From varsity track athlete to injured on the bench to powerlifting national champion, the success story of Ananya Lahiri ’20 is made for the movies. But her accomplishments did not come without their fair share of obstacles. As Lahiri repeatedly overcomes the hurdles presented along her athletic career, dedication becomes a hallmark of her journey.

Lahiri first started her athletic career in India through running competitions held by her school. Always coming out first, Lahiri continued to focus her training on track when she moved back to the US in 8th grade. Inspired by the high level of athletics that she saw in America, Lahiri picked up personal training with her current coach, Shawn Nixon, at the end of 8th grade to help with the explosive power necessary for the long and triple jump. Lahiri continued her passion for track into highschool until junior year where she sustained an injury to her Achilles tendon. While recovering from her injury, Lahiri discovered the thrill of lifting heavier weights. This newfound passion pushed her to shift her training towards powerlifting.

“Initially my parents didn’t quite understand why I wanted to lift heavy, and there was also the stigma that it stunted growth. But after continual convincing, they eventually came around. ... Now they know that I love it and are super supportive,” Lahiri said.

But in the midst of recovering from her Achilles injury, Lahiri also developed back issues stemming from bad posture. This new setback would eventually become her greatest asset. With her back weakened, Lahiri focused her training on restrengthening. These targeted workouts would prove to be useful in stabilizing her for the squatting and deadlifting aspects of powerlifting. Recovering from numerous injuries takes dedication and perseverance, and Lahiri does just that.

“Her mentality of being a good person, and a hard worker [with] work ethic, transfers to just about anything you want. ... She knows what makes her happy and what she’s great at. ... She's really good at blocking out the noise of social media nonsense and peer pressure, and just being a good person and working really hard. She always brings that really really mature and emotionally tough outlook to stuff,” Nixon said.

Last September, Lahiri competed in her first powerlifting meet with the World Natural Powerlifting Federation, beating four state records in her weight and age division. Lahiri competed in her second powerlifting meet this past Sunday on February 23, 2020 and once again bested the state records that she had previously set. This past weekend crowns Lahiri as the state and national champion in her weight and age division in the WNPF.

Aside from her mentality, another aspect which makes Lahiri so successful when it comes to powerlifting is the community which has found within the sport. Unlike a traditional school sport where your fellow athletes are the same age, powerlifting has allowed Lahiri to interact with athletes older than her. With these interactions comes wisdom and information from reaches of life beyond highschool.

“Powerlifting is amazing and everyone is there to cheer you on and they only want you to improve. … There’s no toxic competition and I’ve made some of my greatest friends, like Savannah who’s 29 [and lifts with me],” Lahiri said.

Having a passion for her craft and a strong mentality is important in a male dominated sport. Lahiri has had some interesting run ins with people judging her weight lifting abilities based on her gender

“At the gym at PHS someone asked me if I needed help and they took the weight off the bar to make it lighter for me instead of putting them back on. So I said thanks and put them back on. That's happened a few times,” Lahiri said.

Instead of letting these stereotypes put her down, she uses them to further fuel her desire to do well.

“I don’t care about it as long as I know my lifts are going well, I’m happy, and injury free, that’s all that really matters to me,” Lahiri said. “[Also, don’t be afraid to go to the gym. It can be intimidating, … but just do it. Powerlifting is about breaking personal records. No judgement. Everyone is just there to cheer you on.”