June 21, 2025. ‘Ladies, back turn.’ Prejudging had begun. As the competitors lined up and hit their back poses, Mercedes looked up at the jumbotron—and they knew she had something special. IFBB pro at 23. Mercedes Collin’s wins figure IFBB pro card at her first ever competition. This is her story……

Born in 2001 into a large family, Mercedes Collins was drawn to movement and strength from the time she could walk. Her early training grounds were humble—a shed in the backyard where she lifted alongside her father and brother. It was in that modest space, surrounded by iron and grit, that she began sculpting herself with a quiet intensity.

Her childhood nickname, “Cedes,” became more than just a name—it was a symbol of resilience. From a young age, she refused to be boxed in by expectations. Her aspiration to be strong without imposed societal limitations fueled her drive. That determination shaped her body and mindset, forging the symmetry, muscularity, and poise that would later define her dominance in the figure division. Cedes didn’t just train to compete—she trained to belong to a category that valued physical artistry and strength equally.

Stemming from a fitness-oriented family, Mercedes often says her drive for achievement is deeply rooted in the values passed down through generations—but it’s her mother’s story that breathes life into her ambition. In one of her posts, she wrote, “My momma, making sure I have every tool to be the strong woman she showed me how to be.” It’s more than a tribute; it’s a reflection of unwavering love and the sacrifices that forged the foundation of her strength.

Her mother, a Jamaican immigrant, came to the United States with little more than a passport and a handful of outfits. She earned both a master’s degree and a PhD, served with honor in the U.S. military, and devoted her life to uplifting her family and her community. These accomplishments weren’t just milestones—they were proof, instilled in Mercedes from childhood, that limitations are illusions.

Growing up in the presence of such resilience, Mercedes learned early that greatness isn’t gifted—it’s built, piece by piece, with grit, grace, and sacrifice. Her mother’s journey shaped her core belief: that every rep, every challenge, every dream pursued was a way to honor the legacy of a woman who gave everything so her daughter could chase something more. After her IFBB pro card win, Mercedes didn’t just celebrate personal success—she etched her name into the Collins family legacy as a continuation of her mother’s unstoppable spirit.

Before stepping onto a bodybuilding stage, Mercedes found her first taste of intensity on the track. Sprinting gave her discipline. Training gave her rhythm. And both grounded her in a mindset that embraced discomfort—the kind that builds champions long before medals are awarded.

Now competing in figure, she applies the same fierce intentionality to every rep. Her upper body days prioritize true muscle failure through low weight and high reps, allowing her to continually refine her shape without compromising endurance or balance. Among her most beloved exercises are rows, which she credits as foundational to her back development. From barbell rows to cable variations, they remain a staple in her arsenal—not just for aesthetics but for function and feel.

Her natural low lat insertions and sweeping quads earned her a standout placing, and she plans to hone these assets even further. But what truly sets her apart isn’t just genetics or structure—it’s her mental fortitude. She reached stage-ready condition in just three weeks. Where most athletes follow 12–16-week preps, Mercedes’s stage debut captivated competitors alike and impressed judges. Yet for her, the speed wasn’t a fluke—it was proof. Proof that when you train with purpose and heart, the body follows. Her ability to highlight her femininity through muscularity brings together an ultimate stage presence, and defies the societal perception of women in sports.

Mercedes’s story doesn’t end with a trophy—it begins with purpose. Her rise in the figure division isn’t just about muscle or medals—it’s about meaning. She reminds others that strength begins from within. “Your beauty stands in you,” she says—a mantra she clings to when prep gets tough, when doubt creeps in, when the spotlight feels heavy. It’s a statement that reaches beyond the gym, calling every woman to recognize that her power isn’t granted, it’s claimed.

Her stage debut unveiled not just her potential, but her promise. Fans and judges alike have taken notice—Mercedes isn’t a fleeting spark, she’s a flame that plans to burn brighter on even bigger stages. When asked if Olympia was in her sights, she didn’t hesitate. “Cyd Gillon, figure legend, retired—I aim to fill her place,” she said with unwavering intent. Her journey is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: she’s determined to carve her name into history, lifting not just weights, but every woman who’s ever wondered if she was strong enough.

As her journey unfolds, Mercedes leaves us with a message that echoes beyond the weights and the stage. Her final thought is a call to action—a declaration for every woman who’s ever doubted her strength. “Shamelessly embrace your power,” she says, not as advice, but as lived truth.

Rock bottom, to Mercedes, isn’t a place of despair—it’s open ground waiting to be built into something extraordinary. She doesn’t believe in failure as an end point, but as a beginning. Each setback, each stumble, is just another opportunity waiting to be conquered. Her mindset has been carved by resilience, shaped by legacy, and driven by purpose.

This is more than a debut—this is the birth of a force. Mercedes Collins has stepped onto the stage not just to compete, but to inspire. She’s here to remind every woman watching that strength wears many faces, and each one deserves to be seen.

“Cedes” - Remember Her Name