Photo By Master Sgt. Alexandre Montes | Alyssa, a Senior Airman with the 22nd Intelligence Squadron, poses for a portrait...... read more read more
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Standing around five foot, four inches, ‘La Muerte’ is the new kid on the lifting block. In one year, she broke two Maryland state powerlifting records, one being 282 pound deadlift, the other 225 pound squat; and she is only getting started.
Alyssa, a Senior Airman with the 22nd Intelligence Squadron, grew up in Texas, and after graduating high school in 2009 she began cosmetology school. During her time there, she had become friends with someone whose husband was an Air Force military training instructor. Alyssa saw how the Air Force provided for his family and the life they were able to live. The military gained more attention from Alyssa after learning about his military achievements and goals.
“As corny as it sounds, all it took to convince me to join was watching the brand new Airmen march across the parade field,” said Alyssa. “A few weeks later, I was signing paperwork in the recruiter's office and four months after that I was in basic training. I went to network intelligence analyst school in Texas and then spent a few years in Hawaii before arriving at Fort Meade, Maryland.”
After all the training and moving, Alyssa was eager to find something new. During her time in Hawaii she found the sport of powerlifting through an online program. Which turned into something she wanted to pursue intensely at her new duty station.
“I have always been very small and skinny and was very self-conscious,” she said. “After years of failed attempts at gaining weight, I decided to give powerlifting a try upon arriving in Maryland. I began gaining weight and getting very strong and my trainer encouraged me to compete in a competition. I set a Maryland state deadlift record at my first meet after only lifting for three months and I was officially hooked.”
Like most athletes, a nickname is almost a must. For Alyssa, she only had to ask co-workers and instantaneously it stuck. She mentioned that one day they were brainstorming some names, and one yelled out "La Muerte," Spanish for "The Death." To her it fit perfectly. Alyssa embraces the name because of her fascination of sugar skulls and her Mexican American culture.
She was constantly comparing herself to others in the circuit early on. Because of this, Alyssa began to increase her numbers and pounds. Intimidated, though still very motivated, she reminds herself that she has only been lifting for less than six months.
“My confidence and motivation has definitely improved and I now only compete with myself,” Alyssa said. “Not all training sessions are going to be record days and that is ok.”
Alyssa states that powerlifting requires a great deal of mental strength in order to compete.
“There are many competitors and spectators,” said Alyssa. “The stress of lifting well and adhering to a strict set of rules can be very overwhelming.”
Competitive sports not only take a toll on your body but your mind as well. The extensive training, dieting, long days on top of a normal Air Force duty day can wear a person down, but Alyssa has made a great stride in such a short time.
In the eyes of her leadership, she has exceeded their standards. In the eyes of her family, they couldn’t be happier. Alyssa mentioned that her family is very supportive of competing but also says they are worried of injuries or her getting “too big.”
She carries herself with joy and is always smiling, though her lifting is quite intense. Alyssa will perform in one of her biggest stages yet; under the lights, crowds, and pressure. But that is what this Airman has trained and lives for – excellence. Alyssa is now on the road to compete in the mlitary nationals in Orlando, Florida, late March 2016.
“I try to visualize myself completing all my lifts and receiving a trophy/medal at the end of the day,” La Muerte said.
| Date Taken: | 03.24.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.24.2016 10:37 |
| Story ID: | 193373 |
| Location: | FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 199 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, La Muerte lifts; Airman pursues powerlifting conquest, by MSgt Alexandre Montes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
