The Wellness division is the 11th and most recent category to be featured in the annual Olympia competition. Even though it is the newest of those featured every year, its fanbase and inclusion of world-class physique athletes cannot be denied.
This division has had an international appeal for several years, but many consider its origins to be based in Brazil. It is similar to the Bikini division, except there is more emphasis on well-developed glutes and thighs. This made it an optimal choice for athletes who were not finding success in the Bikini division but did not want to add muscle to compete in Figure.
As of 2024, there have been four Wellness Olympia competitions, with only two champions. Due to the contest’s youth, the list is short, but several contenders have emerged as potential future champions, making it a yearly must-watch show.
Wellness Olympia Winners
- Francielle Mattos — 2021-23
- Isabelle Nunes — 2024
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Francielle Mattos (2021-23)
Angela Borges was considered the standard bearer of this division before the inaugural Wellness Olympia in 2021. She was the early favorite to win the first Wellness title in Orlando, FL.
However, Francielle Mattos brought the best version of her physique and a loyal fanbase to the Orange County Convention Center and shocked the fitness world, becoming the first Ms. Wellness Olympia. Borges ranked second, and then-rising star Isabelle Nunes won bronze.
2021 — Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
- Francielle Mattos
- Angela Borges
- Isabelle Nunes
Nunes started her 2022 season winning the Wellness International at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH, which she hoped would give her momentum heading into that year’s Olympia in Las Vegas, NV.
However, Mattos refused to be denied, dominating the Olympia stage to become a two-time champion. Nunes finished second overall, setting the stage for the first major rivalry in the division.
2022 — The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
- Francielle Mattos
- Isabelle Nunes
- Angela Borges
2023 saw even more division growth, with stars such as Kassandra Gillis and Elisa Alcantara making their marks in the category. Nunes started 2023 with an injury, putting her 2023 Olympia chances in doubt.
Nunes still returned to the Olympia stage, but the result was a repeat of the previous year. Mattos won again and remained the division’s only champion.
2023 — Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
- Francielle Mattos
- Isabelle Nunes
- Elisa Alcantara
Isabelle Nunes (2024)
The Olympia returned to Las Vegas in 2024, and Nunes returned with a more intense attitude. At the press conference, she told fans and athletes that she was the future, and the future was now. Mattos won the 2024 Wellness International earlier in the year and felt her win was a formality.
The 2024 Olympia was close, but Nunes held center stage at Resorts World Theater this time. The fourth edition of the Wellness Olympia concluded with its second champion. Mattos placed second.
Eduarda Bezerra claimed bronze and is considered by many fans and experts as the division’s next champion in waiting.
2024 — Resorts World Theater, Las Vegas, NV
- Isabelle Nunes
- Francielle Mattos
- Eduarda Bezerra
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Featured Image: @isapereiranunes on Instagram
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