The introduction of the Men’s Wellness division at the Roraima Classic sparked much debate within the bodybuilding community.
A regional bodybuilding competition known as the Roraima Classic ignited significant discussion by debuting a Men’s Wellness division. Post-event, numerous enthusiasts and professionals in the bodybuilding and fitness sector voiced their opinions regarding the division.
The Roraima Classic, hosted in Brazil, operates independently of the IFBB or NPC. Over recent years, the IFBB Wellness division, exclusively showcasing women, has seen substantial growth.
The Wellness category caters to female athletes with pronounced muscular development in their lower body–including hips, glutes, and thighs. While Wellness competitors maintain a developed upper body, it is less emphasized compared to their lower body, often resulting in an almost disproportionate silhouette. The Wellness division made its debut at the Olympia in 2021, and in the three subsequent Wellness Olympia competitions, Francielle Mattos has secured the title each time.
This category has also captured the attention of IFBB Vice President Tyler Manion. On Tuesday morning, Manion clarified via his Instagram story that there would be no additional categories introduced to the NPC or IFBB.
“Unless you see an official announcement from our authorized pages, it is not legitimate news concerning the organizations. The NPC, NPC WW, and IFBB Pro League have no plans to add new divisions and are satisfied with the current offerings.”
Reactions to the Men’s Wellness Division
Brasil Bodybuilding News showcased the newly introduced division at the regional event on Instagram, igniting extensive debate within the comments section.
“????What are your thoughts? The Men’s Wellness category was initiated by @roraimaclassic and had a competition this past weekend featuring @ssan_moraes at this regional event.”
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San Moraes, who clinched the title in the Men’s Wellness division, posted about his triumph:
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Following the online circulation of the event clips, many in the bodybuilding community expressed their thoughts on social media. Mike Sommerfeld posted on his Instagram account, soliciting feedback on the novel division., which elicited numerous responses, including a suggestion for a “boycott.”
“Absolutely f*cking not. Boycott this if it ever comes to pass, particularly since they removed women’s bodybuilding for almost a decade before reinstating it. It would be a significant insult to female competitors.”
“I can’t express my thoughts here,” another commenter wrote.
“It perfectly mirrors this flawed world.”
The debut of the Men’s Wellness division at a regional show in Brazil has amassed considerable attention. However, it remains uncertain what lies ahead for the division as it will not be incorporated into the IFBB or NPC moving forward.
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