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!

What Monica Means to the Fitness Industry...In Their Own Words (As Well as Ours)

Here are some of what you wrote to FitGems about Monica Brant, who went out on top winning the 2013 WBFF Pro Figure title in Las Vegas:

Photo from WBFF Facebook fan page

(Comments have been edited for clarity)

Trish Barchuk: Monica is one of my favorite athletes. (She) has inspired me to stay in the sport. (I) have attended two of her FEM camps and had a great time at both.

Christina Carcamo: I was one of Jan Tana's top tan artists. I was backstage fixing her suit and glazing her before stage at her last Arnold. She is truly a classy and admirable woman and athlete.

Viko Newman (Fitcrazy): She's one of my Favs!!!

Credit to original owner

RH of Norway: I just want to say that I have been a huge fan of Monica Brant for 18 years. When I saw a picture of her for the first time, back in 1995, I just couldn't believe what I saw. She was the most beautiful, gorgeous and sexy woman I had ever seen. Her muscular body, and perfect female curves, really took the breath out of me. I thought to myself that this woman will become a huge star within fitness...and my prediction came true. As every Monica-fan know, she has become a living legend.

As the time went by, I followed her career closely, and watched many interviews of her. From the interviews I noticed that she wasn't only a woman to admire physically...she also had the most incredible and glowing personality, so charming, nice and down-to-earth. Her beautiful smile and eyes were sooo captivating. 

Monica has made a huge impact in my life, and has inspired me so much when it comes to how I have lived my life. Her healthy and fit lifestyle have inspired people all over the world. She's the kind of woman most girls want to be like, and most men see as their dream woman.

13 years ago I thought to myself that she deserved to have a website, where fans could show their appreciation and support to her, so I made a Tribute Site to Monica on the internet:

http://monicabrant.homestead.com/home.html

To all fans of Monica: Feel free to visit my Tribute Site, and leave a message for Monica to read, in my guestbook!

Since I saw a photo of her for the first time, I have never seen any woman being even close to having such a perfect body, looks and personality as she has. In my eyes Monica Brant is a true Goddess, and I worship her more than words can describe.

If you read this Monica: You still look as beautiful, stunning and breathtaking, as you always have! You will always be my number one!

Rod McConnell (Vice President of MidWestern Fitness): We have gotten to know Monica over the last year, and although it has been a short period of time, I can honestly say she should give lessons on how to be a professional.  She not only is one of the best fitness competitors to ever get on the stage, she is an even better person.

I have been in the industry for some years now, and have followed bodybuilding my entire adult life.  I can honestly say, not one person, or athlete I have ever dealt with has the standing in my book as Monica does.  She's motivational, inspiring, friendly, knowledgeable, fun and extremely professional.  I can't imagine knowing her for the short time I have, how much more impressed I will be after years of her friendship.  I'm taking a little leap calling her a friend, because of our short time knowing each other, but it's such a honor to be classed as a friend, I can't help myself.  Congrats Monica on all success, well deserved!! 

I can go on and on and on about how much Monica means to the industry, but I think it's obvious to so many people that she is more than just a competitor, more than just a champion. She represents what the fitness industry should be all about. She will be greatly missed on stage by so many, but her fitness journey is far from over as she will be transitioning into track and field full-time. This isn't "Good-Bye", just simply "Thank You" and "Good luck in your new adventures!"

Thanks for everything, Monica!!!! :)
Credit to original owner

To keep up with everything Monica, like her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/monicabrantfanpage and follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Monica_Brant. And, of course, check out her website at http://www.monicabrant.com/!

Celebrate "Monica Brant Week" Next Week on FitGems Nation!

This time of the year is always big, as we are closer and closer to the Olympia, the biggest show of the year for this sport. This year, in addition to what is looking to be one of the most competitive Olympias in years, a legend steps on stage for the final time on a show that's widely gaining a lot of popularity. On August 23-24, the WBFF (World Beauty Fitness & Fashion) Finals will take place in Las Vegas, and Monica Brant, who many look at as arguably the top physique competitor of all time, will step on stage for the final time in her illustrious career.

Monica Brant in 2010 WBFF Worlds. 

In honor of her swan song and her career, FitGems Nation is proud to announce that we will be dedicating all of next week to Monica Brant, beginning on Monday and ending on Saturday. Photos, videos, and testimonials from fellow competitors and fans will be posted throughout the entire FitGems network (our main website, Facebook, Twitter, possibly Youtube and even the revamped MySpace). If you have any photos or videos of Monica that you would like to share with us, or if you have any words that you like to share about your experience with competing with Monica or want to talk about how she has influenced you as a person, please email us at admin@fitgemsnation.net, placing Monica Brant Week in the subject line. Also, for those using Facebook and Twitter, we will be using the hashtag #MonicaBrantWeek , and we encourage you to use this all week long next week if you can.

