Relentless: Melanie Tonkin's Journey to Becoming an IFBB Pro

Some athletes earn their IFBB Pro card on the first attempt.

Others have to fight for it.

For Melanie Tonkin, the journey has been one of resilience, persistence and an unwavering belief that her moment would eventually come.

Ahead of last weekend's Amateur Olympia Portugal, Mel announced that this would be her final attempt of the season. After coming agonisingly close on several occasions throughout the year, many within the bodybuilding community were hoping this would finally be the show where everything came together.

Thankfully, it did.

Speaking to Foxy after her victory, Mel described this as both the toughest and the most rewarding season of her competitive career.

Over the past year, she has completely immersed herself in the Fit Model division, stepping on stage an incredible 11 times since October. Every competition taught her something new—not only as an athlete but also as a coach, giving her invaluable experience that she now shares with her own clients.

When asked what it felt like to finally earn her IFBB Pro card, Mel admitted the moment still hasn't quite sunk in.

"It was overwhelming. After coming so close so many times, hearing my name called was an incredible feeling. It still doesn't feel real. I look at my Pro card and think, 'I'm actually an IFBB Pro!'"

Like many competitors, Mel's love of bodybuilding started with a simple challenge.

Having previously dieted for photoshoots and holidays, she decided during the 2020 lockdown to push herself even further by entering her first competition. She stepped onto the PCA First Timers stage in the Bikini division, placing third, and from that moment she was hooked.

Fast forward five years, 33 competitions and countless hours of hard work later, and she's achieved the goal she'd been chasing for so long.

Watching Mel's journey this season has reminded many people of IFBB Bikini Pro Kerry Sexton's relentless pursuit of professional status back in 2019. Both athletes refused to let setbacks define them, choosing instead to keep showing up until they achieved the result they'd worked so hard for.

Away from the stage, however, this prep has been about far more than bodybuilding.

Mel revealed that contest preparation became a source of stability during one of the most emotionally demanding years of her life.

Alongside planning her wedding, she has experienced the heartbreaking loss of her beloved dog, Simba, supported her father through Stage 4 cancer, continued helping her mum through her stroke recovery, while also running a successful coaching and posing business alongside her family's glamping business.

For many people, that would have been enough to stop competing altogether.

Instead, prep gave Mel something positive to focus on and a goal that kept her moving forward.

Reflecting on the highlights of her season, she said:

"Outside of turning Pro, FIBO was definitely one of my favourite moments. I came so close to earning my Pro card and was judged by Tyler Manion, who told me to keep going and that I was perfect for Fit Model. Hearing that meant a lot.

Having two of my closest friends there supporting me and sharing that experience made the day even more special.

Alicante last year was another highlight. One of my closest friends was competing in Bikini, so being backstage together was so much fun. Then celebrating afterwards with our other halves made it a weekend I'll always remember."

One aspect of Mel's journey that makes her achievement even more impressive is the fact that she coaches herself.

When I asked whether she ever struggles with self-doubt, she admitted there have certainly been moments—particularly during peak week. Carb loading, she laughed, still makes her nervous.

Although Mel takes full responsibility for her own preparation, she was quick to acknowledge the huge role her husband, Lloyd, has played throughout her competitive career. He has helped guide every one of her Bikini preps and continues to be an important part of the process.

As if earning her Pro card wasn't enough, Mel had the opportunity to make history less than 24 hours later by competing in Europe's very first IFBB Pro Fit Model show.

Facing a stacked lineup of 40 professional athletes, it was a huge step up in competition, but one she embraced wholeheartedly.

Competing on the rotating stage was something she'd always dreamed of experiencing. While holding her front pose as the platform turned beneath her feet was, in her words, "slightly terrifying," she loved every minute of her professional debut—even when the judges had the athletes holding poses for what felt like forever.

Looking back on the experience, she said:

"I'm proud to have been part of the first-ever Fit Model Pro show in Europe. Portugal always puts on an amazing event, and the venue was incredible. I went into my Pro debut simply wanting to enjoy it, and I definitely did."

When asked what advice she'd give to amateur athletes chasing their own Pro card, her answer perfectly reflected the mindset that's carried her through this journey.

"Be relentless.

If you have a dream you can't stop thinking about, don't give up on it.

Don't let one result define you. I finished fourth—my lowest placing ever—the week before winning my Pro card.

Enjoy the journey and keep improving. Fit Model is subjective. Some judges will love your look and others won't. Focus on bringing the version of the criteria that best suits your physique, not somebody else's."

Now that she's achieved professional status, Mel plans to enjoy a well-earned off-season, focus on starting a family and continue developing her physique for the Fit Model division.

Long term, the goal remains clear.

After becoming a mum, she hopes to return to the stage with one objective in mind—qualifying for the Olympia.

It has been a privilege to watch Mel's journey unfold this season.

Her perseverance, resilience and refusal to give up have finally been rewarded, and it's fantastic to see another outstanding British athlete join the IFBB Professional League.

If this season has proved anything, it's that relentless persistence really does pay off.