of Kike Elomaa. After putting an end to her career, she became a singer and member of the Finnish parliament.

The modern era

Fabiola Boulanger, in the muscles of a real woman

Fabiola Boulanger represents the generation of modern and independent female bodybuilder. This sportswoman is very famous in her country, in Quebec. First, because she represents contemporary women. Assuming its status in a discipline traditionally reserved for men. Single mother, lovingly raising her only son. It highlights the very image of today's independent woman. Often, as she says, the key is to get the priorities straight. And in 2004, when she gave birth to her only son, she stopped competing and playing sports. Yet she was promised a bright future. The United States was already ready to give her the dream she wanted. A few years later, she took over the reins in 2006. Coming back to the industry more decided than ever.

Nathalie Foreau, the French climb

Bodybuilding is a real institution in the United States. Breaking through, for a non-American, is like stepping on the moon. And the Frenchwoman Nathalie Foreau achieved this feat. This young woman already has her fame in the land of Uncle Sam. Yet she was far from imagining that she would achieve her goals one day. Since his childhood spent in Toul in Meurthe-et-Moselle. In 2003, she obtained her first title in major competitions. She won the French Championship hands down. Carried by this victory, it turns to the international. Europe and United States. In 2010, she managed to obtain a professional license. Nathalie Moreau thus stands out in American competitions. Apparently, it is still gaining momentum.  

Fighting to the end

What do these four athletes have in common? Their desire to impose women in a discipline cataloged as masculine. Together, they total more than 50 medals, titles and cups of international competitions. Their names have now entered the legend of the sport.   

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