Kuching Lass is Smashing Stereotypes in Powerlifting
A Formidable Figure in the Sport
Abrienda Chan is a 18-year-old powerlifter from Kuching, Sarawak, who has set numerous national records in the sport. Despite her small stature at 151cm, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her journey in powerlifting began when she started training for judo in March 2021, where she discovered the disciplines of squat, bench press, and deadlift, which are the three key components of powerlifting.
A Chance Encounter
A friend suggested that Chan participate in the Sarawak Powerlifting Open, and she took the opportunity, winning gold medals in the squat, deadlift, and bench press categories as well as the overall total in the sub-junior U52 (below 52kg) category. She also set national records for squat (75kg) and deadlift (110kg) in her debut competition.
A Year of Achievements
In the following year, Chan competed in the Malaysian Association for Powerlifting National Championships, winning gold for squat (85kg), deadlift (120kg), bench press (50kg), and the overall total (255kg). She set national records for all four events and continued to train hard to make her mark at the Asian Classic Powerlifting Championship, where she won gold for bench press and silver for squat, deadlift, and overall total, breaking her own national records for all four.
Achieving Success Amidst Challenges
Despite receiving some negative feedback about her decision to pursue powerlifting, Chan remains undeterred. She believes that these comments are a result of people’s concern, and she encourages others to learn more about the sport and its benefits. She also shares that she still gets nervous before competitions but uses positive reinforcement and believes in giving her best and leaving the outcome to her body and luck.
A Beacon of Inspiration
Today, Chan is taking a gap year to focus on her powerlifting journey, currently training four times a week, with each session lasting between one and a half to four hours. She has also represented Malaysia at the 2024 IPF World Classic & Equipped Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships in Malta, where she took 13th place for squat, 10th for bench press, 11th for deadlift, and 12th for overall total.
Regardless of the medals, Chan’s greatest reward is knowing that she makes her family proud. As she continues to make a name for herself in powerlifting, she is inspired by her coach’s advice to “dream big and who knows?” and never give up.
Conclusion
Abrienda Chan is a shining example of the power of determination and hard work. Her achievements in powerlifting have shattered stereotypes and inspired others to follow in her footsteps. With her positive attitude and passion for the sport, she is a beacon of inspiration for young women everywhere.
FAQs
* Q: How did Abrienda Chan get started in powerlifting?
A: Abrienda Chan started powerlifting as part of her judo training in March 2021.
* Q: What are her goals for the future?
A: Chan is aiming for four golds and at least one Asian record at the next Asian Classic Powerlifting Championships in Uzbekistan.
* Q: What advice would she give to others who want to take up powerlifting?
A: “As humans, it’s natural to feel scared when it comes to stepping out of your comfort zone. But it’s okay to be different, as long as you’re doing something good for yourself.”