Bikini bodybuilder hits back at trolls commenting on her looks

Mel Wilkinson, 28, has hit back at the haters after sharing her story about starting her journey into bodybuilding and pushing aside her dreams of becoming a barrister. 

She decided to drop out in her first year of her law degree in order to turn her love of fitness into her day job. 

Miss Wilkinson from St Peter's in Worcester, has been competing in amateur bikini bodybuilding competitions since the nation came out of lockdown.

Bikini bodybuilder replies to her haters (Image: Mel Wilkinson)

This weekend the bodybuilder could be in with the chance of going pro because she is competing in an International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) in Portugal. 

But after revealing her plans, Miss Wilkinson received a spate of hateful and misogynistic comments for the way she looks.

Luckily, Miss Wilkinson said she has developed a thick skin over the years and even found some of the comments hilarious. 

Bikini bodybuilder replies to her haters (Image: Mel Wilkinson)

She said: "Someone told me I looked like the Hulk and that was funny."

Although Miss Wilkinson said society promotes body positivity and the importance of being kind, she thought some of the comments were ridiculous. 

Miss Wilkinson said: "I was expecting something because I know that I am in the fitness industry and I don't look like the norm.

"Although if you saw me walking down the street in the hoodie, I look like everyone else. 

Mel Wilkinson hopes to go pro this year (Image: SWNS)

"But when I'm on stage, I do look different because you have to wear make-up and a tan that looks good on camera. 

"I do think it's funny that we live in a community where everyone is like 'let's be kind' and then people leave nasty comments.

"But I know it's not a reflection on me and I know they couldn't do what I do, never.

"They just sit at home all day and comment on what they think I should be doing, and they think that is going to make me stop?

"But I mentally know what I want and I know how I like to look."

Some people even told Miss Wilkinson she looked better before she started training.

"In the before photos where everyone told me I looked better, I wasn't eating properly or as much as I should.

"I think there is a big difference between people being thin and still unhealthy.

"Just honour your body and honour your health. 

"What is having an opinion on my life bringing to your life? 

"And is it really making your life better?

"People told me I should've stuck to law, but I would have been miserable but now I get to do a job that doesn't even feel like I'm working most days.

"I don't think a man would have got anywhere near the same level of hate because it is the norm for a man to be strong, but people don't think women should be strong or powerful.

"A male bodybuilder following his passion, wouldn't be seen as a bad thing."