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Press Release
May 2nd, 2007 (In local Tri-City Times Newspaper)
Local Competitor prepares for FAMEAlmont resident, Melissa Francis is on the path to her dream. 2006 marked the year that she would “just do it” and compete on stage with other athletes in a physique competition.
A turning point for Melissa happened as she was at her mother’s side as she was dying of stage 4 breast cancer. “As much of an amazing woman my mother was, I know that there were dreams that my mother had, that she didn’t get the chance to accomplish. I knew then that it was time to ‘seize the day’ and get to work on my own dreams – in memory of her.”
Melissa’s husband, Bryan had put the idea of competing in her head years earlier. “We had completed the EAS Body for Life challenge several years ago and from that I learned how much you can transform your body through resistance training.
Melissa was born and raised in a small town in Illinois. While she and her husband lived in the Chicago suburbs for 5 years, they were open and thrilled to move to Michigan. “We love the small town atmosphere, where you can feel safe raising your child and trust most of your neighbors like your friends.”
After months of training and clean eating, she competed with the WNSO (World Natural Sports Organization) – otherwise known as FAME, in last October’s Halloween Mayhem, held in Hamilton Ontario. She placed 5th in the fitness model tall category, qualifying her for nationals and the chance to vie for her Pro card.
“Being on stage is such an adrenaline rush. Just looking forward to that moment keeps me motivated when training. When people ask me how I’m able to eat super clean, while people around me aren’t, I simply tell them that thinking of being on stage, with a bikini on, in front of hundreds of people, while being judged on how I look, helps me to stay on track.”
Now that Melissa has a top 5 finish under her belt, she has set some higher goals for herself. “I definitely want to improve on my 5th place finish, with the ultimate goal of winning at the national level and earning my Pro card.
Melissa’s tentative 2007 competition schedule is as follows:
May 5th – FAME Maggie Diubaldo Classic – Toronto, ON
June 8-10th – FAME Canadian Nationals – Toronto, ON
October 27th – UFE Halloween Mayhem – Hamilton, ON
In preparation for this year’s competitions, Melissa is currently seeking sponsorship to aid in her numerous competition expenses. For sponsorship interest, please contact Melissa at melissafit@hotmail.com
Melissa’s online FAME profile is located at msfit.thefameagency.com
For information on WNSO/FAME, log onto www.wowfame.com