DePass’ powerlifting story about overcoming challenges

JAMAICAN POWERLIFTER Sami DePass has proven that she is a champion of mental and physical strength.

While she now stands as a pioneer in her sport, DePass explained that her interest in powerlifting bloomed from personal struggles in her life.

She sought the gym as a place to boost her self-confidence and, unexpectedly, discovered a new career.

“I started powerlifting when I had mental-health challenges in college,” she said.

“The gym was a place I went to feel better about myself, and I learned a lot of mental fortitude and tools to help me cope with anxiety. After discovering the gym, I then discovered powerlifting,”

The formation of the National Powerlifting Association of Jamaica (NPAJ) also gave her the perfect community to continue her development as a professional powerlifter.

“In 2021 when NPAJ became an organisation, it was the perfect opportunity to get involved more with the sport,” she added.

It did not take long for DePass to flourish on the powerlifting scene, winning her first national title in the same year she joined the NPAJ.

She took home the grand prize in the women’s 76kg class and has been unstoppable since, retaining her title in 2022 and again in 2023.

“I won my first national title in 2021. There’s a pride in your hard work paying off that can’t be explained. I’ve always felt rewarded when I win but that there’s always more work to be done.”

She also stands as the North American Powerlifting champion, having won the title at the 2023 North American Regional Powerlifting Championships.

She said her experience at the regional competition was an important step in her career. The championships gave her valuable experience against international competition, she said.

“My experience at the North American championships was positive as it prepared me for more international competitions and aided in my confidence on the platform,” she said.

“I am usually confident heading into competition as I know I’ve prepared as best as I can.”

She has since gone on to compete twice at the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships, with her best placement being fourth earlier this month.

DePass said she is forever honoured to have the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the world championships. She described the feeling as a “dream come true”.

“To compete at the world championships was a dream come true. To be the first to do anything is a lot of pressure, but I take great pride in representing my nation on that level,” she said.

“I never take for granted being able to compete on that stage.”