Heavy is the crown, but the champion competitor, promoter, and ambassador wears it well.
By Roger “Rock” Lockridge, Managing Editor
The 2026 bodybuilding season is well underway, but not all divisions have been featured onstage yet. One category that will be kicking off this year’s campaign soon is the Women’s Bodybuilding division, and that will begin with the 2026 edition of the Triple O Dynasty Pro, set for April 4th in Mesa, Arizona. The significance of that show is that aside from being an Olympia qualifier, it’s also promoted by the six-time and reigning Ms. Olympia Andrea Shaw, along with retired eight-time Figure Olympia champion Cydney Gillon. Shaw will be in a unique position because her show will actually be where one of her future Olympia opponents secures her Olympia qualification.
Shaw has no influence on judging, so there will be no conflict there, but this show does serve as a sign of something else: the reigning Olympia champion is not only the queen of the stage in her category, but she’s also serving as a provider and ambassador for it. In her eyes, being the champion and standard bearer calls for that. She doesn’t see that as a responsibility, though. In Shaw’s eyes, that is a privilege.
THE STATE OF WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING
The sport and its media have not been short on topics to discuss, and that includes the change in the schedule for Shaw’s category. Among the discussions were that the Chicago Pro and Tampa Pro would not host Women’s Bodybuilding in 2026. For clarity, the Tampa Pro is on the schedule as of this writing, but there was enough concern that a GoFundMe was started to raise funds for those contests to be offered. Another show that was off the table was the New York Pro, who had only three competitors in their 2025 contest. This led to some fans and athletes calling out promoters for lack of support for the division, but Shaw was quick to offer evidence to the contrary. Where promoters may have taken Women’s Bodybuilding off their show, others have added it, and it could lead to more international growth for the sport.
“The reigning Miss Women’s Physique champion (Natalia Abraham Coelho) is bringing Women’s Bodybuilding as a co-promoter with Muscle Contest to Brazil. So, there’s an opportunity for the ladies to either go to Brazil or for ladies already living in Brazil.”
Shaw also acknowledged Austin Karr, who is bringing the division to the Steve Karr Las Vegas Pro in November. While that is a post-Olympia show, it can still be an easy way for a competitor to secure an Olympia invite before taking an extended offseason. There are 16 contests that will host Women’s Bodybuilding this season, and Shaw wants to see more in 2027, but she also stated it will take more than promoters stepping up. She calls on her fellow competitors to grace the stages to show promoters and the IFBB Pro League that the division should remain a focal point.
“I’ve had girls ask me, ‘How do I get guest posings? How do I secure sponsorships?’ Well, a big part of that, the gateway is really you need to be on stage,” she said. “Promoters need to know that you’re active. These different companies need to be able to look at your social media to see you actively competing and being engaged in the sport. So, the opportunities are there.”
STANDING ON BUSINESS
Shaw is not only making this stance as a competitor but as a promoter herself. She shared that her show would have an even bigger prize package than in the past, but she is keeping the exact amount under wraps for now. To Shaw, being a promoter for her own division is a testament to the fact that she is as committed to her division off the stage as she is on it.
“I haven’t known too many people to actively compete and still put on their own show. It’s a lot, but because I love it so much and I really support the division, I feel like this is something that I can do to actively engage in activities beyond just the stage. And so, to see it thrive and continue to grow, it’s just about standing in a place of less talk, more action.”
As for the athlete, Shaw is in her offseason now but made it clear that her sights are set on winning her seventh Olympia in a row. After being the last to leave the stage for each of the last six years, she knows that the judges will be looking harder at her to see where and how she got better. That is how she is focusing on her training at the moment.
“I’ll just kind of put it right out there because I really want to place a great emphasis on what it is that I can do to be better. So, you know, yes, I’ve made some improvements, but I’m always looking to make sure that I am bringing my very best. I’m looking through what it is that I can do that adds that extra 10% of refinement to my physique.”
That flows into her nutrition as well, citing that she may opt for a steak instead of a burger when it comes to a cheat meal. She feels that kind of attention to detail is what it will take for the judges to determine Bob Cicherillo needs to say “and still” at the end of the contest.
“I even want to make sure that the judges can visibly see that I’m actively doing things to better myself every year.”
FROM ATHLETE TO ADVOCATE
Shaw is working as a promoter and champion but also intends to be an advocate for her division, which is why she’s excited about shining a spotlight on future competitors. Starting in April, Shaw will be profiling her fellow competitors in a new series with Muscle Insider. Her objective is to make sure the fans, promoters, and potential sponsors see the star power that resides within her category. Like fellow Olympia great Lenda Murray has done in recent years as promoter and advocate, Shaw sees herself doing similar work in the future. A champion through and through, Shaw wants to share the spotlight and hopes fans will be as excited about these incredible athletes.
“There’s going to be a lot to cover, but it will be great. I’m looking forward to this.”
Follow Shaw on Instagram @mzprettymuscle and stay tuned to Muscle Insider for more details about Shaw’s upcoming series.
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