IFBB Bikini Pro | MASTER BIKINI OLYMPIAN 🇭🇷🇺🇲 | 2× IFBB Masters World Champion '22/'24 | IFBB Master National Champion 2017 | 25 IFBB Master Pro Bikini Wins | ISSA Certified Personal Trainer | Bodybuilding Specialist
Merica Abbado, known as Meri, has redefined what it means to embrace transformation and overcome life’s challenges. From the picturesque Dalmatian coast of Split, Croatia, to the bright lights of Los Angeles, her journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and unshakable determination. Born 56 years ago in Split, Meri grew up surrounded by the beauty of the Adriatic Sea. Her early years were filled with ambition, which led her to Zagreb to pursue higher education. It was there that she met her husband, and their love story took them across Europe, living in Paris and Luxembourg, before they eventually made their way to Los Angeles. In 1988, Meri arrived in the United States with her then-husband and their eight-month-old son, ready to build a life in a new country. For 15 years, she embraced her role as a homemaker, dedicating herself to raising her two sons. Life, however, took an unexpected turn in her early 40s. At 43, Meri underwent a hysterectomy, an experience that not only challenged her physically but also emotionally. Adding to the upheaval, her marriage ended, leaving her a single mother navigating uncharted territory. Amidst this storm of change, Meri stumbled upon a path that would redefine her future. She began with simple workouts on a treadmill at home, hoping to regain strength and recover from surgery. These small steps evolved into a deeper commitment to fitness as she explored home exercises and developed a newfound appreciation for the transformative power of movement.
What began as a private journey quickly gained a public platform. Encouraged by friends who sought her advice, Meri created a fitness-focused Facebook page to share her workouts and routines. To her surprise, the page resonated with middle-aged women seeking inspiration and practical guidance. Within a few years, it grew into a vibrant community of nearly 100,000 followers, solidifying Meri as a voice for women over 40 seeking to reclaim their health.
Recognizing the responsibility of her growing platform, Meri pursued a four-month course to become an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and Bodybuilding Specialist. Armed with her certifications, she began training clients, helping others embark on their fitness journeys with confidence and clarity.
It was during this period of discovery that Meri encountered the world of bodybuilding. Completely new to the sport, she immersed herself in research and decided to take a leap of faith. In 2016, she entered her first local NPC competition, training entirely on her own. To her amazement, she placed in the top three of her class—a moment that sparked a newfound passion.
Driven by the thrill of competition, Meri dedicated herself to the discipline of bodybuilding. Just one year after her first competition, she earned her Pro Card at the Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh—a milestone that marked her entry into the professional league. Competing in the IFBB circuit, Meri quickly established herself as a formidable contender in the Bikini division, dominating stages across the world.
The challenges were immense. Competing against women half her age demanded relentless training, mental resilience, and an unyielding belief in herself. Yet Meri thrived under pressure, consistently proving that age is no barrier to excellence. In 2020, her competitive season reached its peak as she competed in five major IFBB Masters Bikini shows, earning 10 gold medals across various classes (35+, 40+, 45+, and 50+). These victories cemented her position as one of the top Masters Bikini competitors globally.
Meri’s success extends far beyond her personal achievements. Her journey is a beacon of hope for women navigating the complexities of aging, health, and self-discovery. She is deeply committed to fostering a mindset of resilience and self-care among women over 45, encouraging them to prioritize hormonal balance, fitness, and mindful living.
Through her platform, Meri inspires women to embrace the challenges of life with courage and optimism. She believes that profound transformations often begin with small, deliberate steps—whether it’s stepping onto a treadmill for the first time or enrolling in a fitness class.
Meri’s story is not just about defying odds; it’s about creating a ripple effect of empowerment. She has built a community where women feel seen, heard, and motivated to take charge of their lives. Her mission is clear: to redefine aging, proving that vitality, strength, and purpose are attainable at any stage of life.
Today, Meri Abbado stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and reinvention. Her journey from a homemaker to a globally celebrated athlete, trainer, and motivator is a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Whether she’s competing on stage or mentoring women through their fitness journeys, Meri’s impact is undeniable. She is living proof that with dedication, courage, and an unyielding belief in oneself, the “impossible” can become reality.
Meri Abbado continues to inspire women worldwide, challenging them to embrace their potential and live life to the fullest—one step, one lift, one goal at a time.
Professional Photos are by: Alex Ardenti
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