This Saturday Spotlight series showcases the participants of the Kim to Zim Outreach Group.

Q: How did you get started in powerlifting?

A: I got started in powerlifting after transitioning out of the sport of triathlon. I saw some girls at my university gym who were powerlifters, and wanted to be strong like them too. They encouraged me to sign up for a meet, and without any training or experience I did. The rest was history! I fell in love with the sport and kept lifting.

Q: What is your favorite lift and why?

A: Deadlift! Its the last lift, and while your tired from squat and bench you unleash every last bit of inner strength to get the weight up.

Q: How has strength training impacted your life?

A: Strength training has changed my life in so many ways. On a personal level, lifting weights has given me confidence both in and out of the gym, and shown me what hard work and dedication can do. Through the sport of powerlifting I've been able to represent my country and travel the world, and meet incredible people and athletes from all walks of life. Strength training and powerlifting has also allowed me to positively impact lives through my work with Lift4Life, and opened professional doors within the Sports for Development field.

Q: What motivated you to want to be a part of the Kim to Zim Outreach Trip?

A: I've been involved in Lift4Life for the past 2 years after conducting my Masters thesis with the charity, and I have travelled to Zimbabwe 3 times. I've experienced the impact of the work on the ground, and wanted to continue to raise awareness for the cause and allow others to contribute and experience the power of powerlifting in Zimbabwe as well directly from the ground. Its an incredible opportunity to build community and share a love of strength training around the world, and I couldnt say no when the opportunity arose.

For more on Nicola’s powerlifting journey and impact of strength training on her life and impact she wants to have, check out she long form interview here with Fitness Journeys