Olympia Amateur Spain | 2024

   Winning the Mr. Olympia trophy is the motivation that drives many competitors to begin a journey whose ultimate goal lies in Las Vegas. Holding a Mr. Olympia title is more than proof that you’re one of the best athletes in the world—it’s about becoming a legend. The crucial step toward that elite status is obtaining a Pro Card, which allows you to compete in the professional circuit and edge closer to the Sandow trophy. For many, the road to Olympia begins by winning the amateur edition. This is the story behind the images from “Olympia Amateur Spain 2024.

   I’ve had the privilege of attending the Olympia Amateur Spain in 2021, 2023, and 2024. I can confidently say each edition is completely unique. New athletes, surprising developments, and different narratives. For competitors, the goal may be the same—but the path they choose to reach it is limitless.

It was a privilege to experience this journey—a weekend-long event that propelled 27 individuals into the professional circuit of the IFBB PRO LEAGUE, bringing them closer to the ultimate goal of Mr. Olympia.

On Friday, athletes register at VB Spaces in Alicante, Spain. They arrive at their own pace to get accredited, collect their number, submit their music, and book any services they didn’t reserve beforehand. Here, photographers, makeup artists, and tanning professionals—who will accompany them on this journey—are on hand. There’s also a commercial area where they can shop away from the crowds to come.

   Following the weigh-in, athletes collect their accreditation, number, and participation certificate. Music is curated by David Catena, alongside photographers Jonathan Moriau and Andrés Soriano, who immortalize the long road to Mr. Olympia.

   Saturday and Sunday start early with activities in the tanning, hair, and makeup area. The work done in the cabins applying TOPTAN competition tan is spectacular.

   Behind the scenes, prior to the public entering, the final team briefings take place. Stairs connect the tanning area to the backstage. This year’s major innovation is the warm‑up zone equipped with Telju Fitness machinery, allowing athletes to warm up in a professional gym before stepping onto the stage. Such a service is usually reserved for the biggest competitions and involves a massive logistical effort. Also, six of my photographs adorn the walls in this area.

   In another part of the backstage with direct outdoor access, competitors rest and receive final advice from their coaches. There’s also a station to fix any tan issues. Stage managers coordinate the categories and locate the athletes.

   Just behind the stage is a reserved area exclusively for competitors about to take the platform. In the shadows, Crist Chatti masterfully oversees the order and timing. These are the last moments to warm up or mentally prepare for the decisive moment.

   Seconds remain before they face the audience and judges. Each athlete experiences these moments differently—some battle nerves, others emanate the calm of someone who knows they’ve done the work and now only have to enjoy it. But for all, it’s a deeply special moment marking the culmination of a long journey of effort and perseverance. In the next few minutes, the next stages of their journey will unfold: 27 competitors move closer to Mr. Olympia, while the rest take a longer route—with the same objective in sight.

   Stepping onto the stage for the first time under the lights of a spectacular setup is a defining moment. In fact, it rivals many professional bodybuilding competitions. Confidence, pride, joy—thousands of emotions can be read on the athletes’ faces.

   The moment comes to compete not only against others but also against oneself. For those watching in the hall or via live stream, all eyes are on the competitors, while the massive team behind the event remains largely unseen.

Nelson Lopes hosts the event as Master of Ceremonies, engaging the audience with his commentary and never losing his smile, no matter how many hours he spends on stage.

   David Catena ensures there’s no musical lull. Having a professional DJ who understands the muscle world is a real luxury—celebration, entertainment, and competition seamlessly intertwined.

   The team manages the stage pace and assists with the quick placement and movement of competitors. The visual production is stunning. Jonathan Moriau captures the stage images while Andrés Soriano photographs the competitors in the studio area beside the stage. Emilio Martínez Jr. films it all, creating a moving memory.

   This edition’s judges, tasked with the challenging job of selecting the best, include Javi Sbert, Mª José Falcó, Teba Roldán, and Roberto Tonon, with Jack Sullivan presiding as head judge. Martina Ferraresso is in charge of statistics. It’s time to showcase all the preparation on stage. For the audience, the scene is the perfect blend of sport and showmanship. For the athletes, such a stage is the crowning moment of their competitive journey.

– Women’s Figure Open Class A –
– Women’s Figure Open Class A –
– Vaquier Vanessa –
– Vaquier Vanessa –
– Men’s Physique Regional –
– Men’s Physique Regional –
– Men’s Physique Regional –
– Men’s Physique Regional –
– Hugo Fragua –
– Hugo Fragua –
– Abdulla Bu Omaira –
– Abdulla Bu Omaira –
– Women’s Bikini Masters 35+ B –
– Women’s Bikini Masters 35+ B –
– Meritxell Zaragoza –
– Meritxell Zaragoza –
– Diana Schwarz –
– Diana Schwarz –
– Eliomena Chaudikua –
– Eliomena Chaudikua –
– Patricia Duarte –
– Patricia Duarte –
– Patrizia Santoriello –
– Patrizia Santoriello –
– Women’s Bikini Open Class C –
– Women’s Bikini Open Class C –
– Iulia Suciu –
– Iulia Suciu –
– Women’s Bikini Open Class F –
– Women’s Bikini Open Class H –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Regional –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Regional –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Regional –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Regional –
– Pedro Redin Azcona –
– Pedro Redin Azcona –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Open Light Heavyweight –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Open Light Heavyweight –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Open Light Heavyweight –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Open Light Heavyweight –
– Sergio Costa –
– Sergio Costa –
– Josep Campos –
– Josep Campos –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Open Super Heavyweight –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Open Super Heavyweight –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Open Super Heavyweight –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Open Super Heavyweight –
– Markus Fortenbacher –
– Markus Fortenbacher –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Overall –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Overall –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Overall –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Overall –
– Cristian Alvarez Facal –
– Cristian Alvarez Facal –
– Haitam Saadia –
– Haitam Saadia –
– Carlos Arley Perea Rivas –
– Carlos Arley Perea Rivas –
– Men’s Classic Physique Open Class B –
– Men’s Classic Physique Open Class B –
– Adam Dietrich –
– Adam Dietrich –
– Women’s Wellness Open Class A –

   After individual and comparison rounds, the athletes step down knowing their fate is sealed. Now it’s a nervous wait to learn which finalists will be closest to the dream of Mr. Olympia.

