The reigning Arnold Classic champion shared that this would be his final time at the competition.
Reigning Arnold Classic champion Ali Bilal has had time to reflect on his performance in Columbus last week. Following his victory, Bilal took to social media to discuss recently comments made by Arnold Schwarzenegger calling the Men’s Physique division “bogus.” As a response to these comments, Bilal shared that he will not compete at the Arnold anymore in the future.
Bilal has been on an upward climb in the division for years now. He finished as the runner-up during the 2024 Olympia and entered the Arnold as one of the favorites. He was able to defeat 2024 Arnold champion Diogo Montenegro and two-time champ Erin Banks.
This victory solidifies his reputation as a serious Olympia contender. With the Men’s Physique division becoming more competitive each year, Bilal’s performance at the Arnold Classic proves he has what it takes to challenge the best in the world on bodybuilding’s biggest stage.
Ali Bilal Boycotts Arnold Classic
Arnold’s comments about Men’s Physique were surrounding the attire and how legs are not taken into account when judging. He understands how the change in shorts are not under his control but discussed the important of symmetry in bodybuilding.
Bilal took to Instagram to respond to these comments:
“I wanted to come here on social media and say a few things about Arnold Classic. It’s been five days since I won this show and if you ask me how I feel, if I’m happy with the win, of course I am. But it gave me mixed feelings this show because everything that’s going on, Arnold saying on show day that Men’s Physique was stupid division and he didn’t know why IFBB created it, it just killed the whole happy vibes for me.”
Ali Bilal has decided to not compete at the Arnold Classic in the coming years. He also brought up the fact that the prize money for Men’s Open, and even Classic Physique, remains much higher. Bilal will continue to be one of the top competitors in the division and will be an Olympia contender come the end of the year.
“I’ve decided that this was my last ever Arnold Classic. I’m not going to go to a show where my division, I get treated with disrespect. I don’t think it’s fair how Open division gets $500,000, Classic gets $60k, and Men’s Physique only gets $10k.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger Comments On Men’s Physique Shorts
Arnold remains a fan of the Men’s Physique division and continues to have the event at his show. While discussing the action over the weekend, Schwarzenegger commented on the attire on stage and wondered why the legs are eliminated.
“Let’s see the whole body. That’s what we’re judging. Why would you hide the legs all of a sudden?
The interesting thing is they also have really well developed thighs, a lot of those guys. So, I don’t know why they make them wear those long shorts. For me, that’s bogus.”
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
