Sabahan Muscle Queen Strikes Asian Gold

26 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabahan bodybuilder Meilaura Dora Jimmy has once again lifted Malaysia’s flag high after securing gold in the Women’s Bodybuilding -55kg category at the 57th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in Bangkok.

The 45-year-old personal fitness trainer from Kota Kinabalu stood proudly on the podium as Negaraku played at the Alexander Hotel banquet hall, describing the moment as surreal and deeply emotional.

“This gold medal is my gift to my motherland and to the sport of bodybuilding. I’m just thankful to God for giving me the chance to compete,” said Meilaura, who has been competing in bodybuilding for more than two decades.

Vietnam’s Dinh Kim Loan and India’s Sanjeeta Thokchom finished second and third respectively.

The win marks Meilaura’s second Asian gold medal, following her triumph in Batam, Indonesia, last year. She first competed at the Asian stage in 2012 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where she won bronze in the -49kg category, before adding another bronze the following year in Macau.

Her career highlights also include representing Malaysia at the 2022 SEA Games in Vietnam, where she placed among the top five in both the Women’s Bodybuilding and Mixed Pair events.

Expressing gratitude for the support she has received throughout her journey, the Kadazan athlete credited Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, her team-mate Philomena Dexclyn Siar, Prime Fitness, family, friends and fitness buddies

She also thanked the Sports Council of Malaysia, Malaysia Bodybuilding Federation (MBBF), Sports Council of Sabah State, Sabah Bodybuilding Association, and the event organisers in Thailand.

Looking ahead, Meilaura hopes to be selected for the 16th World Championships in Batam this November.

“I’m hopeful, and I will continue my preparation training while waiting for confirmation,” she said.

Malaysia sent a 26-member team to compete in both the Asian and Southeast Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships (SEABP), which were held concurrently. The national squad returned with a commendable medal haul — one gold, three silver and four bronze from SEABP, and four gold, four silver and seven bronze from the Asian championships.