Cydney Gillon has won Figure Olympia for seven consecutive years. As the second African-American woman to win the title, Gillon takes much responsibility for her position in the female fitness community. And so, she can take such a big step; something that has rarely happened in the bodybuilding industry. Gillon has given money to an IFBB Pro Winner out of her pocket.

The 32-year-old bodybuilder, who also has a degree in psychology, understands the poor structures of prize money in the industry. However, the women’s section remains more vulnerable to such injustice that they only receive a meager amount which is nearly not sufficient. Quite notable, yet, this leaves Cydney Gillon to make her own decision.

Cydney Gillon gives additional money to the top three

In one of the latest Instagram posts by bisandtris, a photo of Cydney Gillon and Wendy Fortino. The latter has been an 8-time IFBB Pro winner while also having a degree in exercise physiology. As Fortino wins the IFBB Pro League Triple O Dynasty Figure Pro title, it comes to light that the prize money is only $3000. Gillon comes forward and adds a little more than double the amount to make it $7000. In her post on Instagram, Gillon raised the issue of how women’s bodybuilding niche needs to raise a higher amount of prize money. She stated, “Hopefully as we grow, we will be able to raise the prize money for Women’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Physique and Figure even more.”

However, in a scenario where the winner is only entitled to $3000, the runner-ups can easily have a much lesser amount to call their own. So rather generously, Gillon also added prize money to the initially allocated amount for Maggie Watson from Canada and USA’s Sandee Lark.

She also promises to continue doing this deed. Gillon stated, “I vow to continue adding my own additional funds for my Figure ladies to any sponsorship prize money we receive.”

The bodybuilding industry has always faced this issue about the prize money being given to them is never sufficient considering the amount of hard work and money they invest in the journey to these competitions. When fans came across this act by Gillon they appreciated her initiative to a great deal.

Women’s bodybuilding and the unjust prize money distribution

One of the fans stated, “Forget a seat at the table, she buys her own table…” Another commented on how the chain started by Gillon must be followed by other fitness icons in the coming future, “Class act, from a Class Athlete. Her blessings will be multiplied to say the least.” Another fan stated that the industry needs actions and decisions like these which bring about positivity. They said, “This is the type of positivity we need in our industry.” Someone also said, “Leading by example a little sad that she has to do it but this is still great.” Yet another fan commented, “Wow!!! You go CYD!! That’s incredible.”

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It is high time that women should support women and raise awareness about how they should demand more money in the coming days. Do you see a future where it is possible?

READ MORE: “Hey Girls, Still Be Muscular”: Women Bodybuilders Were Penalized for Being ‘Too Big’ at 1992 Ms. Olympia