MARY ELIZABETH LADO BIOGRAPHY

I was born and raised in good ole N'awlins, Louisiana. This is probably one of the toughest places to diet between the unbelievable food and spirit.

My mother is from Oriente, Cuba and my father is from Muros, Spain. I have two younger brothers ages 25 and 22.

As a young child sports have been my life. Sports paid my way through college by receiving a full scholarship playing softball at Chipola Junior College and Georgia Southwestern State University. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology.

When I finished college I started working out in the gym to stay fit and to give me something to do. I was asked if I have ever thought of doing a fitness competition; I didn't know  this sort of thing existed. I decided to give it a whirl and see what it was like. I entered the 2003 NPC New Orleans Championships and took my first win; I was hooked! I went on to win the NPC Greater Gulf States and placed in two other shows the same year including the NPC National Figure Championships.

The following year, 2004, I entered NPC Junior Nationals and took second. Then I went on to New York where I won my class and the overall to get my pro card at the NPC National Figure Championships. The 2005 Arnold Classic was my first pro show and I placed third in the IFBB Figure International. Then came the IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Figure where I got my first pro win and I followed that with a win at the IFBB California Figure Pro. I qualified for the IFBB Figure Olympia that year and placed 5th.

In 2006 I won the IFBB Figure International but placed 5th at the 2006 Figure Olympia. In 2007 I retained my title at the IFBB Figure International.  The Figure Olympia that year was not a good one so I decided to regroup, which included skipping the 2008 IFBB Figure International.

Well . . . now I am back in 2008 after a short break and planned to make a BIG comeback. I am ready to take the stage stronger than ever.  My goal was to win my comeback contest, the IFBB Jacksonville Pro Figure and then get back into the top 5 of the IFBB Figure Olympia.  I accomplished both!  Next up for me is reclaiming the IFBB Figure International to be only the second competitor to ever do it.

I have also done some amazing new photo shoots for my members-only section that you will enjoy plus some more shoots for magazines that will be out soon.

I continue to personal train at Premier Fitness Center. I would like to thank Passion Fruit Designs for my wonderful suits and Phiddipides for their amazing workout shoes. I would also like to thank my family, boyfriend, and friends for their support and much needed help.

Thank you all for visiting please come back.

Mary