Arnold Classic Europe

COLUMBUS, Ohio – After hosting the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio for the past 23 years, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger took his popular health and fitness extravaganza on the road for the first time in October 2011.

The first-ever Arnold Classic Europe was held Oct. 8-9 in Madrid, Spain and featured IFBB Pro League men’s bodybuilding and fitness, a complete lineup of amateur bodybuilding events, several other amateur sports and a health & fitness expo.

Arnold Classic Europe is a joint venture between Gov. Schwarzenegger, Arnold Sports Festival co-promoter Jim Lorimer, and Dr. Rafael Santonja, the president of the International Federation of Body Building.

“We have had many requests over the years to take the Arnold Classic to many cities throughout the world, and we are excited to begin the globalization of our event with the first Arnold Classic Europe,” said Lorimer, co-promoter of the Arnold Sports Festival. “Rafael Santonja has been one of our biggest supporters and we look forward to working together for many years.”

Victor Martinez edged Dexter Jackson to win the inaugural Arnold Classic Europe, while Tanji Johnson captured the first Arnold Fitness Europe title.

In addition to pro men’s bodybuilding and pro fitness, the Arnold Classic Europe host contests for amateur bodybuilding, fitness, bodyfitness (figure) and bikini competitions. Others will include strongman, armwrestling, weightlifting, gymnastics, Paralympics and track & field. Events were held at the Palacio Municipal de Congresos del Campo de las Naciones in Madrid.

The Arnold Classic Europe builds on the success of the Arnold Sports Festival, which began as the Arnold Classic professional men’s bodybuilding competition in 1989 and has grown to include more than 18,000 athletes competing in more than 45 sports and events each year.

The second-annual Arnold Classic Europe will be held October 13-15, 2012 in Madrid.

For more information on the Arnold Classic Europe, visit www.arnoldclassiceurope.es.

Contact Information

General Inquiries
Dr. Rafael Santonja
IFBB
internacional@santoja.com

Bob Lorimer
Arnold Sports Festival
bob@arnoldexpo.com

Amateur Bodybuilding
William Tierney
IFBB General Secretary
w.tierney@ifbb-uk.com

Sports & Competitions
Dr. Rafael Santonja
IFBB
internacional@santoja.com

EXPO
Ines Ledo
IFBB
inesled@gmail.com

Media
Brent LaLonde
Arnold Sports Festival
brent@arnoldexpo.com

Partners