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OLYMPIA FITNESS and PERFORMANCE WEEKEND Returns to Las Vegas

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OLYMPIA FITNESS and PERFORMANCE WEEKEND Returns to Las Vegas

After a brief stint in Orlando, the "Superbowl of Bodybuilding" launches a first-ever holiday edition.

Back in 1996, Hulk Hogan released a campy holiday film entitled SANTA WITH MUSCLES. It's unlikely that, back then, the outrageous pro wrestler could have envisioned that the Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend would descend on Sin City in 2022 for a holiday edition. But anything seems possible after the COVID pandemic turned our world upside down.

Yes, the Olympia is back in Las Vegas, but this time it's been moved from the heat of summer to the week before Santa's favorite holiday. Fitness enthusiasts have traded in their summer string tanks and posing briefs for sweatpants and hoodies. Thousands of muscle boys and girls have replaced departing National Finals Rodeo fans, instantaneously transforming the Strip from a sea of cowboy hats into a land of biceps and brawn.

What began in 1965 as a small competition has grown into a global event, involving thousands of individuals and millions of dollars in prize money. From bodybuilding, it has expanded to numerous physical and aesthetic sports like bare-knuckle brawling, wrestling, powerlifting, and bikini fitness contests. Both men and women are deeply involved, and all types of physiques can register in various categories that focus on strength, beauty, size, symmetry, and grace.

Along with competitions, the Olympia Weekend is an opportunity for vendors to highlight the latest in supplements, clothing, exercise equipment, and health and beauty products. The two-day EXPO, being held at Venetian Convention and Expo Center, is by far the most popular attraction. It's also the place where you're most likely to encounter celebrity spokesmen like "Superman" actor Henry Cavill and rapper Flo Rida, world-class athletes, and superstars like Dwayne Johnson and Sylvester Stallone.

Thousands of attendees line the massive hall to collect free samples, learn about scientific breakthroughs, and try new procedures for teeth whitening, wrinkle removal, and hair regrowth. Body artists show off their trade, and law enforcement representatives encourage physically fit men and women to become real-life heroes. At the same time, the Convention Hall's staging area holds preliminary judging and daytime competitions.

The OLYMPIA WEEKEND got off to a VERY early start this past Monday with registration for amateur athletes at Planet Hollywood's Melrose Ballrooms. Judging and finals for the amateur women were held the next morning inside Criss Angel Theater, and mens' amateur judging and finals were held on Wednesday.

Thursday's press conference, again held at Criss Angel Theater, introduced the professional men and women who'd be competing this weekend. Click here for the list of competitors. It was followed by a "Meet the Olympians" event at the Celebrity Ballroom, which was open to the public.

VEGAS 411 was granted early access to the Expo on Friday morning. We snapped photos of the preparations before pre-judging began. All of this activity leads to the grand finale, the Olympia competition at Zappos Theater inside Planet Hollywood on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday's finals start at 6 pm, and Saturday's show begins at 7 pm. Sunday's wrap-up Celebrity Seminar will be held at Planet Hollywood's Celebrity Ballroom at 11 am. Click here for the full schedule of Olympia Fitness and Performace Weekend events, and to purchase tickets.

UPDATE 12/18/22 - Hadi Choopan from Iran was crowned the new Mr. Olympia last evening at Zappos Theater Planet Hollywood. Congratulations to all the participants. Photos below from the official Olympia Facebook page by @moriauphoto. Click here for full results. [gallery size="medium" ids="23033,23032,23031"]

SamNovak
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Sam Novak serves as the Deputy Editor and columnist for Vegas411.com. With a career spanning several years, Sam has established himself as a candid and insightful voice in the city’s entertainment scene. His column, “Vegas Unfiltered,” is renowned for its unvarnished critiques and in-depth analyses of Las Vegas shows, celebrities, restaurants, hotels, and emerging trends. Sam’s commitment to providing readers with genuine insights has solidified his reputation as a trusted authority.