As part of Her World’s Health and Wellness Report 2022, where we surveyed over 6,000 women in Singapore, we bring to attention some of the key areas our readers are most interested in through personal stories. And in this three-part series on physical health, we shine the spotlight on women who are at the top of their game in traditionally male-dominated sports.
Farhanna Farid is a powerlifter who has broken multiple Asian records and who is the first Singaporean to clinch an overall gold medal in the open age category at the Classic Powerlifting Championship in Mongolia. The 30-year-old tells us about what she loves about the sport and what she makes of its gender dynamics.
“I got into powerlifting when I started following my boyfriend to the gym. Back then, I had no sense of my strength or lifting capabilities, so when I dead- lifted more than the national record, I had no idea what my potential could mean. However, it marked the turning point, as my boyfriend then suggested that we engage a powerlifting coach to see how far I could take it.
While powerlifting takes centre stage in my life right now, I wouldn’t call myself a professional powerlifter as I’m not a full-time athlete and I’m not getting paid for it. We do not have a grading system – that is how accessible powerlifting is – and there are no entry requirements to competitions either. Powerlifting has taught me a lot about my own body: Its uniqueness, strengths and limitations. It has also given me the discipline to push or hold back when necessary.