COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Arnold Sports Festival returned to Columbus this weekend for the first time in more than a year.
What You Need To Know
- The Arnold Sports Classic returned to Columbus for the first time in more than a year
- The event is usually in March but was canceled due to COVID-19
- Limited spectators are able to attend
The event is usually in March, but was postponed due to COVID-19.
On Saturday, 42 of the world’s best men and women bodybuilders will battle for more than $400,000 in prize money.
This year’s events are limited to four categories: Arnold Classic, Arnold Classic Physique, Fitness International and Bikini International Finals.
Organizers said 2,000 spectators can attend events on Saturday and tickets are still available.
The event’s executive director, Brian Powers, said it was important to reward all the athletes taking part for their hard work and dedication. And those athletes we spoke to feel the same way.
“These competitions are their opportunity to show the world what they’ve been training on, and what they’ve been doing,” Powers said. “And for us, we felt the responsibility that this competition needs to happen no matter what the circumstances are.”
Many athletes felt the same way.
“Best part, I would say, is just being able to work really hard and then kind of celebrate that, and especially celebrate it with my friends and family,” said amateur competitor Katherine Baeppler of Cleveland.
Masks are required inside the Convention Center as part of the city-wide mandate.
Organizers said they expect the Arnold Sports Festival and Expo to return March 3-6 of next year.
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