Two major announcements have landed in Women’s Bodybuilding almost back-to-back, and both are going to be felt. Anastasia “Nastenka” Leonova is stepping away from the stage for an indefinite break, while Finnish IFBB Pro Olympian Paula Ranta has confirmed that she will make her Women’s Bodybuilding debut at the 2026 Tampa Pro.
One announcement leaves a big gap in the division. The other brings in an athlete many of us have wanted to see in Women’s Bodybuilding for a long time.
Nastenka Is Taking a Break — Not Retiring
Speaking with her husband and coach Hafiz with AJ and JB on the Female Bodybuilding Channel, Leonova explained that she is going to step away from competition and give her physique time to recover. She was clear that this is not a retirement, but she also cannot say if or when she will return to the stage.
After almost a decade of competing, and several years at the highest level of the IFBB Pro League, the decision makes sense. Nastenka earned two Ms. Olympia qualifications during her career, winning the Mr Big Evolution Portugal Pro in both 2021 and 2024. She became known not only for a dense, complete physique, but for posing routines that always brought personality and real performance to the stage.
In 2026 she competed twice. She placed second behind Martina Lopez at the Empro Classic in Alicante, then finished fourth at the Mr Big Evolution Portugal Pro in Estoril.
At both shows we still saw an incredible physique. But if we are honest, we did not see quite the same Nastenka we have come to expect. Second in Spain and fourth in Portugal appeared to confirm what her body was already telling her: after years of hard preparations, it was time for a proper break, recovery and a renewed focus on health.
We wish Anastasia all the best. Thank you for the amazing routines, the performances and the standard you brought to Women’s Bodybuilding. We will definitely miss seeing Nastenka onstage, and we will always hope that one day, when the time is right, we see her back again.
Paula Ranta Confirms Her Women’s Bodybuilding Debut
At almost the same moment the division learned it would be losing one major name, it gained a new one. During an interview with Beyond the Stage TV, Paula Ranta confirmed that she will compete in Women’s Bodybuilding at the Tampa Pro, which runs from 30 July to 1 August in Tampa, Florida.
Ranta is already qualified for the 2026 Women’s Physique Olympia after winning the New York Pro. One week later, she made it two victories in a row at the Pittsburgh Pro, before placing second to Brooke Walker at the Chicago Pro.
Now the obvious target is an Olympia qualification in Women’s Bodybuilding as well.
Paula Has the Size — Now It Is Game On
We knew Paula had the size, muscular density and condition to make a serious impact in Women’s Bodybuilding. Her physique has stood out even within Women’s Physique, and Tampa will finally give us the chance to see how it is judged without the same divisional limits.
Paula said that many people around her encouraged her to make the switch. Of course, the final decision always belongs to the athlete. But sometimes, when the right people see what you have and tell you that you have what it takes, the only answer is to step up and do it.
In Tampa, it is game on. This is going to be epic.
Women’s Bodybuilding is saying goodbye, at least for now, to one of its most recognisable European competitors. At the same time, it is welcoming a powerful new name with the potential to challenge immediately. Two very different announcements, both big enough to change the conversation around the division.
Sources
- Female Bodybuilding Channel — Anastasia Leonova and Hafiz interview
- Beyond the Stage TV — Paula Ranta interview and Tampa Pro announcement
- IFBB Pro League — 2026 Empro Classic Spain Pro
- IFBB Pro League — 2026 Mr Big Evolution Portugal Pro
- IFBB Pro League — 2026 New York Pro
- IFBB Pro League — 2026 Pittsburgh Power & Fitness Festival
- IFBB Pro League — 2026 Tampa Pro
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