| Name
Melissa “Mo” O’Keefe |
| Age |
| 48 |
| Weight Class |
| Currently 75kg. Has changed every meet. |
| Where do you live? |
| Metro Detroit MI |
| Squat PR: |
| Meet: 231 lbs. gym: 260 lbs |
| Bench PR: |
| Meet: 104.5 lbs, gym: 140 lbs. |
| Deadlift PR: |
| Meet: 259 lbs. gym: 300 lbs |
| Years lifting? |
| 3.5 |
| How did you come to powerlifting or Olympic lifting? |
| I was working with a personal trainer and saw her compete once. I was HOOKED, and knew I wanted to do that too. |
| Do you have any previous athletic or lifting experience? |
| Never touched a barbell before turning 45. |
| Do you compete? Why or why not? If you compete, what do you like most about the competitions? |
| I have done 3 meets so far, and just registered for my 4th. I love the atmosphere, and seeing what I can do each time. Not every meet goes to plan, but each is a learning experience. |
| Equipped or Raw? |
| Raw, tested and untested. |
| Do you have a coach or trainer? In person or online? How did you find your trainer/program? Do you have any advice for women looking for a trainer? |
| I am one, and I have one. Even coaches need coaches. I work with mine mostly remote, though she is local to me so we do some in-person work also. |
| Where do you train? Gym, garage? |
| During Covid, I converted my living room into a gym. I used to also go to a commercial gym but stopped a year or so ago and now I do everything from my home. |
| What is the hardest part about beginning lifting as an older woman? |
| I didn’t find it hard at all. I started right out with a coach who took me seriously and understood the way my body works (classic hard gainer). |
| How has lifting affected your health? |
| My bone density has increased and my mental health is much better. |
| What would you tell women just beginning this journey? |
| Get a coach. Be patient. Trust the process. |
| Include your Instagram (optional) |
| Instagram.com/MoRiginal. |
Yes Mo! She’s the best coach on the planet! ??