“I was told that I was not going to be able to compete again. Having that meet on my radar was the only thing that kept me going.”
By Roger “Rock” Lockridge
This PLU athlete and official is walking inspiration.
Something that many powerlifters know that those who don’t follow the sport won’t know is that there is no shortage of inspiration. Everywhere you look at a meet or a gym, especially in the PLU community, there is someone who can share their story of what they have overcome that will make you question why you didn’t go lift sooner that day.
If you need validation of this, look no further than Samantha Thompson. Thompson is based in Missouri and recently graduated paramedic school. If that inspiration wasn’t enough, she’s also overcome a rough childhood and a rare disease to not only return to the platform but score PR’s.
STARTING OUT IN ST. LOUIS
Thompson was raised in a single parent home in St. Louis, MO by way of Florida. Her mom was sick, which meant young Samantha was on her own by the time she was 15. That didn’t stop her from finishing school and moving forward, building her own future.
“I graduated at 17 and went on to college to study Psychology. I wanted to focus on the things I could control.”
Thompson acknowledged that multiple family members were overweight, while she herself was skinny. That led to her being teased and admitting that her self-esteem was “nonexistent.” She discovered bodybuilding and went all in on changing the way she looked and felt about herself.
“It was all about aesthetics,” she said. “I wanted something to show for it.”
NUTCRACKER PHENOMENON
In 2021, Thompson was diagnosed with Nutcracker Phenomenon, which is the anatomical compression of the left renal vein (LRV), usually between the abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery (SMA), causing blood to flow backward. Surgery was the only option, and it was experimental surgery at that. The end result was a 22-inch incision and crooked shaped abs. Thompson felt that bodybuilding was no longer an option for her.
“It became way more important for me to be strong and healthy instead of looking a certain way.”
That was actually a small concern compared to what else she had to face. The surgery didn’t work, and she was in the hospital for over two months connected to machines. Thanks to that, she also lost her gym and coaching business. Not only did Thompson now have to physically rebuild herself, she had to rebuild her life. However, in every form of adversity there is an opportunity. After leaving the hospital and recovering, a friend of Thompson let her coach in his gym, and there was a powerlifting group that trained there.
“They suggested it to me and said, ‘why don’t you try it out?’”
Thompson not only tried it but found she was strong for her size. After stepping onto the platform for the first time, she found her new sport.
“It just kind of took off from there,” she stated. “It has increased my confidence tenfold.”
BEATING CANCER AND BEING BETTER
Thompson competed at 2025 PLU Stronger Things Showdown, where she totaled 833 pounds in the 132 Raw category.
“That was probably my biggest meet to date,” she reported. One may think that it was only because of the 304-pound squat, 170-pound bench, and 358-pound deadlift, but the real story is behind those numbers. Thompson did all that less than one year after hip replacement surgery. Imaging prior to the surgery also found cancer on her ovaries. So, she had to undergo chemotherapy before she could have the hip replacement surgery. During that time, Thompson competed twice and injured the hip even further. Eventually, both happened, but doctors told her it came with a price.
“I was told that I was not going to be able to compete again. Having that meet on my radar was the only thing that kept me going.”
Like many athletes that achieve greatness, Thompson didn’t let that statement deter her; it fueled her. Even after one coach opted to stop working with her, she found another and not only returned to the platform, but PR’ed on all three lifts. The other coach was in the building and saw her performance.
“It was really cool to take those numbers in front of her, and she was cheering me on.”
Since then, Thompson has continued training and recently competed at the 2026 PLU National Championships in San Antonio, TX.
Aside from her own lifting career, she is also a Level 2 official. She works with other referees to teach them about the calls, lights, and everything that comes with the very important job of judging the athletes during their attempts.
Thompson is an advocate for the sport as well, and she encourages new lifters to not only train with powerlifters in their area but start going to the meets as well so they can see how great the powerlifting community is. That is especially true if there is a PLU meet in the area. What stands out is the commitment of everyone from the spotters to the referees and even leadership.
“Even at a small local meet here, we had the President (Ana Perez) show up with a PLU table,” Thompson said proudly. “That is huge.”
If you’re a new lifter or looking for a new coach and especially if you’re in the St. Louis area, Thompson can be a great mentor to learn from as you begin creating your own legacy as she has hers.
“People with PLU make you feel like a rock star. The environment is just insane.”
You can learn more about Thompson on Instagram @swolesammi.
