For Nico and Bonny Espinola, teaching doesn't end when the school bell rings. Through their passion for powerlifting, they're introducing the next generation to the sport, building a stronger community, and making a lasting impact on young athletes across Oregon.
After surviving a rare medical condition, cancer, and multiple major surgeries, Samantha Thompson was told she might never compete again. But giving up wasn't an option. The Missouri powerlifter and PLU Level 2 official defied the odds, returning to the platform stronger than ever and setting personal records in all three lifts. Her remarkable journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of the powerlifting community.
Leonetta Richardson and Susan Salazar have accepted invitations to compete at the 2026 American Pro, taking place August 8 in Richmond, Virginia. More than a decade after the only time they previously shared a platform - the two will step onto the same stage once again - this time as Salazar celebrates her 50th trip around the sun. For fans in attendance, it represents a rare and meaningful convergence of legacy, longevity, and mutual respect