Q & A with Ms Olympia Iris Kyle


Last October Iris Kyle defeated Lenda Murray to win the Ms Olympia. But while Ronnie Coleman got $120,000 for winning the Mr Olympia, Iris earned just $10, 000. Just a month after the show, the IFBB sent out a directive
telling all pro female bodybuilders, figure and fitness athletes to decrease
their muscularity by 20%.  In this exclusive interview with the new Ms
Olympia, she tells us about money, media, and why she is ready to mix it up
with the male pros.


How does it feel to be Ms Olympia?
It's an indescribable feeling. Being Ms. Olympia has always been a dream of
mine, ever since the beginning of my career. Us women bodybuilders all set
being Ms. O as our ultimate goal. Now I have accomplished my all time goal,
only to wonder, where do I go from here? My only answer is to continue,
seeing how many times I can successful win the Ms. O. Being considered the
best in the world and having everyone saying I have the best body is a dream
come true. To be honest with you, it's been five months and counting, and I
really have to say, it hasn't hit me yet. Without a doubt, I feel different,
but being able to describe the difference is impossible. Doors have opened
in more ways than one. But overall, the difference would have to be within
my own self - the individual accomplishment, being considered number one.

How do you feel about the decline in media coverage of female bodybuilding?
It's a joke. But we can sit back and complain about it, or we can take the
necessary steps to see how we can be more accepted by the media. I have
always been considered one of the top athletes in the sport, but receiving
coverage in the magazines has always been all non-void, so I'm definitely
used to it. I would love to see a change for us all. We work as hard as, or
harder than, the male athletes, so it's only fair to give the women athletes
their just due. The bottom line is we need more support. That support can
start from the people in those particular areas of the media.

Does it frustrate you that there is such a difference between the men and
women as far as prize money, media coverage and sponsorship?
A difference is an understatement! The money, media coverage and sponsorship
isn't even worth the comparison. Yes, I'm frustrated, as I'm sure the other
women are as well. If it was possible, I'm willing to compete with the men,
considering the prize money for first place in the women's contest still
doesn't match what any of the top ten men are getting. At least I stand a
chance of getting in the magazine by mixing it up with the guys, as you can
see from the press conference at the Olympia 2004! Who knows? It may drive
more sponsorships our way!

Are you serious about competing with the men?
If competing with the men is required in order to maximize my earnings in
prize money, hell, open the doors - you can count me in! I enjoyed every
minute being onstage with the guys at the press conference. I had a blast! I
wanted the guys to know I can hold my own. I'm not frightened in the least
bit. I would challenge any of them in the challenge round.

What do you say to people who say the look you represent is too "extreme"?
My take on being "extreme" and the people who think I'm "too extreme" is:
Thanks! That's a compliment far as I'm concerned! I'm curious to know who
those people are. Obviously not the judges! The ones complaining could only
be athletes who can't obtain my look because they aren't driven enough,
don't have the knowledge or don't have the genetic makeup that I have. My
physique speaks for itself. Until the judges instruct me otherwise I will
continue to represent "extreme".

A month after the Olympia last year, the IFBB sent out a directive requiring
all pro female bodybuilders, figure and fitness athletes to be 20% less
muscular. What did you think when you received it?
I'm a part of an organization, which has rules and regulations that all
athletes must follow. To go against any of those rules will only sabotage my
own outcome. You have to remember, I was recently crowned Ms. O, and I think
my physique is the ideal physique of what an athlete should represent. I
haven't quite thought about which way I should turn, but I will definitely
have a complete physique.

What would you like to see change in women's bodybuilding?
Us women deserve to receive the same respect as the male athletes are
receiving. Secondly, more prize money, sponsorships and definitely coverage
- which should come automatically with all the hard work that we endure.
With that being said, I hope with time we can bring about a change for all
of us to appreciate.