| Name |
| Anita McCullough |
| Age |
| 61 |
| Weight Class |
| 155lbs. |
| Where do you live? |
| Kansas City, MO |
| Squat PR: |
| 205lbs workout 185lbs meet |
| Bench PR: |
| 105lbs workout 95lbs meet |
| Deadlift PR: |
| 215 workout 205 meet |
| Clean & Jerk PR: |
| NA |
| Snatch PR: |
| NA |
| Years lifting? |
| 6mths |
| How did you come to powerlifting or Olympic lifting? |
| I started out with doing boot camp 6 days a week. We had competitions and games and I enjoyed competing in them, and did quite well. It led to curiosity about what else I could do. I researched Powerlifting and wondered if I could do it. I had my first meet in February 2023 and won first place! Now I’m ranked in the top 20 nationwide for my federation. |
| Do you have any previous athletic or lifting experience? |
| I have been a dabbler off and on for years. Nothing official or truly competitive. |
| Do you compete? Why or why not? If you compete, what do you like most about the competitions? |
| I do compete. It helps with my goal setting and gives me a sense of satisfaction. I hope to continue on for many years to come. |
| 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 do have a coach. I found him through my husband’s gym, MVP. He is a competing power/Olympic lifter, studied weightlifting in college and is super excited to be coaching me. He has taught me so much and has remarked on how teachable I am. |
| Where do you train? Gym, garage? |
| I train at a gym that is multifaceted and expanding. |
| What is the hardest part about beginning lifting as an older woman? |
| The soreness almost daily. It’s hard to get used to that. But, I’ve been learning what to do for those occasional aches and pains and I have developed a regiment that helps. |
| How has lifting affected your health? |
| I feel stronger, more confident. I’ve lost some weight, toned muscles and feel mentally younger. |
| What would you tell women just beginning this journey? |
| Don’t give up. It’s for quality of life, perhaps even quantity. |
