10 Questions: Powerlifter holds kids above all else

Katrina Barrett is the national benchpress champ. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Katrina Barrett, 36, will compete at the North Island Powerlifting Championships at the Northland Table Tennis Centre in Kensington on June 6. A member of the Northland Powerlifting Association and NZ Powerlifting Federation, she's the national benchpress champ, holds all four Northland records (squat, bench, deadlift and total), and all in her weight class (Open Women 84kg+). Originally from Feilding she lives in Maunu, Whangarei, with her partner Jesse and two young sons.

1. Describe yourself in three words.

Determined, hardworking, bit-of-a-geek.

2. What is the most important advice you have ever been given?

When I was growing up my mum put a poem up on my wall called If you think you can. It's about setting your goals high and believing in yourself. I still love that poem and tell my kids about it.

3. What album are you listening to at the moment?

I don't really listen to albums but I have three songs on repeat for training - Wrestler by Does it Offend You Yeah?, Express Yourself by Diplo and How do you like me now by The Heavy.

4. When it's been a full-on week, what is your favourite way to unwind?

A glass of red and a movie. Either that or squats with loud music, I find it's amazing for clearing the mind.

5. What is the one thing you could not live without each day?

My boys hugs. (Liam, 8, and Riley, 11.)

6. When and why did you start powerlifting?

Growing up with parents who were competitive powerlifters, I was taught the three main lifts (squats, bench and deadlifts) and used them in my general training. It wasn't until rehabbing a badly broken ankle that I thought what better way to strengthen it than getting back into lifting. So I began training properly at the end of 2012 (with my parents coaching me) and have been competing ever since. My parents are still lifting competitively and we all train together regularly.

7. How is powerlifting different from most mainstream sports?

It's not funded so if we want to compete anywhere we have to pay for it ourselves or try and get sponsorship.

8. What's the greatest challenge that you face as a powerlifter and why?

When in competition - pushing yourself beyond what you have ever done before and having faith that you can do it.

9. What in life do you fear the most?

Not being able to be active. I would hate not being able to run around with the kids or train in the gym anymore.

10. Tell us something that most people don't know about you.

I did martial arts for about 10 years when I was younger. I got my 1st Dan and competed internationally.