China sees first Arnold bodybuilding female champion

Mou Cong performs during the 2017 Arnold Bodybuilding contest. [Photo: thepaper.cn]

Chinese bodybuilder Mou Cong won the title of Women's Bodyfitness Up To 167cm, as well as the Women's Bodyfitness Overall during the 11th Arnold Amateur International Bodybuilding & Bodyfitness Championships, held in Columbus, Ohio last week.

The 32-year-old's victory is a milestone in the history of Chinese women's bodybuilding. She has become the first female winner from China. Meanwhile, Mou is the first Chinese woman to win the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro card, reported thepaper.cn.

As many as 15 outstanding bodybuilders from around the world competed for the title of Women's Bodyfitness Up To 167cm. "It's not easy for me to win. For the first time, I got it. The award means a lot for me," said Mou.

Mou Cong kisses her medal. [Photo: thepaper.cn]

Unlike Mou, who is tan and strong, Chinese women typically prefer to be white and slender, which are seen as a symbol of beauty. "There are many kinds of beauty. Maybe more and more Chinese women will show themselves at the Arnold contest next year," said Mou.

Mou has devoted herself to bodybuilding for more than ten years. She even received three years of Mixed Martial Arts training, and has also tried wrestling and free sparring.

The contest result of 2017 Women's Bodyfitness Up To 167cm.[Photo: ifbb.com]

Before Mou's victory, two Chinese male bodybuilders had won the titles of Men's Bodybuilding Lightweight, Up To 70 kg and Men's Bodybuilding Welterweight, Up To 75 kg, with both athletes taking their victories in 2015.

Founded by famous actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Arnold bodybuilding contest is the second highest-level of competition after the Mr. Olympia Bodybuilding Contest, reported 

The contest result of 2017 Women's Bodyfitness(Figure) Overall.[Photo: ifbb.com]