WATCH: Barbosa breaks records in powerlifting
She loves new challenges and said it gives her direction.
Masters winner of Rhino Powerlifting Club (RPC) SA Nationals Nataly Barbosa (50) is a proud mother of three children, an avid animal lover and passionate about what she does.
Initially, she was a pro mountain biker with numerous wins behind her name.
“I started participating in strongman competitions, but they did not have age divisions. It was a huge disadvantage because often in such competitions there would be only one age category, meaning I would go up against women who are 20 years younger or more than me,” said Barbosa.
She loves new challenges and said it motivates her and gives direction.
“I can attribute my drive, discipline and determination and all that from my upbringing. I did not grow up in a normal environment and not much of my family supported me. My late father did as best as he could under circumstances, I miss him immensely. My sister has been a blessing and I’m grateful to have her in my corner. ”
Training and coaching is part of her daily routine. She is a coach and nutritionist who makes health products.
“I love my career of helping, teaching, motivating and encouraging people. It is great to make them realise it is never too late to aspire to be what you want to be. Just believe in yourself, have faith and work hard to achieve it,” she said.
“I have only been powerlifting for a year and the outcome has been amazing. I am quite excited about upcoming events, such as the WPC 2021 National Competition, where I hope to continue breaking records in lifting weights.”
Barbosa broke a national deadlift record at RPC Nationals 2021 last weekend (25 and 26 September); 175kg, an unofficial world record.
“My biggest inspiration is to better myself. There will always be disappointments in life but there is always room, no matter who you are in life, for improvements.”
She said she hopes to push more and God willing not to hurt herself while she continues lifting. She would like to be able to do powerlifting until she is 60 or more. Barbosa said winning the RPC SA Nationals has brought happiness and sadness.
“It was an important and momentous occasion in my life. It is a huge honour, an acknowledgement of a job well done and justification for the agony, the self-doubt, sacrifice and hard work that went into winning.
“At 50 years of age, how lucky am I to take part in such a prestigious event? I am blessed to be able to compete against South Africa’s finest powerlifting athletes,” she said.
If you would like to contact her for any of her programmes on fitness, weight management, dietary guidelines or personal training, or to sponsor her, call her on 083 408 1199 or follow her on Facebook (Nataly Barbosa) and Instagram @coach_natbarbosa.
