Originally Posted by
steve_d
Yes, another totally random way of trying to 'fix' the problem. let's combine masters and junior bodybuilding - that will help. But again, another not too popular decision where guys who would have competed in multiple divisions had to go to two different provinces to compete (at least they weren't months apart). And now the elite showdown thing. Next they'll have a pushup & chinup contest with the figure/ bikini girls. I understand how it can help having the elite show - especially when the shows are close together. It just sucks for competitors having to do lots of travelling in order to compete back to back. And yeah, if there is a pro card at stake, sure, the really good ones who have a shot won't mind as much. But all they are doing is feeding off the bodybuilders who are likely already ripped and ready - kinda like using them as a 'guest poser' to draw a crowd. But my point is, if they are using them in that way, why not use them in the ultimate way and lump both shows together as they did at the pro supershow. Have some prejudging friday night for say figure and bikini, and then bodybuilding saturday, and finals at night (or something like that)...I think more people in canada would get excited for an event like that compared to a pro show in toronto sharing a provincial show.
Ya, the only problem is the population in the states are 10 fold of here, so if we hand out 2 a year, they should be handing out 20 a year to even it out. In canada I think a good number would be 2 a year. 1 for an under 202 and 1 for an over 202... (or 212 as of november this year). And perhaps a master just because, although masters pro cards are another story. If you obtain a pro card as a master you should have to compete as a masters pro. I don't think its really fair that a 35 year old woman or 40 year old man can obtain a pro card and compete as a "non-masters" pro seeing as how those same individuals often fail to even place in top 3 or top 5 in the same show in the open class. Sure, if there is a division made for them as a pro "ex. masters figure, masters bikini, masters bodybuilding" etc...(which I think there is, but 99% of the card winners will simply ccompete as a pro, meanwhile the other canadians that beat them at the same event basically never get the card.
I've always associate being an IFBB pro as being beyond elite. As in, only the best of the best of the best will get it. When I see 4-5 figure girls getting it per year, and 3-4 bikini girls, it sort of loses its prestige. 10% of national level competitors end up turning pro every year! Bodybuilding is not as bad. I think its fine the way it is now, giving a couple per year. Adds way more prestige to it, not too mention it limits the number of people getting the card yet can't place in the top 15 at a pro show in their career. But the other events are starting to remind me of FAME/WNSO, where everyone is getting a 'pro status' behind their name. It also gives the idea to newcomers that "yep, I am going pro in a year or 2" and the silly part is, it is practically true!
Sorry for the negativity, I just really have respect for those that spend their entire lives chasing the pro card, and when they get it, it means that much more. Rather than handing it to the next 8 girls in line. Hopefully they keep it roughly the way it is. Next thing you know, the world qualifier men winner will be handed a card.