2023 Arnold Classic Fitness International Results — Ariel Khadr Wins

Ariel Khadr took home the Fitness title and added a successful title defense to become a two-time champion at the Arnold Classic 2023.

Written by Nikhil Sharma

Last updated on March 4th, 2023

Ariel Khadr has won the Women’s Fitness International division at the 2023 Arnold Classic, which was held Mar. 3 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. She managed to defeat Jaclyn Baker, who came in second place ahead of Michelle Fredua-Mensah in third.

The Women’s Fitness category is one of the more functional divisions in bodybuilding. The competitors are judged based on their overall proportions, muscle balance, shape, and stage poise. They get a chance to showcase their athletic abilities with a fitness routine often composed of moves to show off their strength. Since the focus is not solely on the physique, it hosts participants with backgrounds in gymnastics, cheerleading, or dancing.

Reigning champion Ariel Khadr returned to defend her throne and was looking to add the second Arnold Classic title under her belt. She went up against a slew of top talents, such as Jaclyn Baker, who went into the show after narrowly missing out on the top prize to Missy Truscott at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. She was brimming with confidence in hopes of dethroning Khadr after defeating her at the Olympia three months ago.

Four-time Fitness Olympia queen Oksana Grishina displayed her consistency once again. Top-five ranked Olympian Michelle Fredua-Mensah gave a tough competition on stage as well.

During the prejudging, it became evident the competition was down to Khadr and Baker after several callouts. Both ladies stood out on stage with their impeccable conditioning levels, but Khadr seemingly held an edge over Baker and everyone else.

In the end, Ariel Khadr emerged as the champion of the Women’s Fitness Arnold Classic. It may not have been easy, but she edged out Jaclyn Baker with her muscle size, definition, and symmetry to get the win.