Arnold Sports Festival Columbus Celebrating 30 Years

Written/Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
Celebrating 30 years of sports excellence, the Arnold Sports Festival returns to Columbus, OH March 1-4, 2018.   75 sports will be represented and new sports/exhibits will be introduced.


Impression:
You know we here at VisualOhio love the Arnold Sports Festival.  We have been attending the event long before we covered it professionally.  We've seen the event grow and change over time, just as we've seen different sports and athletes change over time.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has created a tradition, a welcoming atmosphere for the world of sports.  This annual, world wide event is something to behold.  A mecca of sorts, that we feel everyone should attend at least once in their life, if for no other reason to see the world in a different way.  A way that shows that varying sports and athletes from all kinds of backgrounds have a place.

Here is a sampling of some of our favorite images from over the years.  Please enjoy them and know that we love what we do and we love bringing you coverage of the event every year.

The 30th year will bring even more sports, hitting the 75 mark - including axe throwing and body painting being added this year.

Natural Muscle Competitions

Written/Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
Natural Muscle Association is an organization for competitive body building where certain substances are banned from use by their competitors.

Impression:
If you love body building competitions, then this is one for you!  The athletes and routines are just like the bigger named IFBB competitions, with the only real difference being the standards to which the athletes are held in regards to substances they can use during training to gain their physiques.

You'll find a high level of drive and desire, dedication and determination here.   The bodybuilders here worked very hard and compete even harder to try and bring home their prize.

Natural Muscle Association has several competitions in Ohio every year, the bigger ones being in Cleveland and Akron.  Check out their website for more information on the next competition, rules, banned substances.

Arnold 2016 - Bodybuilding and Physique

Written/Photography by:

Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
Bodybuilding and Physique is arguably the cornerstone of the Arnold Fitness Expo each year.  The Arnold Classic brings the world's best bodybuilders to Columbus, OH each year for the coveted title.

Impression:
Women, men, amateur, professional.  All words used to describe the athletes in our video above.  This year was a special year for us at VisualOhio.  We were able to get more coverage of the bodybuilding competitions than ever before.

The women did not disappoint as they brought their "A" game again, back to the expo stage.

The amateurs were looking for a win so they can move into the professional ranks.

This year, we were blessed to be able to see the wheelchair bodybuilding competition.  They work just as hard, and perhaps harder than everyone else to build their bodies up into magnificent specimens.  The wheelchair is not holding them back.  With competitions like the Arnold Classic, the wheelchair bodybuilders are one step closer to be recognized by the Olympic committee and having their sport officially represented in the Olympic games.

Such an emotional event.  As each athlete came onto the stage for their posing routine, the MC described the circumstances of what put them in the wheelchair.  We have no excuse to say that we cannot do something, when you see what these competitors have overcome.

For the first time ever, VisualOhio staff went to the Arnold Classic finals.  We did not go as media, we went as spectators.  We wanted to see the event in all its glory and enjoy it, not work it.

If you have never been and you love this sport - you need to go at least once in your life to experience it.