OLYMPIA AMATEUR SPAIN 2021
In bodybuilding, there are well-known competitions such as “Mr. World,” “Mr. Universe,” and the “Arnold Classic.” However, there is one that captures the dreams of most athletes in this sport: the “Mr. Olympia.”
In 1965, Joe Weider inaugurated the first competition, and it became a benchmark. The names of the winners have gone down in history as the best in the world: Larry Scott, Sergio Oliva, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, Lee Haney, Dorian Yates, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, and Phil Heath, among others.
Today, there is an “Amateur Olympia” where stories of achievement, examples of perseverance and dedication come together, and some can fulfill their dream not only of winning, but also of earning a professional license to compete with the world’s elite.
In Alicante, Spain, a new edition of Europe’s most important amateur bodybuilding and fitness event since Joe Weider began the legend was held in June. It was a weekend where great athletes gathered with the goal of enjoying the competition and earning the IFBB PRO LEAGUE professional card. For those unfamiliar with attending these types of events, this is the story behind the images.
The meeting place is unmissable. Huge signs greet you outside VB SPACES, one of the most modern venues on the Costa Blanca. In the parking lot, you can already feel the excitement, focus, and happiness the competitors convey.
At the entrance, companies in the sector present their products. It will be a meeting point for athletes and fans, and a good opportunity to get some official apparel to commemorate their time at this great event.
Fitness enthusiasts who come as spectators don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo with competitors, athletes, and coaches they normally only see on social media. Once they pass through access control to the “Great Hall,” the spectator will only be aware of what they see on stage; however, the moment on stage is a small part of what the athlete experiences that weekend.
The rooms dedicated to the athletes’ preparation and rest have a large screen so they can see what’s happening on stage at that very moment. Every detail is taken care of so that the competitors only have to focus on the competition.
BACKSTAGE
The next place the athletes will go is backstage. It’s time to warm up, put the finishing touches on their hair color, get some advice from the coaches, share their experience on social media, and gather around for the stage call.
The opening ceremony tells the audience that the show is about to begin. A video presentation with clips from the Mr. Olympia story sets the scene, and the large Spanish flag on the screen, along with the national anthem, mark the beginning of a dream for many athletes.
ON STAGE
For the first time, the competitors step onto the stage and discover why this event is so special. A spectacular lighting system, a huge screen, sound, smoke cannons, and fire effects. All designed by people who fully understand the magnitude of the dreams that can come true there.
Sometimes we don’t realize the incredible human effort required for an event of this magnitude and the number of people needed to make it happen.
BACK TO THE BACKSTAGE
The work is almost done. For some, stepping off the stage means the end of the road, and for others, the wait for the finals.
MEDAL PRESENTATION
After the finals comes the long-awaited moment when some will achieve their dream. They will achieve what they have fought for so long.
Each athlete reacts differently when they hear their name called, but for all, these are moments of great emotion.
For many, walking back down the stage with a medal means achieving a goal that has been pursued with perseverance and effort over time.
The top three finishers in each category receive their PRO CARD, which gives them access to compete with the world’s elite in this sport. The overall champions in each category will also receive a belt as a reminder that dreams can come true.
A great team has made the event a success: judges, officials, volunteers, security, sound, image, cleaning, and much more.
Meanwhile, someone seems to be everywhere. He’s wearing gold sneakers and a large T-shirt that invites you to pray for your dreams. Emilio Martínez has done it again. Thank you.
Alberto Durán
Photographer & Storyteller