Home Talk Live Lori Contests Nutrition Homegrown Training Galleries Muscle Scoop Die Welt About Us More Articles: Blueprint for Success Three Dimensional Women The European Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (EBFF) Ms.I.O.Union? Realities Of Competitions Guilt by Association Weider Introduces Bodybuilding to China		page 2   From the desk of Lori Braun: For the first time in the contest's history, the Ironman Pro Invitational will hold a "Swimsuit Model Search" in conjunction with the men's event. According to the press release (below), there is no prize money being offered to the women, only the chance for a photo shoot in Ironman. We object to the promotion of a men's bodybuilding event using a swimsuit competition. While we do not expect Ironman to hold a women's bodybuilding competition (although this would be great), we certainly expect that it would not use swimsuit models to appear in a clearly non-athletic role. What do you think? We would love to hear from you on this. Feel free to post your thoughts in the forum or email me at lori@femalemuscle.com. Ironman contact information is also included in the press release below. Lori Victoria Braun "IRONMAN SHOW" NOT JUST FOR MEN ANYMORE" For the first time in its 14-year history, the IRONMAN Pro Invitational Bodybuilding Contest will include women, in a figure competition called "The Swimsuit Model Search". "We wanted to keep it simple and stick to male bodybuilders," said John Balik, event organizer and publisher of Ironman Magazine, "but these swimsuit models work so hard on their bodies, it's time we showcase their accomplishments." Among America's five pro bodybuilding shows for men, the IRONMAN will be the first to host an amateur figure competition. Men must be top-level competitors in order to appear in the IRONMAN, but if a woman wants to participate in the Swimsuit Model Search, "all she's got to do is show up at the auditorium with a hard body and a bikini, or log on to ironmanmagazine.com and register there," said Balik. Balik further promised that there will be no screening of these contestants, and every woman who registers will be allowed on stage. Asked whether he'll let even the most unlikely contestants compete, Balik said, "Variety is the spice of life." The total prize money for the men is $20,000, while all three height class winners of "The Swimsuit Model Search" will be prominently featured in Ironman Magazine. The Ironman Pro Invitational Bodybuilding Contest & Swimsuit Model Search will take place Saturday, February 15 at El Camino College's Center for the Performing Arts in Torrance. Pre-judging begins at noon (tickets $20/$35) and the finals at 8 p.m. (tickets start at $30). All seats reserved. General admission tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling 1-800-832-2787.