Who knew Seattle was home to such badass female powerlifters, with such impressive resumes?

Four women powerlifters from Seattle placed first in their age and weight classes at USA Powerlifting Women’s Nationals in Baton Rouge, LA last weekend and came home with eleven new American Records between them.  Faith Ireland, 64, former Washington Supreme Court Justice, placed first in the sixty kilo class with American Records in the squat at 225 pounds, and bench press at 135 pounds.  Her deadlift of 281 pounds also earned the American Record for total at 641 pounds.  Ireland, who started lifting to overcome a back problem said, “When I started lifting weights with the three pound weights - I never thought I’d end up as the best lifter in the country for my age and weight — but it has happened!”

Todd Christensen, owner of Seattle Strength and Power in downtown Seattle, and coach of the four women, was elated with their performances.  “They are all focused and dedicated in the sport.  Their performances have earned each a place on the Master’s World Team which will compete in the Czech Republic in October.” 

Congratulations to all the triumphant lady lifters. Full press release after the jump.

Four women powerlifters from Seattle placed first in their age and weight classes at USA Powerlifting Women's Nationals in Baton Rouge, LA last weekend and came home with eleven new American Records between them.  Faith Ireland, 64, former Washington Supreme Court Justice, placed first in the sixty kilo class with American Records in the squat at 225 pounds, and bench press at 135 pounds.  Her deadlift of 281 pounds also earned the American Record for total at 641 pounds.  Ireland, who started lifting to overcome a back problem said, "When I started lifting weights with the three pound weights - I never thought I'd end up as the best lifter in the country for my age and weight -- but it has happened!"

Jill Arnow, 47, an independent studio artist, set four American Records in the 90 Kilo weight class with a squat of 402 pounds, bench press of 259 pounds and deadlift of 407 pounds.  Again breaking the 1000 pound mark she totaled 1067 pounds besting her prior American record.  She also finished second in open division and set three national meet records.  Along with her place on the Master's World Team, Jill is the fourth alternate to the Women's Open World Team. 
Paula Houston, 46, Executive Director of the Meredith Mathews YMCA, also competed in both the Masters and Open 67.5 Kilo weight divisions.  She finished first in her age category   for the fourth consecutive year, setting a new American Record for the bench press at 237 pounds and setting a national meet record in the deadlift of 391 pounds.  Paula also took home the Masters Middleweight Best Lifter Award and finished third in the open division.