2005 rule changes
In a memo dated December 6, 2004, IFBB Chairman Jim Manion introduced the
so-called '20% percent rule', requesting "that female athletes in Bodybuilding,
Fitness and Figure decrease the amount of muscularity by a factor of 20%". The
memo stated that the request "applies to those female athletes whose physiques
require the decrease". A further change was introduced in a memo from Manion
dated April 26, 2005, which announced that starting with the 2005 Ms. Olympia,
the IFBB was abolishing the weight class system adopted in 2000.
The 2005 contest season saw another double winner, as Yaxeni Oriquen won her
third Ms. International title, then edged out defending champion Iris Kyle to
win the Ms. Olympia. Also notable in 2005 was the return of Jitka Harazimova,
who had last competed in 1999. Harazimova won the Charlotte Pro contest in her
return to competition, qualifying her for the Ms. Olympia where she finished
fourth.
2006 and 2007 events
In 2006, Iris Kyle won both the Ms. International and the Ms. Olympia, repeating
her accomplishment of 2004. Kyle won the Ms. International for a third time in
2007, tying the record for most wins shared by Laura Creavalle, Vickie Gates,
and Yaxeni Oriquen. 2007 also saw the revival of the Jan Tana Classic, which
featured two weight classes for the female competitors (and also included a
figure contest). The class titles were won by Stephanie Kessler (heavyweight)
and Sarah Dunlap (lightweight), with Dunlap named the overall winner.
