Bodybuilding at the 1981 World Games

Medal events in both men's (4) and women's (2) bodybuilding were included in World Games I.

They were held on July 30–31, 1981, at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose, California.

The 1981 Games were the first World Games, an international quadrennial multi-sport event, and were held in California's Santa Clara Valley.

26 of the countries at these Games participated in bodybuilding, making it one of the most represented sports.

Other competitors expected prior to Games – United States: Madeline Almeida, Susan Bressler, Gary Leonard, Ernie Santiago, Richard Baldin, John Burkholder; Singapore: Moh Teck Hin[1]

Arnold Schwarzenegger, winner of seven consecutive world championships, carries the flag of the International Federation of Bodybuilders in the opening ceremony of World Games I in 1981 at Santa Clara University, California.