*VICTORY IS NOT WON ALONE*
The Road to Raw Nationals sounds like the Major Leagues of Raw Lifting. It is where athletes "Bring It"; All or Nothing. I did not know this was the road, I'd be walking; taking steps toward a National Win. When I walked into the doors of Iron Arena Powerlifting & Performance, I was looking for strict programming, one that would set me up to become a better lifter. I met Jason Manenkoff, told him of my goals and we got to work. Who would've thought that in just a few short months after our intro, that I'd be standing on the platform as a National Champion.
Competing at Raw Nationals was Electrifying! I was excited about Everything. My teammates were there at every turn. I knew how much they supported me and I was ready to give it my all. Backstage was where the adrenaline rose greater. All the athletes awaiting their turn to lift, but the only person that I had eyes on was "My Coach". The only thing that mattered at this heart throbbing moment was what he would say. When he said move, I moved, when he said "It's almost time", I gave those wrist wraps a turn, and when he said "Showtime", I slapped in the mouth-piece, and decorated my hands with chalk ..."Let's Go Baby"!!!!
Each lift was surreal, Lights, Camera Action! I knew what we worked for, together; it wasn't just me lifting. Everyone who believed in me, especially my teammates, All those hands touched the bar. That's the drive, the unmeasurable energy that made my lifts successful. And when those Shiny White Bulbs flashed, I couldn't hold in my excitement. It meant, the training was Spot On, My Coach was Right On and I had done Well. I'm full of gratitude and honored to be a National Champ.
-Andrea White, 2015 USAPL Raw National Champion 57 kg./125 lb. Weight Class (413.5kg/911lb @ 56.2kg/123.6 bodyweight), American Record holder Deadlift (186kg/410lb) total (911 lbs.)
