Tensed , taut and coated in bronzing tan , these are the female bodybuilders leading the way in a sport that 's becoming increasingly popular with women . The colossally-built , bikini-clad contestants were taking part in a world event held in honour of former Mr Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger . The actor and ex-Governor of California watched from the sidelines as the ripped women competitors paraded around the stage in their bid to win the Arnold Classic Australia . Scroll down for video . The female bodybuilders : Seven ripped bikini-clad competitors line the stage at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre today . The event , held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre today , also saw the sport 's top male competitors battle it out to win the men 's crown . The female competition was split between the figure division and bikini division - although both required participants to don swimwear which left little space for wardrobe malfunctions . After strutting along the stage , each of the bodybuilders flexed their gargantuan muscles honed to perfection after moths of tireless training . Schwarzenegger was seen clapping and cheering as the sportsmen and women stood in an array of poses - ensuring the judges got a view of every angle of their jaw-dropping bodies . Other highlights at the annual event include Australia ’ s Strongest man , Arnold Weightlifting & Powerlifting and Arnold Armwrestling . During an interview with radio station KIIS 1065 Schwarzenegger said : 'It ’ s great to be back here [ in Australia ] . I said I would be back ... The Terminator always keeps his promise . ' The 67-year-old former professional body-builder , won the title of Mr. Olympia seven times , presented the winners with their trophies . On the catwalk : The muscular women donned sparkly swimwear while participating in the annual Arnold Classic Australia today . Showing what she 's got : The crowd watched as bodybuilders flexed their colossal physiques in a number of different poses for the judges . Beach body : A female contestant in the women 's bikini competition shows what she 's made of ( left ) while Arnold Schwarzenegger presents male winner Dexter Jackson of the USA with his glass trophy . Stars of the show : Men 's competition winner Dexter Jackson celebrates his victory in Australia today whole other medal-winners look on . Greeting the crowd : Beefed-up and bronzed male and female competitors are introduced on stage during the Arnold Classic Australia . Annual event : Other highlights include Australia ’ s Strongest man , Arnold Weightlifting & Powerlifting and Arnold Armwrestling . Bulging : Two male contestants look on as a row of their opponents demonstrate their gargantuan physiques by tensing for the judges . Moment to shine : A male contestant milks the crowd at the opening of the men 's competition in Melbourne today . Former champion : Seven-time Mr Olympia winner Arnold Schwarzenegger sat in the crowd while the event named in his honour unfolded .
Male and female bodybuilders competed in the Arnold sports Australia today - named in Schwarzenegger 's honor . celebrities sat in the audience as colossally - built athletes showed off months of dedicated training at Melbourne event . The women 's competition was divided into singles and figure skating , with Arnie presenting the winners with medals .