It’s a hefty milestone.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Arnold Classic, the premier professional bodybuilding competition that initially began with 30 male and female bodybuilders. It’s since grown into the largest multi-sport event in the nation, boasting 17,000 athletes that compete in 38 events, including 12 Olympic sports.

“We’ve come far, far from bodybuilding,” says Jim Lorimer, who co-founded the first official Arnold Classic competition in 1988 with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The popular bodybuilding event launched the Arnold Sports Festival, previously known as the Arnold Fitness Weekend until three years ago.

With less than 100 bodybuilders, the Arnold Sports Festival has become more of a venue for watching the world’s greatest athletes firsthand. “You want to see the world’s top gymnasts, the world’s top table tennis players? It’s all here,” Lorimer says. “This is a tremendously fun weekend for the entire community.”

Each year, the organizers have added more sports, specifically Olympic sports.

“Some people still think it’s a bodybuilding weekend, but there’s something here for everyone,” Lorimer says.

New this year is the Arnold Amateur IFBB International Bodybuilding; Fitness & Figure Championships; the Arnold Cycling Challenge; the U.S.A. Powerlifting Championships; and the U.S.A. Weightlifting’s Olympic Team Qualifying Event. But the festival will host many other favorites, including gymnastics, dancing, martial arts, weight lifting and cheerleading.

At the center of the weekend is a fitness exposition of 650 booths demonstrating the latest in fitness equipment, apparel and supplements. And, of course, Arnold himself also will be in attendance. “He’s never missed the festival in 33 years, even after he became governor of California,” Lorimer says.

The Arnold Sports Festival annually draws thousands of sports and fitness enthusiasts – including 600 volunteers – to the three largest venues in Columbus, including Nationwide Arena, Veterans Memorial and the Convention Center. Organizers estimate 150,000 people will attend this year.

“If you have any interest in fitness or athletics, there’s something there for you,” Lorimer says.

Liza Martin is assistant editor of CityScene.


The 2008 Arnold Sports Festival is Feb. 29, March 1 and 2 at various venues in Columbus. The Arnold Fitness EXPO will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Other events will be held at the Franklin County Veterans Memorial and Nationwide Arena. For more information or tickets, visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com, or call 614-431-3600.