Who: Redmond resident Michele M. D’Amour, a 42-year-old mother and powerlifter
What: Set records at the Washington State Powerlifting Championship
(squat 275.5 lbs, bench 143.5 lbs, dead lift 325 lbs, total 744 lbs)
Where: Olympia, WA
When: Saturday, March 7, 2009
Why: sports / fitness / health interest
Ms. D’Amour took up power lifting in an effort to get healthy after years of being sedentary and out of shape, and discovered that she not only had the strength, but also had a knack for the sport. Power lifting has helped her to lose body fat and find the motivation to work out consistently. She began competing as a power lifter in late 2008, and set Washington State records at her first competition. She competes as a “raw” lifter, which means that she lifts without supportive gear, such as a bench shirt or squat suit.
Ms. D’Amour has chronicled her journey with a blog at www.heavy-duty-