Hope you join us in celebrating the career of one of the best competitors to ever step on stage!

Monica Brant: A DIFFERENT Kind of Olympian

Monica Brant has made a career in competing in many fitness/figure competitions. Some of her eventual first-ballot hall-of-fame career highlights will include her competing in multiple Olympias. Her biggest Olympia experience was, of course, winning the 1998 Fitness Olympia title.

Photo credit: Satio Photography

This Saturday, she enters a different kind of Olympian event...or should I say, OLYMPIC event. Monica is heading to Oregon to compete in the 2012 Olympic Trials! She will be competing in the Master's Women's 400m invitational on Saturday, June 30th. No word on if this will air on TV or not, but it it does, it will probably be on NBC, as that's where all Olympic events are being broadcast this summer. We have no doubt in our minds that Monica will show everyone why she is one of the fitness industry's primer athletes. 

We at FitGems Nation wish Monica best of luck, and we hope you all will as well!

Monica Brant...Dancing with the Stars?

If you're a fan of fitness, then you have obviously heard of Monica Brant. If you haven't, before you read this thread, you might want to Google her name and spend a little bit of time getting to know who she is. To be honest, it's hard to be a fan of this industry and NOT know who Monica is.

On her official Facebook page, Monica has stated that she would like to be part of the popular dance show Dancing with the Stars (DWTS for short). If she was to be on the show, I think she would have a legitimate chance of making it far in the show...heck, maybe even win it! I mean, she doesn't have just one of the most impressive physiques in the industry; she's also among of the best athletes in the industry as well. I personally think it would be cool to see one of our own on one of the biggest shows on television.

For those that are not her friends on Facebook, here's her exact message.

Hi Friends~ I have been thinking a lot over the past several months about various goals and interests I have.  I have always been athletic and love dancing so one of my goals is to be on Dancing with the Stars.  At first I thought me.. Dancing with the Stars..can I do it?  And then I said YES!  They have never had an athlete from the Bodybuilding &  Fitness Industry as a contestant, so why not try to be the first! Can you see it now..Monica Brant, WBFF Figure Pro Champion & Dancing with the Stars Contestant. Ha! Ha! Makes me giggle!  I need your help.  Can you write to ABC and request I be considered for next years season.  The more people that speak up, the greater chance I have! Then, I can get passes for all of you to come and watch! Ha! Ha!  I would not be able to even consider this without all of your years of support! Love you all!xoxo

To consider Monica for a spot on the next Dancing with the Stars, go to the link below and let ABC know that you want to see the fitness icon on DWTS. Remember, the more people speak up, the better chance of Monica's goal to be on Dancing with the Stars a reality!

http://abc.go.com/site/contact-us

WBFF to Have Biggest Weekend Yet This Coming Weekend

We all know that the Olympia is fast approaching (next weekend, to be exact), but before that happens, all eyes will be on the World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (WBFF) World Championships. This event could very well be the turning point for the WBFF for one major reason...Monica Brant. The biggest icon in this sport's history will be making her WBFF figure debut this weekend, after leaving the IFBB after competing in that organization for 16 years.

Monica Brant to make her WBFF debut this weekend
Photo credit: RxMuscle.com

For those that followed Monica throughout her career (and let's be honest, who hasn't?!), Monica always comes with the physique that many fans in IFBB would LOVE to see be rewarded, as opposed to the soft look that is awarded in IFBB figure today. Throughout her entire career, she has won only one IFBB title, and that was the 1998 Fitness Olympia title. She would be close to winning a few figure championships, but would always loose to people whose physiques were not deemed championship quality (other people's words, not mine). Monica could have quit a while back, but instead, she kept at it for the fans, knowing that she would never win an IFBB title.

In the summertime, she shook the figure world by announcing that she was leaving the IFBB for the WBFF. People couldn't believe what they were hearing, and people reacted with excitement, while some didn't feel it was the right move. Mo felt like this was a business decision, as she felt the WBFF could do wonders for her career. A change of scenery, if you will. There are those that feel her physique would be well suited for the WBFF, as in their Figure division, tighter, more muscular looks are rewarded. Look no further than Monica's competition this weekend for proof of that: Emily Stirling.

