Athlete Bio – Ellen Biagini

Name 
Ellen Biagini
Age
65
Weight Class
67.5
Where do you live?
MA
Squat PR:
offical 209 current 230
Bench PR:
offical MA state record in age/wt 126.8 in training 145
Deadlift PR:
offical 248 current 255
Clean & Jerk PR:
n/a
Snatch PR:
n/a
Years lifting?
1
How did you come to powerlifting or Olympic lifting?
Went to gym after serious car wreck where I laid flat for months to prevent surgery. Had surgery on knee and after a year of P/T and chronic pain, went to gym to try to lose weight. I hired trainer who steered me toward power lifting. Did 2 comps but I am currently injured.
Do you have any previous athletic or lifting experience?
Just typical class stuff. I am a gym class junkie. I was an ultra runner (trails) and did a hundred mile race but my knee told me “no more”.
Do you compete? Why or why not? If you compete, what do you like most about the competitions?
I do compete and plan to continue when I heal my shoulder. I have goals and despite others telling me not to chase numbers, that is exactly what motivates me.
Equipped or Raw?
Raw
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 have an amazing coach.
Where do you train? Gym, garage?
Local very small gym in a very small region
What is the hardest part about beginning lifting as an older woman?
For me, the hardest part is realizing, in the past, if I wanted it, I went after it and usually GOT it with due diligence, persistence and GRIT. Age changes that. No matter how much I want to do, my physical age can and will become a limiting factor (at some point).
How has lifting affected your health?
I feel like I am holding back the hands of time, even if just for awhile. I feel strong and healthy
What would you tell women just beginning this journey?
If you want it, practice, it will come. But if you expect it easy and fast, go to McDonald’s because that is easy and fast.