Canadian IFBB Pro Melissa Coates Has Leg Amputated
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Melissa Coates had been experiencing a lot of pain in her left lower leg when she was admitted to the University Medical Center in Las Vegas on October 13, 2020. Upon further examination it was found she had blood clots obstructing the blood flow to her lower leg. A number of procedures were performed over the days that followed to help alleviate the problem and save her leg and ultimately her life, but were unsuccessful. Melissa and her team of doctors had to make the agonizing choice to perform a life-saving above knee amputation of her left leg. Melissa remains positive, but still currently in hospital and in great pain.
Melissa Coates was born and raised in Thunder Bay Ontario. She started bodybuilding at the age of 15 years old to become a pro tennis player! She had some success as a junior, winning the Mid Canada Junior Girls title in 1985, and being the finalist the year before. She also got into powerlifting (had a bench press 250 lbs at 130 lbs). In the early 1990s, she won the lightweight category and the overall of the Physique Challenge contest in Windsor Ontario. She then moved to Los Angeles and three months later won her pro debut - the 1996 Jan Tana! This was a big win for Melissa Coates and she did so at 105 lbs at 5 5'. She competed for a number of years on the pro scene and landed on the cover of virtually every bodybuilding and fitness magazine on the market. She eventually retired from competitive bodybuilding to pursue a career in wrestling.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with all the medical bills during this difficult time. Any and all donations would be greatly appreciated HERE!
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