The reigning three-time champion will not defend her title in March.
Lauralie Chapados has done a lot of winning in the Bikini Olympia division over the last three years. That will be put on hold after the reigning three-time Arnold Classic champion announced that she will not compete in this year’s 2025 Arnold Classic show.
Chapados, who won her first Olympia title back in October 2024, made the announcement on Thursday afternoon in order to preserve her longevity in the sport.
“So, a decision was made about three weeks ago that we had to stop preparations for this Arnold Classic and it’s with a heavy heart that I am announcing that I won’t be competing at the Arnold Classic this year.”
Chapados found a passion for fitness at a young age and was able to turn it into a successful career. When she was at the gym one day, an IFBB Figure pro complemented Lauralie Chapados for her structure and encouraged her to compete in an upcoming show in Montreal. Although Lauralie was only 17 at the time and juggling two part-time jobs, she still went ahead and decided to give competing a shot, so she started training twice a day.
Chapados earned her Pro Card in 2016 before stepping on stage immediately. She won her first show at the 2018 Toronto Pro, which was one of four victories that year.
Lauralie Chapados Out Of Arnold Classic
Lauralie Chapados has been training for years now and has found great success on stage. She shared that this was the best decision in order to preserve her longevity for the sport.
“I know the decision was the right one to make at this point in my life and for my future goal as far as longevity in the sport and I am so thankful for the support that I have around me, with my coaches and my sponsors and really well surrounded right now to doing what is right for me.”
The Bikini division has seen plenty of new champions over the years. Ahead of the 2024 Olympia, two-time and reigning champion Jennifer Dorie shared that she would not compete in order to focus on business ventures outside of bodybuilding. This allowed Chapados to take the big leap to the top of the division and win her first Olympia title.
Dorie returned in 2023 and brought her best to the stage as she regained her title. Considered the favorite once again, fans were excited to see Dorie take the stage but they will have to wait until 2025. Dorie did attend the Olympia and was looking forward to watching from the other side.
Now, there will be a new champion crowned in Columbus with Chapados taking the year off. She did not share her plans moving forward but we know that there will be a new champion at the Arnold this year.
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