IT’S not just a man’s sport.”
That was the message from acting Fiji Bodybuilding acting president, Elizabeth Maki after no women registered to compete in the 2025 Suva Classics Bodybuilding competition.
Maki said cultural and traditional barriers remained a key reason behind the low participation of women in the sport.
“I think it’s more so to do with the culture and traditional barriers for women,” Maki shared. “But we are seeing more women over the years showing interest in this space.”
She stressed the need for greater awareness and education to encourage female athletes.
“We just need to do more awareness on educating any potential athletes, especially women, on how to go about the sport and approach the sport.
“It’s not just a man’s sport. Bodybuilding is an art.”
Maki acknowledged the challenges women face in stepping onto the competition stage, saying the level of exposure required could be a deterrent. While disappointed by the absence of female
competitors this year, Maki said Fiji would still fi eld a men’s team at the South Pacific Championship in Tahiti this October.
“For the team we are hoping to come back with medals, gold medals, not just medals. “We have some really good athletes, and I’m quite optimistic.”
Hopefully there is an increase in female participation at future competition