All the rumourings and murmurings are true – the IFBB is set to bring out a bikini division in 2009 with pro cards awarded in 2010.
This will pull the total number of divisions for females in the IFBB up to four: bodybuilding, fitness, figure and bikini.
Welcomed in some circles, and decried in others – it is definitely a much talked about issue at this time. Is a bikini division a marketing stroke of genius? Or is awarding pro cards to bikini models an insult to female bodybuilders and others who have spent years building and fine tuning their physiques?
With many other federations such as Fitness America and FAME having good success with their bikini divisions, perhaps that spurred the IFBB to follow suit under the old adage “if you can’t beat them join them”.
With men still only having one class [well two if you really stretches and count the under 202lb class as another class] no word yet on whether the American/pro side will follow the lead that some federations around the world have.