The Iron Phoenix Rises!

 

   This past weekend the most accomplished female body builders in the world gathered at the Rising Phoenix World Championships in Chandler, Arizona. This is female bodybuilding's equivalent of NFL's Superbowl; it just doesn't get any bigger than this!
   Even those in attendance were excited just to be there. They knew what they were about to see was the greatest collection of female muscle on the planet. 
   And there were stories! One competitor would be returning to the stage after taking time from competition due to an injury. Would she be able to come back and be competitive? Another competitor had begun the season in a completely different division! Would she look out of place? Still another athlete was taking the stage in her 62nd year! (And with no plans to slow down!) Then there was the returning champ. Would she repeat? This year's competition was so stacked with phenomenal women, there was no such thing as a shoe-in.
  The audience both present and online were treated to an incredible show. From the awe-inspiring feminine muscularity to the dazzling routines, this was the pinnacle of women's bodybuilding on display.
   As I watched online, I wondered if the audience in Chandler realized they were watching a dead sport. Afterall, some very influential men in and around the sport of bodybuilding had proclaimed for years the demise of women's bodybuilding. Going so far as to say it was the women THEMSELVES who had killed it! (If you can stomach it: https://www.t-nation.com/powerful-words/death-of-womens-bodybuilding ) I now wonder just how ridiculous those same men feel as they see the phenomenal beauty, popularity, and success women's bodybuilding is enjoying thanks to the women who NEVER say die!
   These naysayers are silenced by the sports endurance and faithful fans. And thanks to Wings of Strength founder Jake Wood and promoters like Tim Gardner, these athletes not only are getting the respect they deserve, but the paychecks as well. Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships offers the largest payout in the HISTORY of Women's Bodybuilding! And it is the most lucrative contest of the season behind The Arnold and The Olympia.
   This year's champion was awarded $50,000 cash and is now the proud owner of a brand new $100,000 Chevy Corvette! Pretty good for a dead sport, eh?
    So when the night was over it was Ms. Alina Popa, returning to the stage after an injury, that was crowned the BEST female bodybuilder in the world! Think of the satisfying smile on the newly crowned champion's face as she drives home from Chandler knowing she's the best in the world in a sport only fools said was dying.