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IPF WORLD BENCH PRESS CHAMPIONSHIPS
May 25-29, 2010 - Killeen Texas

Name: Michelle DeGrandis Sora

Age: 49+
Residence: Tucson, AZ

Occupation: Electrical Engineer, Entrepreneur

 

Weight Class: Have competed in the 165 lb, 181 lb, 198 lb divisions

Best Competition Bench: 275 lbs

Years in competitive Powerlifting: 4.5

Powerlifting Records held:

Various State, Master’s National and American Records in Bench only, Bench in a 3 Lift Meet, and Deadlift

  

2006 USA World Bench Press Team Member

2007 USA World Bench Press Team Member

2007 USA World Master Bench Press Team Member

2008 USA World Master Bench Press Team Member

2008 USA World Powerlifting Team Member

2009 USA World Bench Press Team Member

2010 USA World Bench Press Team Member

2010 USA World Master Bench Press Team Member

 

I live in Tucson Arizona with my two Boys, Daniel (age 15) and Nicholas (age 12) along with Scampers and Gizmo, our guinea pigs. I started lifting over 4 years ago to compliment my tennis game. I was a competitive 4.0 tennis player with foot and knee injuries. Soon after, the benefits I gained from lifting swayed me to leave tennis and pursue competitive Powerlifting.   I have a busy lifestyle with the boys and work; however I always make time for lifting. 3 days a week for an hour and a half is time well spent to train in a sport that not only keeps me in great shape, but also helps to balance my outlook on life. A special thanks to John Pena, my trainer and owner of Power and Physique Systems for his expertise, patience and sponsorship. More thanks to Jason Wood and Ricky Eisen, my Powerlifting gym buddies who encourage and support me at meets.  My baby sitter and friend, Diana Galaviz without whom I would not be able to travel to compete. More thanks to my family Marie, John, Paul, Donald, Michael and especially Daniel and Nicky who support my choice of a drug free sport. And a super special thanks to my friends, Lena Forbes, Carol Caulkins, Meta Everett, Deborah Ferrell, Barbara Behm, Bill and Carol Lomika and for  all their encouragement. Last but not least, super gratuitous salute to Pete at Titan Support Systems for his sponsorships throughout the years… The Katana Rocks!