Monica Brant, 1998 Fitness Olympia Champion: A Look Back 25 Years Later

One of the greatest to ever do it!

October 24, 1998.

Nice, France,

The first and (as of now) only time the Fitness Olympia contest went international.

17 fitness women from all over the world came to France to find out who was the number one fitness competitor in the world that year. Several top legends competed that year, including Lena Johannesen, Mary Yockey, Susie Curry, Timea Majorova, and Jenny Worth (who made her Olympia debut that night). But when it was all said and done, all eyes were on the Texas native Monica Brant. Once prejudging was over, it fell like a formality that Monica would become the Queen of Fitness. Finals was just icing on the cake for her with a routine just impressive enough to secure her the title of Fitness Olympia Champion.

Monica had already established herself as one of the biggest name in the industry in the 90s with her impressive resume as well as being one of the original fitness models, alongside women like Trish Stratus, Torrie Wilson, and Victoria Pratt. She won her first pro show in 1995, winning the Jan Tana Fitness Pro competition, but it would take her three more years before being in the winners circle again. But again, her competitions and her fitness modeling only made her more popular with each passing year. 1998 would be the year that everything would come together and it culminated with Monica taking her rightful place on the throne as the best fitness competitor in the world.

It’s 2023 and folks are STILL influenced by Monica Brant. This shows you her greatness throughout her career and what she has done for the industry despite her days on stage well behind her. There has been many competitors and models that have made their name in the bodybuilding industry, but there is only one Monica Jean Brant, and she will forever be a Fitness Icon.

For more on the legendary Monica, follow her on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram. Also click here to view some of the 1998 Fitness Olympia and click here to view Monica’s road to the 1998 Fitness Olympia title via arguably her most popular video ever, Monica Brant: Secrets of Beauty! 

Celebrate Monica Brant’s 25th Anniversary of becoming Miss Fitness Olympia with us this Tuesday!

This Tuesday, October 24 will mark the 25th Anniversary of the 1998 Fitness Olympia contest, the year Monica Brant won the title and officially became the face of fitness. When you think of fitness icons and legends, practically everyone has Monica Brant on their list of the best to ever do it. FitGems Nation will be celebrating this incredible milestone this Tuesday, 25 years to the day that Monica became immortal. We will be posting videos, photos, and our personal thoughts on how this event changed the game forever. If you would like to be part of it in any way, shape, or form (photos, videos, words on how Monica Brant has influenced you as a competitor, why you’re a fan of Monica Brant, etc.), send us a DM to our Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X/X, or email us at fitgemsnation@gmail.com. Also, we will be using the hashtag #MBOlympia9825 throughout social media during our celebration on Tuesday. We hope you will join us this Tuesday to celebrate one of the best to ever do it!

For more on the legendary Monica, follow her on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram!