Bodybuilding Queens That Defined the Sport Through the Years

Beginning in the late 1970s, women have started competing in fitness and bodybuilding events, with the International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness (IFBB) serving as the primary formalizing organization for international tournaments. Over the years, women that compete in bodybuilding are recognized as among the most dedicated athletes worldwide.

Additionally, the sport is more well-liked than ever because of the proliferation of health-conscious lives over the past few decades and the opportunity afforded by photo-sharing platforms like social media apps. Learn about some of the most outstanding female bodybuilders and why they deserve all the praise, we can give them.

Dana Linn Bailey Kicked Balls Before She Conquered the Ring

Dana Linn Bailey used to be a starting defender for the West Chester University soccer team before she decided to pursue bodybuilding instead. She started weightlifting after finishing college and competing for the first time in 2006. In 2010, she stood unique by becoming the first woman to win Miss Physique Olympia and get an IFBB pro card.

Interestingly, Bailey had negative feelings about her physique for a long time before she started bodybuilding to improve her self-esteem. So, she decided to address her issues by managing a fitness website and a gym and apparel line under her name brand. It is estimated that Bailey is valued between $1 million and $5 million.

Guusje Van Geel Danced Her Way into Bodybuilding

Dutch fitness expert Guusje Van Geel was a dancer at the beginning of her career. So, it’s pretty impressive to think how far she’s come. Before being discovered and signed as a Gymshark athlete, she was a ballet dancer and gymnast. When Van Geel was a teenager, she started lifting weights to build the figure she had always dreamed of.

Besides bodybuilding, Van Geel is now a popular vlogger who posts mostly fitness-related vlogs on her channel. She also makes videos on various social media platforms, where she has amassed a following of over 500,000 people. This strong woman knows what she’s doing, indeed!

Denise Masino Emerges as the Sexiest Bodybuilder Ever

When asked who they thought was the sexiest bodybuilder, readers of Iron Man magazine chose Denise Masino, and it’s easy to see why. Well, not only is Masino gorgeous, but she won the lightweight category at the 1995 NPC Nationals. It’s where she also obtained her professional card!

Among Masino’s most notable accomplishments were winning the Night of Champions lightweight and overall titles in 2003. In her career as a model, Masino has been featured in both issues of *Flex Power & Sizzle*, as well as the issues of *Flex Swimsuit* and *Fantasy Lingerie*, published in 1997. Having placed 12th at the 2007 Ms. International competition, Masino finally decided to call it quits.