If you are a physique athlete or you are into body building, you will know Melissa Sarah Wee. From a bulimic teenager to a body building champion, she is an inspiration for many out there.
Her recent competition:
NPC Central California Championship 2014
Women’s physique division – 2nd Place
NPC National Qualifier Ultimate Warrior 2015
Women’s Physique Division – 1st (Class)
Women’s Physique Division – Overall Champion
We spent a Sunday to find out more about this amazing lady. She tells us more about herself and shares with us some of her favourite quotes.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE STATE OF PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING IN SINGAPORE TODAY?
MSW: It’s still a very young industry for women in Singapore. However, it’s definitely growing and there is a lot of potential for Singaporean women to excel.
She is clothed in strength and dignity. And she laughs without fear of the future – Proverbs 31:25
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU BEGIN BODYBUILDING AND WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO KEEP WITH IT?
MSW: I started training at 18 after a defining moment in my life when I was hospitalised for bulimia. At that time I just wanted to have a fit looking body and a healthy relationship with food. It never occurred to me that I would step on stage one day. As the years go by, I start to see the changes in my body through lifting weights and that gave me the burning desire to keep improving on my physique.
Never compromise who you are just to be accepted. The moment you do, you are living a lie. – Melissa Sarah Wee
COULD YOU DESCRIBE THE NUTRITION PLAN YOU CURRENTLY FOLLOW?
MSW: Nutrition is very important when it comes to fitness. Everyone has different body types and different goals. There is no one size fit all nutrition plan. I don’t stick with the same nutrition plan throughout the year. I plan my food intake according to my goals for a particular season. For example, my contest prep nutrition plan is totally different from my off season diet plan.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR DIET TIPS?
MSW: One advise for dieting is to ALWAYS stick to your plan, be patient and trust in the process. You cannot cheat on your diet and expect amazing results. What you feed your body will eventually show.
You become what you believe. Words become flesh. – Melissa Sarah Wee
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT THE GYM?
MSW: Fitness and going to the gym is a big part of my life. However, it does not define me as a person. My identity is not based on bodybuilding. Anything that is of this world does not last forever. My identity is found in God’s love for me, and that is eternal.
MSW: I am running a hydrotherapy business which is fitness and health related. When I am not at the gym, I am at my office meeting clients who uses hydrotherapy as a form of recovery and wellness.
I love being alone and reading books written by pastors. I’m also big on cooking and baking. My Saturdays are spent with my girlfriends. I love being in nature be it at the beach, or in the forest or mountains. I go to church every Sunday and spend the day after with my church family. As I’m not dieting for a contest right now, I love going for brunch and tea after church with my girlfriends.
Pick up your Sword and fight the good fight of faith. When God shows you the plan, He will guarantee your victory. – Melissa Sarah Wee
YOU ARE SEEN AS AN INSPIRATION TOO MANY BODY BUILDERS OUT THERE, WHO INSPIRES YOU?
MSW: One of my first inspirations in this industry is Dana Linn Bailey. I found her on bodyspace many years ago before she became famous. I’m very thankful that somewhere along the way, I got to be acquainted with Rob ( Dana’s husband) and then Dana herself. It was really amazing as she personally sent me gifts a few times and even wrote to me when I was in Los Angeles preparing for my first contest in 2014. That feeling when your inspiration is rooting for you is just incredible. It pushed me to want to do even better.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS IN THE UPCOMING MONTHS?
MSW: I am preparing for my next competition in August. I will be fighting to earn an IFBB pro card in the Arnold’s Classic in Hong Kong. I have already started my training preparations in January but the real challenge comes in March when I start my pre contest diet.
In the end, your greatest pains will become your greatest strengths. – Melissa Sarah Wee
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVISE FOR ASPIRING BODY BUILDERS OUT THERE?
MSW: One of the biggest lessons I have learnt in my fitness journey is never to be afraid. Many of us are afraid to pursue what we really want because of the fear of failure. So what if you failed on your first attempt? Get up, brush off the dirt and try again. Never allow fear to cheat you of what you could be. I never want to look back and think ” could’ve, should’ve, would’ve”. I want to be able to tell of how fear tried to steal the best things in my life, and I didn’t let it. So don’t ever give fear a chance to take away how wonderful you could have been.
WE ARE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED YOU OBLIGED FOR THE PHOTOSHOOT EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE OFF SEASON, ANY REASON WHY?
MSW: I have never done a photoshoot when I’m off season and holding more body fat. I guess it was because I couldn’t come to terms with not being contest lean. But that was the old me. When you decide to see the beauty in every part of your growth, you will begin to appreciate things you’ve never put into consideration.
I hope that when this publication is released, more people will see that there’s another side of bodybuilding and fitness. You don’t have to be the skinniest or leanest or most well endowed or prettiest person to feel beautiful. My self worth is not defined by society’s preconceived ideas of beauty, neither is it based on the number on the scale. My self worth is based on who I am in Christ and I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
YOU LOOK AMAZING. CARE TO TELL US MORE ABOUT THE TATTOOS ON YOU?
MSW: I have a few tattoos that hold a very special place in my heart. They serve as a reminder when I was going through a very dark episode of my life. The first one is found on my left torso and it says “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear ” 1 John 4:18
The second one is ” We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us” Romans 8:37, and my favourite one is “ She is clothed in strength and dignity. And she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25
All these verses means a lot to me. The words and meaning behind it is just beautiful. It pretty much sums up how I view life and love.
We thank Melissa for her time and obliging the impromptu photoshoot. Showing us a very different side of her and looking effortlessly gorgeous. We wish her all the best former upcoming competition and we leave you readers with one of her favourite quotes. Follow her on Instagram and witness her amazing journey to her next competition.
There’s an end to every storm. Once all the trees have been uprooted, once all the houses have been ripped apart, the wind will hush. The clouds will part. The rain will stop. The sky will clear in an instant. And only then, in those quiet moments after the storm, do we learn who was strong enough to survive it – Melissa Sarah Wee