Among the events that kicked off the on-stage competitions at the Mr. Olympia 2023 was the Ms. Olympia contest. However, after the 212 division, the most prestigious competition in women’s bodybuilding also crowned its champion. While new names like Natalia Kovaleva entered the top five this year, there were no changes in the top two.

Four-time Ms. Olympia champion, Andrea Shaw solidified her legacy further and won the 2023 Ms. Olympia title. Angela Yeo also repeated her success from last year and finished as runner-up to the five-time champion. However, despite being the counterpart of the most prestigious men’s category, Mr. Olympia, the disparity in prize money remains staggering.

The Mr. Olympia winner alone earns more than the top five combined

This year, three new names made it to the top five. Natalia Kovaleva, who competed in her first Ms. Olympia, placed 5th, winning $6000. Another relatively new name, Sherry Priami, finished fourth and won $7000. Brazilian bodybuilder Alcione Barreto impressed judges with her physique and unique posing routine. She placed third, winning $12,000.

While Angela Yeo was impressed and judged by the Kai Greene-inspired posing routine, the American had to settle for second place. The runner-up walked away with $20,000. However, the 2023 Ms. Olympia Andrea Shaw won double that, earning $50,000. Adding up, the combined prize money won by the top five adds up to $95,000.

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Unfortunately, the prize money of the top five of the most prestigious women’s bodybuilding contests of the year is drastically low compared to the men’s open division. While the top five women win less than $100,000 combined, the Mr. Olympia winner alone wins $400,000. The disparity becomes even greater, considering the men’s open top five with over $700,000. However, things might change soon.

The winds of change

Women’s bodybuilding found itself in dire straits in 2014 when the IFBB canceled the Ms. Olympia. However, current brand owner Jake Wood embarked on a mission to reinstate women’s bodybuilding to its former prestige. After becoming the owner of Joe Weider’s legendary creation, Wood announced the return of women in bodybuilding.

Today, three years after taking the reigns, Wood has reinstated all the female divisions. The brand owner also spoke about the disparity in pay between open bodybuilding and other divisions. While he aims to achieve parity, Wood explained he wants to raise the other divisions to achieve parity with the men’s open division. It’s an undertaking that’ll require time.

What’s your opinion on the prize money disparity between the Ms. and Mr. Olympia competitors?

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