Celebrating Jim Manion and his contributions to professional bodybuilding while evolving the sport for future generations
A very happy birthday to NPC & IFBB Pro League President Jim Manion from everyone here at Generation Iron. A true pioneer of the sport, Manion’s hard work and dedication to improving the sport has helped bodybuilding flourish into the well loved and much respected establishment as it is today. Bodybuilding continues to grow in popularity each year and the work of Jim Manion continues to be a big reason why.
Over the years, February 17 has become a day where athletes, fans, and the entire bodybuilding community has honored a man that has helped make it all possible.
Jim Manion and the growth of the NPC & IFBB Pro leagues
Jim Manion presently holds the position of President within the esteemed IFBB Pro League. Established in 1946 as the International Federation of Bodybuilders by Joe and Ben Weider, this organization was conceived to showcase the pinnacle of bodybuilding excellence worldwide. Its evolution continued unabated through the 1960s, marked notably by the inception of the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition.
Many young bodybuilders were up-and-coming, including 1967 amateur Mr. Universe Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Olympia was created in 1965 as a way to enable the best bodybuilders in the world to compete more often and earn more money. Larry Scott won the inaugural competition, which was the first of two in a row, followed by Sergio Oliva, Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu.
The sport of bodybuilding was being put into a brighter light with the creation of the Olympia and it was enhanced once the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron was released. This followed the world’s best competitors during their prep for the 1975 Olympia, which was won by Schwarzenegger.
In 1982, Jim Manion conceived a strategic initiative to distinguish bodybuilding from the Amateur Athletic Union. This led to the establishment of the National Physique Committee (NPC), which stands as the sole amateur organization officially acknowledged by the IFBB. Participation in an IFBB Pro Qualifier event within the NPC is imperative for athletes aspiring to compete in renowned global showcases, including the prestigious Olympia and Arnold Classic competitions.
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Expanding professional bodybuilding into new divisions & opportunities
Under Jim Manion’s leadership, professional bodybuilding grew to have well over 10 divisions within the sport. What started as a competition for the largest men and women on stage – grew to include a wide variety of body types and weight classes – including divisions such as the Men’s 212, Men’s Physique, Women’s Fitness, Bikini, and more.
Most recently, the Classic Physique division and Wellness division were added with resounding success. To some, Classic physique has become the most exciting division of them all.
Throughout decades, the sport of bodybuilding has grown and it continues today. On Feb. 6, Jim Manion’s grandson and Vice President of the IFBB Pro League Tyler Manion announced new partnerships that will raise the minimum prize money for 21 bodybuilding shows by $10,000. In total, this is a $210,000 raise across the sport of bodybuilding that will go into the prize money fund.
Jim Manion has been around the sport of bodybuilding for decades and has played a big role in growing the sport into hat it is today. There are new ceilings that can be reached moving forward and the Manion family continues to lead the way.
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