Melissa Coates
 At
19 years of age, Melissa introduced herself to the sport of bodybuilding, though
her motivation was different then her competitors. Training to be a pro tennis
player like Martina Navratilova, Melissa was quick to notice the build on Martinas
frame and strived to copy her physique and playing style.
It wasnt long before Melissa was lifting heavy so heavy she was gaining attention
from the powerlifters at her gym. Realizing her strength, she decided to take
on powerlifting. Being just under 5-5 at 130 pounds, Melissas best bench is
250 pounds. That is impressive!
Competition fueled her desire to train and after just one year of hard lifting,
Melissa, weighing 135 140 pounds in the off-season, took to bodybuilding contests.
Winning four Canadian shows, Melissa was a champion middleweight and turned
pro at the nationals.
In 1996, she dominated the Jan Tana and placed 9th at the Ms. Olympia. Without
a break, Melissa went on to tackle the 1997 Ms. International and placed 5th
runner up. That same year she took to the stage of the Ms. Olympia a second
time. Possessing excellent symmetry and a contest weight of 130 pounds, Melissa
placed 13th at the 1999 Ms. International. In the future, if this shows guidelines
change to become more like those of a beauty pageant, she is sure to place higher.
 So
where does a champion with such natural beauty originate from? Why Ontario,
Canada of course. As a career move for the sport, Melissa now lives in the United
States. Today, California is her playground, but look out New York and Chicago Melissa may be coming your way!
When I grow up I want to be a bodybuilder. This is not the most common sentence
amongst ten-year olds. When I asked Melissa what shed be doing otherwise, her
answer was simple. Doctor. I have my biology degree. A pro tennis player or
a sports therapist.
In five to ten years, Melissa would like to settle down and start a family.
Being married and having that ring on her finger is a trophy she knows shell
have one day. As her husband, you can bet youll have a life filled with healthy
entertainment.
 We
have all looked up to a bodybuilder or two as we made our way up the ropes.
What advice would Melissa give me if I were 21 again, with the goal of being
the next Melissa Coates?
Make sure you had another job as a backup because you cant make a living out
of bodybuilding. This sport takes an unbelievable amount of dedication, discipline
and focus. I worked four jobs in Canada and I never partied.
Your training has paid off Melissa, because we all know who you are. We admire
the drive you have to continue and well always be behind you 110 percent no
matter what you do.
For her spare time, (which is not really in her vocabulary) Melissa doesnt
have any. She had to think about this one.
I am so busy. I enjoy going to movies, clubs, dinner and reading Ann Rice books.
I am pretty much dedicated to bodybuilding though. Wrestling and kickboxing
are Melissas active hobbies.
When Melissa is relaxing after dinner or reading Ann Rice, she loves desserts
like chocolate bunnies or ice cream with hot fudge.
 As
a person who eats to win, Melissa knows she needs six high protein meals a day,
which she calls a pain in the butt. For the ten weeks before each show, when
she needs to be dedicated, oatmeal, chicken, egg whites and salads replace the
bunnies.
Any closing comments for your fans and friends?
Chyna is shedding a good light on womens bodybuilding.
My closing comment?
If youre a casting director, agent, or producer and youd like to cast Melissa
in your film or television show, youre in luck because Melissa would love to
hear from you. Take it from me: Melissa is one hard worker and would make your
show one to remember!
Melissa's mailing address:
2554 Lincoln Blvd. PMB 307
Venice, CA 90291
Email: melissacoates@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.melissacoates.net/
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