When the Mr. Olympia contest began in 1965, the men were the only competitors that competed for the singular title. In 1980, women joined them and competed for the title of Ms. Olympia. It’s been over the last decade or so that many of the divisions that are a part of the Olympia weekend have been introduced. Those divisions allowed athletes that had different looks and appeal to compete and showcase their physiques.
Arguably the most popular division has been the bikini division. The ladies that compete have made the most out of the opportunities and proved that they also can train hard, build muscle, and grace the biggest stages in the sport.
To say that this year’s contest is the most anticipated one yet would normally be hyperbole but this could very well be the biggest contest in this group since the division began in 2010. Here are a few of the top contenders to watch for.
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Angelica Teixeira
Teixeira is the reigning two-time champion of this division and goes into the contest this year as the favorite to win again. The issue for her is that she has to look better than she had in the past because the contenders that are pursuing her have all made improvements and will leave no stone unturned. In each year that she has competed, she has improved, so if that trend continues, she will three-peat.
Janet Layug
Layug has been on Teixeira’s heels for a couple years now. She placed third in the Olympia last year but has been as high as second. She won the Arnold Classic’s Bikini International as well as the Arnold Australia back in March. The Olympia is the only big title she has yet to win.
Lauralie Chapados
Chapados was the runner-up at the 2018 Olympia but struggled early on this year. She was 6th at the Arnold and placed 2nd at the Arnold Australia to Layug. It’s uncertain whether she mistimed her peak while dieting or had other issues but she has to be at her best in September is she wants to be compared to Teixeira again.
Ashley Kaltwasser
Kaltwasser is considered the greatest athlete in this division’s short history. She’s a three-time Olympia champion and has won other numerous titles. Her last Olympia win came in 2015 but she hadn’t placed higher than 4th since. She will have to rely on experience and maybe hope the others are off in order to take home a fourth championship.
2019 Bikini Olympia Competitors
| Beatriz Biscaia | Canada |
| Maureen Blanquisco | Norway |
| Lauralie Chapados | Canada |
| Jennifer Dorie | Canada |
| Monica Ellis | USA |
| Eli Fernandez | Mexico |
| Marcia Goncalves | Brazil |
| Kim Gutierrez | Chile |
| Ashley Kaltwasser | USA |
| Janet Layug | USA |
| Jourdanne Lee | USA |
| Priscilla Leimbacker | Switzerland |
| Breena Martinez | USA |
| Jessica Palmer | USA |
| Cristobalino Pajares | Spain |
| Elisa Pecini | Brazil |
| Mariella Pellegrino | Italy |
| Camile Periat | USA |
| Jennifer Ronzitti | USA |
| Alexandria Ross | USA |
| Etila Santiago Santos | Brazil |
| Karina Skowronska | UK |
| Francesca Stoico | Italy |
| Angelica Teixeira | USA |
| Jasmine Williams | USA |
Featured image: @angelicaht on Instagram