Emily Stirling: Arguably THE face of WBFF Figure
Photo credit: WBFF

Emily has been viewed by many WBFF fans to be the face of the WBFF Figure division, and it's clear to see why. She has amazing conditioning and muscularity that is popular with figure fans yet it not to the extreme of bodybuilding. Her leg development is among some of the best in figure, regardless of federation. For those that don't know Emily Stirling, she's competing in the WBFF since it's inception in 2007 winning the overall title that year then placed second to Diana Chaloux the following year. Last year, the WBFF launched their pro figure division and Stirling, the organization's first figure pro ever, won her second World Championship title. That time, though she did it as a pro figure competitor. With these accomplishments, it's no wonder why many consider Emily to be WBFF's First Lady.

It's no secret that the IFBB/NPC is the biggest and best physique federation in the world, but you would have to be a complete lunatic to ignore how big this weekend is for not only the WBFF, but for the entire muscle world as well. All eyes will be on the WBFF to see if they can deliver. Monica has been said to be in the shape and condition she wants to be. No doubt Emily will be in the best in her career. And what about the rest of the ladies who will be competing? It's obvious that they will all be stepping up their game to stand besides an icon such as Monica.

I will be doing my best to get coverage of this event, as this will no doubt be a turning point for the WBFF and for figure in general, regardless of federation. To Monica, Emily, and everyone competing in the WBFF World Championships this weekend, FitGems Nation wishes you all best of luck and can't wait to see what the WBFF can do! IFBB, you're not the only dog in the yard anymore!!! :)

BREAKING NEWS: Monica Brant...New WBFF FIGURE PRO!!

Monica Brant: Goodbye IFBB, Hello WBFF!!

Yes, your eyes are NOT deceiving you. Monica Brant, the most iconic female in IFBB history, is leaving the IFBB organization for the WBFF! Bodysport.com broke the HUGE news hours ago, and my jaw was literally on the floor. To say that this is a groundbreaking announcement is nothing short of an understatement.

I will be posting more on this later on in the week, but for now, what are your thoughts on this major news? How do you feel about Monica's jump from the IFBB to the WBFF? Smart move or career killer? Has the winds changes in this industry forever, and this time, NOT in IFBB's favor? Leave a comment below.

Fitting Observations: Is Gina Aliotti this generation's Monica Brant?

In every sport, you have that main person that the fans define as someone special. People like Micheal Jordan, Brett Farve, Kobe Bryant, Trish Stratus, Hulk Hogan, Venus and Serena Williams, Troy Aikman, and others are synonymous with greatness for their field of sports and entertainment. And in the world of female muscle, there may not be a more famous name out there than Monica Brant.





She has done more in her career than most will do in a lifetime, despite only winning one Olympia championship (Fitness Olympia in 1998). She has graced in more fitness magazine covers than I dare to count right now. It it hard to find any fitness or figure competitor that has NOT been influenced by Monica. Without question, Mo is a bonafied future IFBB Hall of Famer.

With that being said, who has what it takes to step up and be an iconic force like Monica? No disrespect to the competitors, but there's only one person I can think of right now that has the ability to not only be a icon, but maybe...just maybe, surpass the legendary status of the Brant one, and she's only in her mid-20s! I'm talking about the one and only Gina Aliotti.




Gina has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. She became a pro at the age of 21 at the NPC USAs, by winning her class. She has proven to be a force to be reckoned with ever since. She has placed high in every competition she's entered in so far. In her first Olympia (in 2006) and Arnold (in 2007), she placed sixth in both of them. The next go around, she was super-close to winning the Figure Olympia title in 2007 and actually captured the Figure International title in 2008, with an overwhelming unanimous approval by judges AND fans. She has remained in the Figure Olympia title hunt despite the changes made within the IFBB (but that's another story). If the fans has any say in the matter, she would have been Ms. Figure Olympia by now.

Gina is young enough to become the face of the IFBB for years to come, and it won't be done by the IFBB itself. With her ever-growing fan base, and competitors that are looking up to her the way Gina looks up to Monica (and others), they may have no choice but to market the division around her. I have no clue when Monica will hang up the figure suits for good, but when she does, look for Gina to grab that torch and become her own icon. Then someone can write down who's the future Gina Aliotti in the year 2050! :)

Monica Brant's official website has a brand new look!

I saw on her Facebook that Monica has uploaded her new website, and all I can say is that I'm very impressed. Issac Hinds was responsible for the new look. As always, he did an fantastic job. If you're a fan of Monica (seriously, who isn't a fan of this future IFBB Hall-of-Famer?), come check out the new Monica Brant site!

http://www.monicabrant.com/

A snapshot of Mo's new site