REGISTER FOR A SHOW

Cover Story: Nichole Mandanici – New IPL Bikini Pro & Pro Champion – Same show!

Interview & Photography by Ben Yosef

At the March 2025 IPL Connecticut Championship, Nichole Mandanici made history. Earning not one, not two, but three Pro Cards across three divisions and then going on to win her first Pro Bikini title the very same day. After overcoming a major health scare and life-altering surgery, Nichole’s return to the stage wasn’t just a comeback, it was a full-blown triumph. In this candid and inspiring interview, the new IPL Pro and Natural Bikini Magazine Cover Girl opens up about the physical and mental battles she’s overcome, her passion for competing, and the mindset that carried her from recovery room to center stage.

"Since the show I’m still on a high, thankful, and grateful for all my show achievements. I’m even more excited for what the future holds as an IPL Pro."

BEN YOSEF: Congratulations on all your amazing success at the Connecticut Championship! And congratulations on landing the cover of Natural Bikini! For this cover feature, I really want to focus on your success in the Bikini division. Of course, you rocked it in several other divisions—and we’ll get to those in the future—but let’s focus on Bikini for now. How are you feeling now that the dust has settled a little bit from that show? Has the excitement worn off yet?
NICHOLE MANDANICI: Since the show I’m still on a high, thankful, and grateful for all my show achievements. I’m even more excited for what the future holds as an IPL Pro. I have bigger growth goals to achieve now in my improvement season. I cannot wait to get back on stage.
BEN: You mentioned that this prep was your hardest yet. What made it so challenging, and how did you push through the toughest moments?

"I wasn’t even aiming to win or earn a Pro Card. I just wanted to be back on stage. I call that God’s grace."

NICHOLE: Every prep comes with its own set of challenges, but this one was especially tough. I suffered an acute illness that required the removal of a large portion of my colon. It was mind-blowing, especially since I’ve always maintained a clean diet and healthy lifestyle. I had to take six months to heal and eat the opposite of what I was used to…more processed foods just to stabilize. Those six months felt like a decade, filled with flare-ups and emergency room visits.
     About two months into recovery, I made the decision to compete at the IPL show in March. I needed an outlet, something that had been taken from me that I loved deeply… competing. I’ve always felt like I belonged in those heels. That decision gave me the courage and determination to adapt my macros and training to suit this “temporary” lifestyle. I’m not the only woman going through something like this, and I want to inspire others…to show that you can continue doing what you love through acceptance and change.
     When I started prep, my body responded. My mind was clear, and that’s when the magic happened. The crazy part? I wasn’t even aiming to win or earn a Pro Card. I just wanted to be back on stage. But I ended up earning three Pro Cards across three divisions and winning 1st place in Pro Bikini. I’ve been competing for three years and had never won a Pro Card until that day. I call that God’s grace. I’ve now fully recovered from surgery, thanks to an incredible medical team. I’m back, and I’m not done! I’ll be 50 years young this year.

"Today, I approach everything with commitment, vulnerability, and intention. I focus on getting better, not just being good."

BEN: That is such a powerful testimony, Nichole. Not only did you make a remarkable comeback, but you also redefined what it means to compete with heart and purpose. For those still navigating setbacks—whether physical, emotional, or mental—what’s one mindset shift or practical tool you used during this prep that made the biggest difference?
NICHOLE: I started bodybuilding three years ago at 46 to work on myself mentally. I wanted to become more disciplined, resilient, and grateful—and achieve greatness in whatever I set out to do. We all have our reasons for competing. It’s not just about the physique. This comeback was successful because I developed those qualities. Today, I approach everything with commitment, vulnerability, and intention. I focus on getting better, not just being good. A peaceful mind is powerful…it makes you more resilient to life’s challenges.
     Getting sick and needing surgery was a challenge I was determined to conquer. Competing in the IPL gave me the focus I needed to shift from that hardship back to my passion. I owe so much to bodybuilding. We, as competitors, earn this…we build this.

“All the feels! I was numb, overwhelmed with joy, and honestly still in disbelief…I literally dropped to the floor.”

BEN: You earned your Pro Card and Pro title on the same day—an incredible feat! How did you mentally shift gears between the Amateur and Pro stages? Take us back to that moment in Shelton—what was going through your mind when you heard your name called as the Bikini Pro Champion?
NICHOLE: All the feels! I was numb, overwhelmed with joy, and honestly still in disbelief from just earning my Pro Card. When I was asked if I wanted to compete as a Pro that same day, I thought, “Why not? I have nothing to lose—I’m ready!” I was on such a winning streak that day. When they called my name as the Pro Bikini Champion, I literally dropped to the floor. I’m still living in that dream and already excited for my next IPL show.

"keep showing up for yourself. No matter what life throws at you, stay committed."

BEN: That was such a powerful moment! Now that you’re officially an IPL Pro—and a Pro Champion—you’re part of an elite group. What does it mean to you to be part of this league and community?
NICHOLE: It means everything. Being part of the IPL feels like finding my people. We share the same purpose, the same passion, and the same drive. There’s a deep sense of connection and belonging. These women are my “sole sisters” —strong, confident, and beautiful. I’m honored to stand among them.
BEN: It’s an absolute honor to have you in the league. You have such a fantastic attitude and mindset. As a new IPL Pro and Pro Champion, what advice would you give to other athletes who dream of reaching the level you’ve achieved?
NICHOLE: Thank you! My biggest advice: keep showing up for yourself. No matter what life throws at you, stay committed. The gym became my sanctuary—it helped me heal and opened my eyes to what I hadn’t seen before. All the pain, effort, and even sorrow I poured into my workouts transformed into the physique and mindset of a Pro.
     Yes, it takes time to grow naturally. Sometimes it’s just not your season—but with consistency and a healthy mind, you become unstoppable. Don’t let anyone dim your diamond. Know your worth and protect it.

"Ohhh, I’m definitely not done yet—we’re just getting started!"

BEN: Love that! Nichole, thank you so much for chatting with me for Natural Bikini Magazine. Congratulations again on the cover and all your wins! You’re a fun, exciting, and inspirational competitor. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you! Speaking of which—last question! [laughs] How do you plan to carry this momentum into your future Pro shows, and when can we expect to see you back on the IPL stage? Going for another Pro title, perhaps? [smiles]
NICHOLE: Ohhh, I’m definitely not done yet—we’re just getting started! I’m focused on growing and healing throughout 2025. I honestly didn’t expect to win both the Pro Card and Pro title, but here we are. You’ll definitely see me back in 2026, competing in all the divisions I earned. I’ll be back—bigger, better, and built differently. God’s got me. BIKINI

Share this post:

NATURAL BIKINI

More Nichole Mandanici

More From Natural Bikini Summer 2025 Issue

More IPL Bikini Bikini

More From Natural Bikini Magazine

BACK TO THE TOP
Tagged ,
  • competeipl.com
Instagram Youtube