Powerlifting has become more than just a sport; for some, it’s a way to reclaim the sense of self.

Nine sports later in tandem with a journey of overcoming self doubt, Sophie Hu began weightlifting in the summer 2022. Her path to becoming a three-time state record holder in the United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) wasn’t linear, but it was marked by resilience, discipline, and self-discovery.

Walking into the gym for the first time, Sophie felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. “I was scared—what if I’m not strong enough? What if everyone laughs at me?” she recalled. At just 16 years old, she stepped into a world where strength is measured in pounds lifted and personal records smashed.

At the time, Sophie didn’t take it seriously, only going to the gym on weekends and sticking to what felt comfortable. “I felt really self-conscious and thought no one would take me seriously because I was so weak,” said Sophie, who is now an SHS senior. Being “a small, teenage girl” in a space dominated by men only heightened her feelings of inadequacy. But something shifted last year. That fear slowly began to fade, replaced by a growing interest in the possibilities of what her body could achieve.

The summer of her junior year in high school, she began following a structured program, did more research, and transitioned from bodybuilding to powerlifting. And though the mental challenges persisted, she was determined to push through them. 

Her first step: Signing up for a powerlifting meet, a decision made on a whim, and one that would forever change her relationship with the sport.

She still remembers the familiar pangs of self-doubt creeping in on the bench press—her first two attempts went wrong, one from lifting her butt off the bench and another from racking the bar too early. “I was really upset with myself,” she said, recalling the moment of frustration. But instead of giving up, Sophie refocused, using deep breathing exercises she learned from the Science of Well-Being. On her third and final attempt, she nailed the lift, earning all three white lights from the judges.

“I literally jumped up. I pumped my arms in the air, I was so excited,” she said with a laugh. “When I ran backstage, everyone was excited for me. It was a great feeling.” That moment cemented her love for the sport. Although she didn’t hit her personal bests that day, the courage to compete and the experience of being surrounded by a supportive community made it one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.

For someone who had tried—and quit—nine different sports before discovering powerlifting, this moment was especially significant. From gymnastics to soccer, every sport had left Sophie frustrated with the initial feeling of being bad at something. But powerlifting was different. “It’s taught me mental fortitude,” she described. “If you really want to get stronger, you have to be willing to push yourself to failure.” For her, the physical act of lifting was also a metaphor for resilience: each time you push your muscles to their limits, they come back stronger. And that mindset carried over into her everyday life.

From waking up at 5 a.m. for the gym to immediately heading to early morning meetings at school, Sophie navigates the complexities of self-discipline daily. Nutrition, once a challenge, has become part of her empowerment. “I used to have problems with eating, but now tracking my calories is about fueling my body for training, not for losing weight,” she explained. “It’s been really empowering to reclaim that part of myself.”

Looking ahead, she’s excited to continue competing. Sophie’s goal isn’t just about setting personal records or winning competitions, but about continuing the journey that powerlifting has set her on. “I thought I was really unathletic my whole life,” she reflected. “I think that messed with me for a while. But finding something I’m good at and enjoy—it’s really empowering.”

From a timid start in the women’s section of the gym to competing in her first powerlifting meet, Sophie’s journey is one of reclaiming strength—not just physical strength, but the inner confidence that comes with knowing she can lift whatever life throws at her.