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* Columbus, Ohio, may be the second stop of the 2005 IFBB professional season, but for many, it is the starting point of the year. The IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational and FitExpo, two weeks prior to the Arnold Fitness Weekend, draws fans primarily from the West Coast, and its pro bodybuilding contest is for men only. The Arnold weekend includes the IFBB Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic, as well as representing the distaff side with the IFBB Ms. International, Fitness International and Figure International. In addition, it features competitions and demonstrations in approximately 20 other sports, including several Olympic events.

* Of course, the biggest attraction is none other than the contest's namesake and current governor of California. That title brought the implementation of many changes to the event, staged this year over the March 4-6 weekend. Most notably, security at the venue was tighter than ever before, and certain areas that had been easily accessible in the past were off limits when Arnold Schwarzenegger was in close proximity. Also, it was evident that the Arnold Fitness Expo was bigger and more crowded than ever before. I don't know how that was possible, but trust me, it was an unbelievably busy weekend.

* In addition to Schwarzenegger, several other Mr. Olympias were present: Sergio Oliva, Franco Columbu, Frank Zane, Dorian Yates and reigning champion Ronnie Coleman. Coleman appeared to be causing a commotion at the BSN supplement booth, where it was reported that he signed the most lucrative endorsement contract in the history of the sport. It reportedly will keep him at BSN for at least two years.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:41 AM