– Women’s Figure Regional –
– Men’s Physique Junior –
– Women’s Bikini Open Class H –

   Meanwhile, in the commercial area, attendees explore the latest in sports apparel and supplements. Brands such as Brilliant Bikinies, Empro Wear, Bigman Energy, California Supplement, and Emilio Cheatmeal were among many featured.

– Sackie –
– Sackie –

   Soon comes the medal ceremony. This is when 27 athletes will earn their Pro Card—a gateway to the professional division. The overall champion receives the champion’s ring and belt. These are emotionally charged moments where tensions run high.

– Women’s Figure Regional –
– Women’s Figure Regional –
– Women’s Figure Novice –
– Women’s Figure Novice –
– Tatjana Quandt –
– Tatjana Quandt –
– Diana Petry –
– Diana Petry –
– Irene Donet García, Emilio Martínez –
– Irene Donet García, Emilio Martínez –
– Women’s Figure Overall –
– Women’s Figure Overall –
– Women’s Figure Open Class C –
– Women’s Figure Open Class C –
– Andy Herrera Oria Palma –
– Andy Herrera Oria Palma –
– Salvatore Garau –
– Salvatore Garau –
– Mauro Azzolina –
– Mauro Azzolina –
– Jack Sullivan, Mauro Azzolina –
– Jack Sullivan, Mauro Azzolina –
– Mauro Azzolina –
– Mauro Azzolina –
– Deimante Liubsyte –
– Deimante Liubsyte –
– Nina Suette –
– Nina Suette –
– Jessica Galera –
– Jessica Galera –
– Women’s Bikini Open Class E –
– Women’s Bikini Open Class E –
– Jack Sullivan, Nina Suette –
– Jack Sullivan, Nina Suette –
– Women’s Bikini Overall –
– Women’s Bikini Overall –
– Antonietta Cozzolino –
– Antonietta Cozzolino –
– Antonietta Cozzolino, Nelson Lopes –
– Antonietta Cozzolino, Nelson Lopes –
– Andrew Scott –
– Andrew Scott –
– Emilio Jose Bueno Alcaraz –
– Emilio Jose Bueno Alcaraz –
– Andrew Scott –
– Andrew Scott –
– Julian Galarzo –
– Julian Galarzo –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Overall –
– Men’s Bodybuilding Overall –
– Vladyslav Kuzin –
– Vladyslav Kuzin –
– Ilona Marijs –
– Ilona Marijs –
– Tung Linh Bui –
– Tung Linh Bui –
– Mia Bellini –
– Anlly Saenz –
– Anlly Saenz –
– Anlly Saenz –
– Anlly Saenz –
– Anlly Saenz –
– María Paulette –
– María Paulette –
– Ruth Petizco –
– Ruth Petizco –
– Davina Salaberry –
– Davina Salaberry –
– Jack Sullivan, Anlly Saenz –
– Jack Sullivan, Anlly Saenz –
– Women’s Wellness Overall –
– Women’s Wellness Overall –
– Davina Salaberry –
– Davina Salaberry –

   As mentioned at the start: no two events are alike. This year introduced a new Best Poser Trophy. Shortly before the competition—in which Xisco Serra intended to participate—he passed away. A moving tribute video helped those unfamiliar with him understand the significance of the new trophy, and those who knew him reflected on his legacy. A testament to living life in pursuit of your dreams. The trophy went to Julián Galarzo, accompanied by a special medal donated by Cristina Chatti—whose story moved all attendees.

– “Xisco Serra” Trophy for Best Poser –
– “Xisco Serra” Trophy for Best Poser –
– Julian Galarzo –
– Julian Galarzo –
– Cristina Chatti –

   We mustn’t forget the public, who consistently cheer on competitors and enjoy a truly top-tier event. Fans have the chance to see and meet their idols in a welcoming, accessible setting. Outside the stage, joyful emotions and affection for family and coaches continue to flow.

   A team that calls itself “family” has made history again, helping athletes move closer to their final destination: Mr. Olympia.

   Such events are only possible when there’s a leader at the helm—someone who understands competitors’ needs and dreams, who’s stood on stage and learned from countless events. That person is Emilio Martínez.

Far from being just a financial role, people often think a promoter’s job is purely commercial. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Over the three days, Emilio delivers Pro Cards from the stage and watches from the stands, ensuring everything runs smoothly. He makes time for everyone—sponsors, competitors, and fans alike. Making all this possible requires a deep passion for the sport.

Let the images speak for themselves…

   What awaits at the 2025 edition? I’m sure Emilio is already drawing the framework for what will again be one of the greatest amateur spectacles in the sport.

A single photograph can freeze a moment and stir emotions—but when several images are woven into a narrative, we can build a richer story, full of layers and mini-stories within the main journey. Thank you, Emilio Martínez, for letting me capture the magic that lies behind these events through my vision.

Text and images © Alberto Durán. All rights reserved.

Alberto Durán

Photographer & Storyteller

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