'Is he serious?' I thought, eyeing the 170-kilo bar.
A coach, Layne, saw my amazing feat. ‘Wow!’ he said. ‘You’re a natural.’ He offered to train me for strong-woman contests. I liked the idea of building up my strength, so I agreed to start training. It’d be a great way to get fit too, I thought. So I went to the gym before and after work every day.
Layne gave me support and advice, and another friend, Mick, started to work out with me for motivation.
After just a few months, I was down to 100 kilos and ready to compete. For the first few contests I was just pleased to take part. Then in March, there was a contest in Melbourne to crown Australia’s Strongest Woman.
I was nervous, but I threw myself into the events. For one I had to throw a giant 90-kilo stone over a bar. For another, I had to carry 250 kilos on my back for 20 metres as fast as I could.
It was exhausting but all worth it. When the judges tallied the results, they revealed that I was the winner.
Everyone at the gym was happy for me, and my parents, Koale and Caroline were thrilled too.
Last month I flew to South Africa to represent Australia in the world championship, where I came second.
I now visit schools and
try to encourage people to follow their dreams. After
all, I’m proof that you never know what you’re capable
of until you give it a go!
Originally published in that's life! Issue 29, 2016.