This fall, Libby Manzer stepped into the world of powerlifting for the first time—and quickly proved she belonged. Already someone who enjoyed lifting in the gym, Libby decided to turn her passion into something more competitive, pushing herself both mentally and physically.
Throughout the season, Libby trained consistently with her team, focusing on improving her strength and technique. She described the experience as both challenging and fun, especially because of the team environment. Practicing together in the weight room helped keep motivation high and made the hard work feel more rewarding.
“Training for states was a lot of fun, but it definitely required me to push myself every single practice,” Libby said.
Her hard work paid off at the state competition, where she delivered an impressive performance. Libby easily lifted 285 pounds and benched 135 pounds, showing the strength she had built over the season. Going into her final lift, she aimed for a 315-pound deadlift to secure first place. Although she narrowly missed it due to a break in form, her overall performance still earned her an incredible second-place finish.
Even with the tough moment, Libby stayed positive and proud of what she accomplished. “Winning second place didn’t feel real,” she said. “I was so happy to see my hard work pay off.”
“I would 100 percent recommend this sport,” she said. “It pushes you in the best way and shows you what you’re really capable of.”
Looking back on the season, Libby sees it as a time of growth—not just for herself, but for her entire team. Together, they improved their strength, supported each other, and celebrated their progress.
With a successful first season behind her, Libby Manzer has set a strong foundation for the future. If this year is any indication, she’s just getting started.
