2021 Arnold Classic Europe Elite Pro: A spectacle of the finest physiques.
Since the IFBB Elite Pro took over the Arnold Classic Europe in 2018, the level of competition has been increasing every year, the 2021 edition is proof of that.
The 2021 Arnold Classic Europe is a celebration of bodybuilding and fitness, the athis year’s edition was another victory during such a difficult period in the world, due to Covid-19.
Focusing on the Arnold Classic Europe IFBB Elite Pro event, it was another showcase of the finest physiques from all over the world.
For the second consecutive year, the IFBB Elite Pro World Championships were held in conjunction with the Arnold Classic Europe, meaning the pro athletes were crowned World Champions on the Arnold Classic stage.
The 2021 Arnold Classic Europe Elite Pro World Championships had nine divisions confirmed for this competition.
The best pro athletes in the world, representing the IFBB Elite Pro league, traveled to Seville, Spain, to compete at what has now become one of the IFBB Elite Pro’s most prestigious events.
The 2021 Arnold Classic Europe – IFBB Elite Pro World Championships
Michal Križánek was the man to beat, but he fought hard to defeat his competition to defend his IFBB Elite Pro World Championship. Since it’s creation in 2018, Michal has won this competition three times, losing only in 2019.
In regards to the Arnold Classic Europe, since the IFBB Elite started sanctioning the event in 2018, Michal has never lost on that stage, winning every competition since 2018.
To explain the situation, in 2018 and 2019, the IFBB Elite Pro World Championships were organized as a separate event from the Arnold Classic Europe. Due to Covid-19, the IFBB and IFBB Elite Pro decided to combine the IFBB Elite Pro World Championships and Arnold Classic Europe in one event in 2020 and 2021.
To be exact, Michal has won these titles:
Arnold Classic Europe – 2018, 2019
IFBB Elite Pro Championships – 2018
Arnold Classic Europe – IFBB Elite Pro World Championships – 2020, 2021
At the 2021 Arnold Classic Europe, Michal’s main rival would be Finland’s Mika Sihvonen. when standing next to Michal, it is evident that Mika is smaller in size, but he makes up for it with his extreme definition and balance.
Mika continues to push Michal to the edge at every major competition they compete against each other.
Dominating the 90kg division, Mika decided to move up to the bodybuilding Open division to challenge Michal for the top titles.
Michal was focused for this years edition of the Arnold Classic Europe, he was the best man on the stage and Mika placed a well deserved second place.
Russia’s Aleksei Kuznetsov placed in third ahead of Poland’s Mateusz Zagorowski.
The Men’s Bodybuilding up to 90kg was another exciting affair with ten athletes competing in this event.
The Czech Republic’s Jiri Cermak defeated his fellow countryman Vojtech Koritensky. the United Kingdom will be proud of their athlete David Henderson who managed to secure third place.
The Men’s Classic Physique is gaining popularity with the bodybuilding world appreciating the classic look coming back in the sport.
Sergey Sherechsev cemented his status as one the best Classic Physique athletes in the world.
Already winning a number of world titles, Sergey can now add another World Championship title to his collection.
Defeating a line-up of 13 classic Physique athletes, Sergey had some close competition from some great athletes.
What was very special about the Classic Physique division was the result of Jakub Kolinek.
The man from the Czech Republic made his pro debut at this event. After earning his Elite Pro card at the 2021 IFBB Diamond Cup Malta just a few weeks earlier, it was already predicted that Jakub would excel in this sport.
The future looks great for Jakub, as he will surely win the IFBB Elite Pro World Championship and dominate his division.
Poland’s Adrian Cyronek had to settle for the final podium place, while former champion and crowd favorite Aristide Mbomni finished in fourth.
Aristide brings continues to bring positivity to this sport with his great personality and the willingness to help out his fellow competitors.
Up next was the Men’s Physique division. 22 of the worlds best Men’s Physique athletes, all battled for the top prize, but it would be Ukraine’s undefeated Dmytro Horobets who would again win the event.
As an IFBB Elite Pro, Dmytro remains undefeated. It is no wonder he has become the face of fitness for the IFBB and IFBB Elite Pro.
France’s Thierry Bayala finished in second. Another world-class athlete, Thierry definitely pushed Dmytro, showing him that he means business and wants his title.
Haiti’s Reynold Junior Mendes finished in third while Spain’s Enrique Gutiérrez finished in fourth.
The Bikini division, another event that has become one of the highlights at every event was full of excitement.
A new winner was crowned at this year’s event. Antigua & Barbuda’s Kimberly Percival will surely make her country proud after being crowned the 2021 IFBB Elite World Champion.
After placing second to Malta’s Sabrina Grima at the 2021 IFBB Malta Elite Pro Championships, Spain’s Lina Bejarano had to settle for second again.
Another athlete from Antigua & Barbuda, Michelle Seaforth took third while, Master’s World Champion, Karina Gravrikova finished in fourth.
Karina is one of the IFBB and IFBB Elite Pro’s most consistent athletes. One of the hardest workers, Karina continues to compete and secure some very impressive results, either winning or finishing in the top five at every event she competes in.
Ten female athletes competed in the Wellness division with Brazil’s Lexy Oliver taking the top prize. Another Brazilian, Poliane Freitas finished in second while Portugal’s Elly Ferreira took third.
The Women’s Fitness IFBB Elite Pro World Championship title went to Russia’s Nataliia Toropova. Russia dominated this division as second place also went to Russia’s Anna Dudushkina. Third place was won by Finland’s Oona Ylitolonen ahead of fourth place finisher Nikolett Szabó, from Hungary.
The result of the Bodyfitness division was what most probably shocked everybody at the event.
Germany’s Sabine Simitsopoulos earned the IFBB Elite Pro World Championship title after a hard battle with 14 of the finest athletes. Second place went to Ukraine’s Alina Yaman.
The queen of Bodyfitness, Adela Ondrejovicová, had to settle for third. After years of dominating this division, Adela had to hand over the title to her fellow competitor Sabine. We are sure Adela will be back to win her title back.
Finally, the Women’s Physique winner was Yasmina Gouaich from France. Two German athletes shared second and third sport. Uta Köhler-Spitzbarth finished in second while Kerstin Telker had to settle for third.
IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja was at the event to had out the awards to the finalists.
The 2021 Arnold Classic Europe was truly a great spectacle and surely more is to come in the future.
