Melissa Nichol Flannery
by Gene
X Hwang - January 2003
The
old saying goes, there's no "I" in team, but when it comes to
the PR team, that might not be true, but in a good way.
"My
best friend had competed before and introduced me to the sport. She introduced
me to Carla and the Performance Ready Team and I was instantly hooked.
I began competing in dance and cheerleading at a young age and was a collegiate
cheerleader for two years (until I found fitness). Fitness is more intense
than anything I’ve ever done and I love every minute of it (except for
the diet)," adds Flannery.
"I
am driven to compete by the constant challenges in fitness. It’s not only
physically, but also mentally challenging. I am very motivated by all
of the women on the Performance Ready Team. I have never been surrounded
by so many hard working, goal-oriented women. Just watching everyone accomplish
all that they do motivates me to work harder. When I compete, I’m not
‘technically’ competing against anyone else. I compete against myself.
As long as I beat my last performance and did my best I’m happy with the
results."
So
in essence, while the team motivates each member, the individual accomplishments
also serve to motivate the rest of the team members, in essence making
the "I's" just as important as the team, all in a positive way.
22-year-old
Melissa Flannery has competed three times (all in 2002), culminating in
a 4th place finish at the 2002 Nationals. With such an impressive finish,
she knows that she needs to just refine her physique now.
"My
favorite body part to train would have to be my shoulders. I’m working
very hard to build mass and strength in this area. I’m also working on
my symmetry. When I was younger, I was teased by boys for having big legs.
They would say that I looked like a boy in a dress. I stopped lifting
legs and ran my little tail off to get them smaller. It’s awesome being
involved in a sport that looks for a muscular yet feminine look,"
she adds.
Flannery
wants to get her pro card, but also wants to play it smart and extend
her competitive career as long as her body allows. At such a young age,
she should have many fruitful years ahead of her.
In
the near term, she's training for some shows in 2003 and is a senior
at Colorado State University. She's majoring in Biomedical Sciences, with
a minor in Anatomy.
Those
who are interested in more of Flannery's own anatomy can look for her
in an upcoming issue of Muscle and Fitness magazine.
Contest
History:
- 2002 NPC Sci-Fit Colorado State Bodybuilding/Fitness Championships –
2nd Figure/ Fitness
- 2002
NPC Sci-Fit Carol Semple Classic- Overall Fitness Champion
- 2002 Bodyonics Pinnacle NPC National Fitness Championships- 4th place
Sanchez
and her team would like to thank their sponsors: Cyto-charge, The Point
Athletic Club and Meridian Physical Therapy. She is also planning on promoting
her own fitness, figure, cheerleading and dance competition in late August
2003 and will debut her GlamourJock workout and streetwear line.
Carla
Sanchez's contest summary for 2002:
-
2002 Pittsburgh Pro- 5th overall; 1ST IN THE ROUTINE!
- 2002
SW Pro- 5th place
- 2002
Slovia Pro- 6th place
For
More Information, visit the official site at: www.carlasanchez.com
