Age: 21
Year at CHC: Junior
Major: English and Political Science
Hometown: West Linn, Ore.

Grace Winjum found powerlifting during the 2020 pandemic lockdown. She remembers not knowing what to do with herself until she started lifting with her two younger brothers. After that, they dedicated hours together to stay sane and build strength. Winjum continues powerlifting for the same reasons today. She finds confidence and control over how she spends her time when she lifts.

The history: “My first time lifting I didn’t do it correctly, but it made me feel really strong and capable. I always played sports as a kid and that was a big part of my identity...but I never touched weights. I’ve always felt strong in my life. I’ve never felt weak. I just always want to have that feeling and powerlifting ...is a way for me to have that. Starting college, I was still trying to find that time for myself...because I’m very much an introvert...and this kind of became that for me. On a good day, I’ll just feel on top of the world.”

Favorite moment powerlifting: “A couple months ago, I had taken a break when I left for study abroad. When I came back and got back into lifting, I was expecting it to be a lot more difficult because I hadn’t been consistent. But with benchpress, I hit 135 once I got back and I was like: ‘Oh my gosh, it’s never been this easy before.’ It’s just a good reminder that I didn’t go off on the wrong path and lose all my progress —and that I can still make progress.”

How it helps with school: “Powerlifting creates an environment in which I can escape from school and outside stressors. It’s a place where I get to control what I do and how I do it, and it kind of gives a sense of stability to the rest of my life.”

- Story and photo by Ilka Sankari, Clark Honors College Communications