The IFBB Body Building and Bikini competition at the Belmont Yacht Club in Newcastle. Picture: Peter Lorimer
THEY’RE ripped, toned and ready to strike a pose in front of the world’s most famous muscle man — Arnold Schwarzenegger.
A group of 52 men and women have qualified for next year’s Arnold Classic Australia bodybuilding tournament after a qualifying event held in Newcastle last Sunday.
The IFBB Body Building and Bikini competition at the Belmont Yacht Club in Newcastle / Picture: Peter Lorimer
Picture: Peter Lorimer
The bodybuilder and Hollywood star Schwarzenegger will appear at the first Australian edition of his tournament series and seek to promote the sport across Australia.
Administrator and former bodybuilding champion Paul Graham said the tournament had finally hit Australia *because of his close friendship with the star.
Picture: Peter Lorimer
Picture: Peter Lorimer
Graham, 70, said he was a mentor to the young Schwarzenegger in 1968 in the US.
“I was introduced to *Arnold, we became training partners and I helped him throughout his career,” Mr Graham said.
Picture: Peter Lorimer
Picture by Perter Lorimer
Picture by Perter Lorimer
The vice president of International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness said he had worked with Schwarzenegger for years to bring the event to Australia.
More than 1000 Australian competitors will compete at the tournament, to be held in Melbourne next March.
Picture by Perter Lorimer
Picture: Peter Lorimer
Picture: Peter Lorimer
Picture: Peter Lorimer
Picture by Perter Lorimer