Since its inception in 2024, Powerlifting United (PLU) has rapidly grown to become a well-established organization that focuses on what matters the most, the athletes. Because of that, lifters are actively looking to become a part of our community and take part in PLU meets.
Our horizons have even surpassed American borders and reached different parts of the world. One shining example of this is Micaela Petrigliano, who traveled all the way from Argentina to compete. Petrigliano has been competing since 2022, and has been making great progress since she started working with coach Mauro Spinardi. She got her start in CrossFit before switching to powerlifting.
“The first time I met Mauro, he asked me if I wanted to compete, and I said “sure, why not?”
JOINING PLU
Petrigliano, a science teacher in her home country, was on holiday and spoke to a friend about traveling to the United States. It was while she was looking for gyms to train at when she had an idea.
“If I was going to be traveling and training on an SBD day, why not just find a meet?”
The 2025 Powerlifting United National Championships was on the calendar, aligning with her schedule to make the trip to the United States. She reached out through the official PLU Instagram page after finding out that there was a direct connection to the American Pro.
“I reached out to ask if I could join the roster since it was Nationals and I was from outside the country, and they agreed.”
Petrigliano made the most of her opportunity and put on a 7/9 day – winning the BEST LIFTER cash prize award – at the National event in Teaneck, NJ. She usually competes with knee wraps but did not have any with her. So, she ended up competing raw and didn’t even have knee sleeves. The summary of her meet is below.
Micaela Petrigliano’s 2025 PLU Nationals Recap
Squat — 170 kilograms
Bench Press — 107.5 kilograms
Deadlift — 215 kilograms
TOTAL — 492.5 kilograms
“I was very happy with that performance, and this meet was amazing. The size of the meet was huge. It was mind-blowing for me.”
Aside from her performance, Petrigliano was very pleased to meet so many like-minded and caring people that were ready to help her make the most of her first PLU experience.
“I would really like to thank Russ Wood. He had my back the whole weekend at Nationals, and introduced me to Christina Roura-Albronda, who was competing with me. And she introduced me to Liz Strain (Fortress Athletics), who I will be forever thankful to because they took care of me as if I was from their own team. And the PLU President, Ana Perez, and all of the PLU community who were absolutely lovely and welcoming.”
Watch the meet recap interview here with Albert Alvarado, PLU Vice President of Operations.
AFTERMATH
Since that meet, Petrigliano has competed again back in her home country at the AAP Campeonato Argentino. She returned to using wraps and posted a 235 kilogram squat, 112.5 kilogram bench, and 220 kilogram deadlift for a total of 567.5 kilograms.
Petrigliano shared her PLU experience with her family and friends, including her mother, who also competes. According to her, they are all looking to make their own PLU debuts in the future.
“I hope we can get them signed up for a meet.”
In the meantime, she now has her own sights set on the 2026 American Pro in Richmond, VA next August.
“That is the goal.”
BEGINNER TIPS
Petrigliano wants to share her experience and invite others to join her in the sport, including with PLU. With that in mind, she offered some tips to help new lifters make the most of their first powerlifting experience.
Get a Coach
Petrigliano started working with Facundo Orfo before she joined Spinardi’s team. Regardless of who it is, finding someone you’re comfortable with will serve you well.
“Get yourself the best possible coach, someone that’s experienced and passionate. Even if it’s not the most comfortable option. Move. Travel. It will be worth it. You need someone who you can trust your life to. And if you’re lucky enough to find one like that, you don’t have to worry about anything else. If you don’t have a coach like that, you’re wasting time.”
Be Comfortable with Your Gear
Petrigliano had to adjust for her first Nationals by training raw, but she usually uses knee wraps. Being comfortable with your training gear is the key to your performance on the platform. She knows which knee wraps, belts, and singlets work for her.
“The best gear will help you. I like Tole Tole Estilo. They also support me when I travel and take care of my singlets and gear. All personalized beautiful singlets!”
Get Help if Traveling Alone
Petrigliano didn’t have her usual coach with her when she competed in Nationals but knew she needed help. There is nothing wrong with asking someone, and that is especially true if you’re in a PLU meet.
“There were many people around me and supported me. It’s a lot to have so much weight on your back. Knowing there are people you can trust and support you will make it a better experience.”
You can follow Petrigliano on Instagram.
