The 18-year-old Kuching lass has set numerous national records, a remarkable feat given that her first competition – the Sarawak Powerlifting Open – was held in 2022. What’s more astonishing is that her foray into this male-dominated sport happened by chance.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Chan revealed that she began powerlifting as part of her judo training in March 2021. “I did squats, bench presses and deadlifts, not knowing that these are the three disciplines of powerlifting,” she said.
When a friend suggested that she participate in the Sarawak Powerlifting Open, Chan gave it a shot.
And it’s a good thing she did – she ended up bagging gold medals in the squat, deadlift and bench press categories as well as the overall total in the sub-junior U52 (below 52kg) category.
In her debut appearance, she also set the national records for squat (75kg) and deadlift (110kg).
And there has been no stopping her since. In the following year at the Malaysian Association for Powerlifting National Championships, she took home gold for squat (85kg), deadlift (120kg), bench press (50kg) and the overall total (255kg).
“I also set national records for all four,” she added, beaming.
Chan continued to train hard to make her mark at her first international competition, the Asian Classic Powerlifting Championship, later that year.
It paid off as she won gold for bench press and silver for squat, deadlift and the overall total, also breaking her own national records for all four.
Remarkably, she was still in school when she accomplished these feats. So how did she pull it off? She said the key to balancing her time is simple. “Plan a schedule and stick to it,” said the former student of SMK Green Road.
Despite her success, Chan admitted that not all comments she’s received about her love for powerlifting have been encouraging. “Older people have advised me that I shouldn’t do powerlifting as it’s for men and my shoulders and legs will grow big.”
Still, she has chosen to see things in a positive light. “I believe they’re actually just worried about me. So, I’ll take the opportunity to share my knowledge with them, so they’ll understand the sport better.”
And despite the numerous competitions she has participated in, she admitted she still has butterflies in her stomach. Her solution to overcoming nervousness is also simple.
“Give 101% in my training. On the day of competition, I’ll give my best and leave it to my body…and luck.”
Recently, she represented Malaysia at the 2024 IPF World Classic & Equipped Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships. Held in Malta from Aug 28 to Sept 8, Chan took 13th place for squat, 10th for bench press, 11th for deadlift and 12th for overall total. She said it was a good experience.
“I met players, coaches and officials from all over the world and learned a lot from them about competing and training,” she said, adding that she’s also proud to be the first Sarawakian to participate in the championship.
Chan has now set her sights on the next Asian Classic Powerlifting Championships, to be held in Uzbekistan in December. “I’m aiming for four golds and to set at least one Asian record,” said Chan, who is currently taking a gap year.
She has been working hard, training four times a week, with each session lasting between one and a half to four hours. For cardio, she swims at least once a week.
More important than winning the medals, Chan shared, is knowing that she makes her family proud. As she continues to solidify her position in powerlifting, a piece of advice from her coach, Korean powerlifter Jeong Jihoon, keeps her inspired to aim high. “He said to ‘dream big and who knows?,’ reminding me to never give up.”
To others attempting to shatter stereotypes, she shared: “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.”