Shocking "girls" bodybuilders

Women's bodybuilding is a very controversial thing. Women with huge "banks", bulging veins all over their bodies look a little ... ahem ... exotic. Sometimes, if it were not for the presence of a bikini and cosmetics, it is rather difficult to recognize a female individual in these mountains of muscles.

German photographer Martin Schoeller, known for his close-up portraits, turned his lens to the extraordinary ladies whose stories you will learn from this issue.

(Total 9 photos)

1. Carmella Cureton

Born in Baltimore (Maryland, USA). Lives in Atlanta (Georgia, USA). Has been bodybuilding for 25 years. Best results: New Jersey State Championship, 1994 - 1st place; US Championship, 1994 - 1st place.

2. Nadia Nardi

She was born on November 21, 1976 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Lives in Victoria (British Columbia, Canada). Has been bodybuilding for 9 years. Best result: Canadian Championships, 2007 - 1st place overall.

3. Mercedes Burns-Bazemoor

Born in Norfolk (Virginia, USA). Lives in Virginia Beach (Virginia, USA). Has been bodybuilding for 10 years, starting training at 40. Best result: Europa Super Show, 2004 - 4th place.

4. Fanny Barrios

She was born on May 30, 1964 in Caracas (Venezuela). Died August 7, 2005. Best results: Jan Tana Classic, 2001 - 1st place; Jan Tana Classis, 2002 - 1st place; "Miss International", 2002 - 3rd place; "Miss Olympia", 2002 - 3rd place.

5. Irene Anderson

She was born on September 9, 1966 in Denmark. Lives in the city of Vestra Frelunda (Sweden). Has been bodybuilding for 15 years. Best results: Jan Tana Classic, 2007 - 4th place; Sacramento Pro, 2007 - 7th.

6. Maria-Leana Lehtonen

Born in 1968 in Tampere (Finland). Lives in Tampere. Has been bodybuilding since 1988. Best results: Jan Tana Classic, 2002 - 3rd place; Night of Champions, 2004 - 2nd place; Jan Tana Classic, 2007 - 3rd place.

7. Lenda Murray

She was born on February 22, 1962 in Detroit (Michigan, USA). Lives in Venice (California, USA). I have been bodybuilding for 23 years. Best results: North American Championship, 1989 - 1st place; "Miss Olympia", 1990-95 and 2002-03 - 1st place.

8 Michelle Davis

Born July 19, 1957 in Brooklyn (New York, USA). Lives in Alpharetta (Georgia, USA). Has been bodybuilding for 10 years. Best results: US Championship, 2002 - 4th place; US Championship, 2003 - 1st place.

9. Sarah Bridges

She was born on June 8, 1970 in London (UK). Lives in London. Has been bodybuilding since 1991. Best results: British Championship, 2002 - 2nd place; British Championship, 2003 - 1st place.