International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness President Rafael Santonja met with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach ©IFBB

International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) President Rafael Santonja met with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach here as bodybuilding makes its Pan American Games debut.

The pair met during the Panam Sports General Assembly, taking place on the eve of the Lima 2019 Opening Ceremony. 

They discussed the upcoming competition, in which bodybuilding is appearing for the first time. 

Two sets of medals are to be awarded, one in men's classic bodybuilding and the other in women's bikini fitness.

International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness President Rafael Santonja and special advisor Santiago Estrada met Panam Sports President Neven Ilic ©IFBB
International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness President Rafael Santonja and special advisor Santiago Estrada met Panam Sports President Neven Ilic ©IFBB

Taking place at Coliseo Mariscal Caceres on August 10, some 32 athletes are expected to compete. 

Bodybuilding is one of 39 sports featuring at Lima 2019, with action lasting until August 11. 

Santonja also met with Panam Sports President Neven Ilic, alongside IFBB special advisor Santiago Estrada.

Despite being included on the Lima 2019, bodybuilding was omitted from the initial programme for Santiago 2023.