Bodybuilding in Australia traces its early history to the 1940s. In 1947 the first large scale national bodybuilding contest was held, and since then bodybuilding has continued to grow within Australia. It has diversified from originally being largely male-dominated to having equal, or in some instances more, women competitors. Australia has both produced high performing bodybuilders, such as Lee Priest, and also hosted some historically significant events in the field, such as the IFBB Mr Olympia in 1980 where Arnold Schwarzenegger was the winner.
Today there are numerous governing bodies within Australia that promote competitions. Some of which are recognised for their actions in drug testing athletes and enforcing bans for anti-doping violations.
| Country: | Australia |
| Sport: | Bodybuilding |
| National List: | Mr. Australia |
Fred Vella's contributions to the fitness industries during the 1960s to 1980s are indeed remarkable. Operating the largest gymnasium in Australia, he played a pivotal role in promoting bodybuilding and fitness through various contests. His efforts in organizing and sponsoring the Mr. Australia Body Building Contests, as well as the Mr. Sydney and Mr. New South Wales Bodybuilding Contests, have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the sports community. Additionally, his involvement in the Miss Sydney and Miss New South Wales Beauty Contests highlights his dedication to celebrating excellence in various forms of physical culture aimed at promoting health and physical development.
Early competitions were heavily dominated by male competitors however the rise of female bodybuilding throughout the 1970s and 1980s resulted in many instances of greater numbers of women competing than men.
In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the IFBB Mr. Olympia, which was hosted in Sydney at the Sydney Opera House by Paul Graham.[2]
Within Australia there are numerous governing bodies each independently promoting competitions.
Following periodic bans introduced by the IOC and the IFBB campaigning for bodybuilding to become and Olympic Sport, the focus on anti-doping and natural competitions increased. Natural bodybuilding competitions started to take place in the country during the 1990s, however actual drug testing was not included until much later. Some organisations administer drug testing through the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority. The extent of this is generally unknown, however the INBA has been recognised for its decision to ban athletes for anti-doping violations.