Why no National Anthem at the Olympia?

[TheEgoCrusher]

It's the Super Bowl of bodybuilding (except only 4,000 attend instead of 100,000). 

All of the major sporting events in the U.S. play/sing the National Anthem before the event.  The NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, College Football/basketball/baseball, track and field, etc.

If bodybuilding is a "sport" as many on here believe, why is the National Anthem not sang at it's biggest event?  Listening to Bethany Carter-Howlett's sterling muscial prowess from her webpage, I'd think she'd be the perfect canidate to represent bodybuilding on it's grandest stage.

If she's not available, I'm sure this guy would be.  The way he ends a song makes you want to cry.

The I.F.B.B. = Anti-American?

[The Squadfather]

after what America is doing in Iraq no one wants to hear the "national anthem".

[akers1021]

after what America is doing in Iraq no one wants to hear the "national anthem".

Agree with you squad, although that guy in the video...is that Vince?

[The Squadfather]

Agree with you squad, although that guy in the video...is that Vince?

maybe if we impeached this fuccking criminal Bush and got him out of office we'd be more respected around the world.

[G o a t b o y]

Why no National Anthem at the Olympia?

Simple...  the IFBB bills itself as an "international" federation like the olympics or something rather than as an "American" organization like the NFL, NBA, etc. Haven't you noticed they always list the "country" of each competitor?  Playing the US national anthem wouldn't make sense unless they planned to also play the national anthem of every competitor in attendance, which would make for a very long show.

Now granted, the whole "international federation" thing is a sham, since 80% of the competitors are US citizens or residents and 90% of the contests are held in the US. Not to mention the fact that bodybuilding is an individual sport, with no national "teams" or competition between nations or anything like that.  Now if the IFBB wanted to give up the whole olympics-like charade and just call themselves an American organization you probably could play the national anthem before events, but until then I don't see it happening.

[akers1021]

Simple...  the IFBB bills itself as an "international" federation like the olympics or something rather than as an "American" organization like the NFL, NBA, etc. Haven't you noticed they always list the "country" of each competitor?  Playing the US national anthem wouldn't make sense unless they planned to also play the national anthem of every competitor in attendance, which would make for a very long show.

Now granted, the whole "international federation" thing is a sham, since 80% of the competitors are US citizens or residents and 90% of the contests are held in the US. Not to mention the fact that bodybuilding is an individual sport, with no national "teams" or competition between nations or anything like that.  Now if the IFBB wanted to give up the whole olympics-like charade and just call themselves an American organization you probably could play the national anthem before events, but until then I don't see it happening.

I agree with you .....HOWEVER it is held in AMERICA pretty much EVERY year now, not like back in the old days when it was held overseas and such.

I think whatever country it is held in that countries National Anthem should be played.

[CARTEL]

after what America is doing in Iraq no one wants to hear the "national anthem".

Why do you care. We are just "owning" a tiny tit country.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Gayer than James Taylor draft-dodging to Canada.

[CQ]

Hmm, can't recall properly but I think they may play it at the O? They definitely play it at the Arnold, they do a whole thing with the flag/military guys etc.

Also, good post Goatboy with valid points.

On a separate note, the IFBB on an amateur level does all that 'pomp & circumstance' stuff. International shows have team processions with national flags, medals are awarded under nations flags/national anthems of gold medalists are played etc.

[gordiano]

Let's not forget bbing is not a sport, which is why there is now NA, like at real sporting events.