I was born in Memphis, Tn. and moved to Va. when I was 5 yrs. old. When I was 15 we moved to Wilmington, De. where I spent most of my life until I met my husband who is a police officer in NJ and also a competitive bodybuilder. I started lifting in 1984 looking for direction and something to sink my teeth into. I was hooked! I did my first contest in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1985 and continued from there winning numerous overall titles. In 1992 I went to the Nationals & Jr. Nations where I placed in the top 5 at the Jr’s and 12th at the nationals. I became ill in 1996 (diagnosed with liver disease) and was on medication that made me very sick, weak and unable to compete. Finally in “2001″ I decided to give it another try even though I was still pretty ill.

I won 3 more contests that year. After all those contests, I fell ill again and went back on medication to try and put my disease in remission… 1 year later I succeeded (so far)! I was ready to give it one more shot! In “2004″ I have competed in 4 contests, where I won first place as well as the overall in 3 out of the 4. My last contest (the Team Universe held in NY on August 7, 2004) was my “LUCKY” show, I won my class and the overall which entitles me to go to Spain and compete in the World’s competition in September where I will represent the USA in the lightweight division. So after 20 years of bodybuilding my “Journey has just begun!” This overall placing (from the Team U) also qualifies me to get my “Pro Card!”

At only 5 feet 1 inch and 117 pounds, she looks nothing like what most people expect from a powerlifter. She was a gymnast until 10 years ago, then took up weight lifting and in 1998 set an unofficial world record by lifting twice her body weight, a first for an American woman.

A quick video of Melanie from Lori at last years Arnold Classic:

REPOSTING THE ABOVE LIVE FEMALEMUSCLE.COM VIDEO COVERAGE OF MELANIE ROACH in light of this morning’s sports cover story on Melanie: complete nytimes.com story HERE

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“May 6, 2008
Finding Inner Strength
By GREG BISHOP

SUMNER, Wash. — Melanie Roach is a former gymnast who owns a gymnastics facility. Her husband is a state legislator. At 33, she is the mother of three young children, including 5-year-old Drew, who is autistic. And she can lift 238 pounds over her head.

“She rose to greatness so quickly, and then all of a sudden it was over,” said Roach’s training partner Alexis Reed. “You almost asked yourself, a year or two later, ‘Did that really happen?’ ”

Pictured above Tanya Merryman

Also featured in this set: Julie Palmer, Stacy Simons, Jen Henderschott, and Bethany Gainey

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Featured in this gallery: Dayana Cadeau, Iris Kyle, Cathy LeFrancois, Deb Laszewski, Lisa Aukland

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Featured in this gallery: Gina Alliotti, Regiane DaSilva

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Featured in this gallery: Yaxeni Oriquen, Dayana Cadeau, Cathy LeFrancois, Lisa Auckland

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Featured above: Colette Nelson
Featured in this gallery: Rosemary Jennings, Lisa Auckland, Betty Pariso, Betty Viana-Adkins

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This gallery features: Deb Lazewski, Betty Viana-Adkins, Colette Nelson, Kristi Hawkins, Lisa Auckland, Annie Rivieccio, Tazzie Colomb, Antoinette Thompson, and many behind the scenes photos…

Click competitors name to launch her photo gallery

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from youtube notes: “Alaina Hardie of kimonogirl Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wins by shoulder lock from scarfhold in the no-gi finals at the 2008 Arnold Grappling Championships. For more information about kimonogirl BJJ, Toronto’s only all-women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, please visit http://www.kimonogirl.ca“

Jennifer Gates Arnold Classic 2008 Prejudging Gallery

CLICK HERE

Jule Lohre Gallery

CLICK HERE

JEN HENDERSHOTT GALLERY ARNOLD CLASSIC 2008

CLICK HERE

KIMBERLY KLEIN GALLERY ARNOLD CLASSIC 2008

CLICK HERE

LISA AUKLAND FINALS GALLERY ARNOLD CLASSIC 2008

CLICK HERE

DAYANA CADEAU FINALS GALLERY ARNOLD CLASSIC 2008

CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE

This gallery features shots from the finals of the 2008 Arnold Classic

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There will be much more coming soon, including coverage of the men’s competitions

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Dexter adds a third title to his 2005 and 2006 victories here in Columbus. Second Place – Kai Warren, Third Place – Branch Warren,
Fourth Place – Silvio Samuel, Fifth Place – Gustavo Badell

Here is Dexter Jackson Winning in 2006:

Dexter – the youtube interview at the Arnold Classic:

More photos of Juliana Malacarne HERE.

From Streling Heights, Michigan Nicole won the overall in fitness and figure titles at the 2006 NPC Motor City Classic.

More photos of Nicole Wilkins HERE.

More photos of Natalie Benson HERE.

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Click the photo above to view the gallery