The IFBB talks about plans to eliminate its female bodybuilding division. We are shocked by this attitude, and demand its immediate reversal. We need the IFBB to firmly stand by and support this important sport well into the 21st century.

Reaching way beyond a small yet dedicated fan base, female bodybuilding has helped drive the ideal of a strong, fit, healthy physique.Women bodybuilders also successfully challenge gender stereotypes, fight sexist discrimination, and help create a sense of empowerment for women.

We commend the efforts of the IFBB in creating new divisions (Fitness, Figure, Bikini and now Physique) for reaching more women athletes and their fans.However, the sport that started it all, bodybuilding, must not go away. As long as there is an IFBB, we feel it must support female bodybuilding wholeheartedly, pledging to organize pro contests, and to judge them by true bodybuilding standards.

Dear IFBB Officials: please do not wish female bodybuilding away. Instead, affirm your dedication tothe sport, and start promoting it aggressively. Who else could drive the acceptance of bodybuilding, regardless of gender, if not you? It should really be a labor of love.

Thank you,

The Undersigned