How long have you been competing as a strongman?  Since June of 2012.

 

How did you get started in the sport?  The short answer -- on a dare. I was super clueless my first show, but luckily some of the other competitors took pity on me (You put what on yourself to do Altas Stones?) and helped me make it through. I’ve been hooked ever since.

 

What accomplishment in the sport are you most proud of?  I am proud that in a few weeks, I’ll be lifting alongside some of the most amazing strongwomen in the world at the Arnold. Only recently have women’s classes been added to the competition and this year, 2014, is the first year that heavyweight women are included. I am beyond grateful to all those that have been working hard for years to make this happen.

 

What's the biggest goof/screw up/rookie mistake you've made in a contest?  My most epic goof was at the 2013 Hoosier Strength Challenge at the first event-- max axle clean & press. My 2nd attempt -- 160 I think -- was good, but I hadn’t really learned to control the weight back down to the ground. I was used to the log, which I’d kinda roll back down my body. Yeah, that doesn’t work with a heavy axle. I dropped the axle and tried to catch it with my thigh (instead of doing the smart thing and getting the heck out of the way). I ended up with a hematoma about the size of my hand on my right thigh. Could have been a lot worse. Lesson learned -- if you gotta drop, get out of the way!  

 

What is your favorite event?  Max effort log or axle clean & press! 

 

What is your least favorite event?  Husafell or keg carries. I am a stand still and lift heavy kind of girl.

 

What is your best nugget of advice for a person new to the sport?  Soak up all the information that you can. Ask questions, read articles, watch videos online. Then put in the time to figure out what works for you the best. Getting strong is important, but you also have to be smart. I am constantly both amazed at how far I’ve come and amazed by how much I still need to learn.