Local women Riria Ropata went to South Africa this October to represent Aotearoa at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships. This was the fifth time Riria has represented Aotearoa in powerlifting and she came home with three gold medals!
The Otaki Women's Community Club where proud to support Riria with her winning trip to South Africa. We spent give minutes with her to get the low down on her routine, mental and physical strength!
After winning three golds, It's a pretty cool feeling knowing all the training paid off.
How did you first get started in powerlifting?
I was just training with some friends and realised I was pretty strong and reached out to a powerlifting club in Paraparaumu and the rest is history!
Can you tell us a little about your training regime leading up to the competition? Were there any special techniques or routines you focused on?
For me my training regime doesn't change as such it just intensifies. I train four days a week Day one I focus on squats and bench. Day two I focus on Bench and deadlift. Day three I focus on Squats and bench and day four I focus on bench and deadlift. Every session is different in the sense I will be doing different variations of the moments.
What was your mindset going into the competition?
My mindset is usually trusting that I have done the hard work and what will be will be.
What role does mental strength play in weightlifting, especially during competitions? Do you have any mental exercises or practices to stay calm under pressure?
Mental strength definitely plays apart in powerlifting, as you will be lifting weights you haven't lifted before. I usually just take some deep breaths and remind myself to trust the work I've done in training.
Take some deep breaths and remind myself to trust the work I've done in training.
Can you share any specific changes in your diet or recovery routine that contributed to your recent success?
I don't tend to change to much with my eating but I try to ensure I'm eating enough. For recovery I go to Sport Recovery Aotearoa in Paraparaumu for sports massages, ice baths and saunas when needed
What advice would you give to young girls and women aspiring to enter weightlifting or any strength-based sport?
Reach out to a coach and just give it a go!
After this huge success, what’s next for you? Are you already thinking about your next competition or setting new goals?
I haven't thought to far ahead yet, at the moment I'm just doing some off season training and will look at doing regionals next year then go from there. My goal is to better myself every time I step on the platform.
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