Four-time Women’s Physique Olympia champion Sarah Villegas is on the doorstep of history as she vies for her fifth championship when she steps onstage at Resorts World in Las Vegas for the 2025 Olympia. If successful, she would surpass her current tie with Juliana Malacarne for the most wins ever in the Women’s Physique division.
Villegas knows that winning even one Olympia is an incredible feat in bodybuilding, and the significance of this potential accomplishment is not lost on her. Villegas was recently a guest at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, where she spoke with BarBend in this exclusive interview about that moment, her category as a whole, and what she feels she has to do to stay on top.
Editor’s note: The following interview has been lightly edited for readability.
BarBend (BB): What are your thoughts about Women’s Physique and its competitors thus far in 2025?
Villegas: I believe the division as a whole stands out. Maybe that sounds cliche, but Women’s Physique is in a great place.
It was first held at the Olympia in 2013, and now, over a decade later, you can see how far it has come. I would love to give just one name or one show, but I believe that as a whole, there is a lot of depth, and that we are just getting started.
BB: How has your training and prep evolved to triumph at the Olympia four times?
Villegas: This year will be my eighth career Olympia; my first in 2018. It has been about being more seasoned every year.
My muscle is more mature, and I am more mature as a person and athlete. I get to be intentional because my goal is not just about gaining more size or density. I am focused more on refining my physique and emphasizing roundness and detail.
BB: What do you do in the gym to prioritize those goals?
Villegas: I still push heavy weights and train hard, but I have to remember that my body is much more mature. I adapt the workouts as I go, so I train the muscles effectively without risking unnecessary injuries or affecting my shape.
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BB: Do you put any more pressure on yourself because you are tied with Juliana Malacarne for most Olympia wins all-time?
Villegas: I see it more as an opportunity than putting pressure on myself. A tiny handful of people can say they have even one Olympia title. It is a privilege to share the record and be in a place where I can become the record holder.
BB: Are you having more fun knowing that history is within reach?
Villegas: Yes, it has been more exciting; a sense of anxious excitement. I am looking forward to it.
BB: Will anything change in your prep for the 2025 Olympia?
Villegas: It definitely won’t be easy to prep. I have a lot of work to do, but I am ready to do it and am not backing down. Bring it on.
BB: Some experts said 2024 was your best physique to date, but bodybuilders are always trying to improve. What are you improving for the 2025 Olympia?
Villegas: I want to show more detail, roundness, and X-factor, as well as be wider at the top. You can never have too much legs, either. I want to emphasize the strengths I already have, but not do too much to go outside of the guidelines for the category.
BB: Will you claim the record in Las Vegas?
Villegas: I am doing everything I can to make that happen.
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Featured Image: @iamsarahfit on Instagram
