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S2 Inspirational Interview #1: Powerlifting Through Pain | Stephanie Tracy’s Journey to the Pan American Bench Press Championships

Progressive Rehab & Strength

Release Date: 02/08/2025

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In this episode of Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, we sit down with PRS client and competitive powerlifter, Stephanie Tracy. We dive into her incredible journey from competing at Powerlifting America’s Bench Press National Championships to representing the USA at the Pan American Championships. Along the way, we discuss the mental and physical challenges that come with injuries, how Steph found the strength to push through, and what it takes to keep competing at the highest level, even when your body may be working against you.

 

Get our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE >> progressiverehabandstrength.com/powerliftingbundle 

 

Stephanie opens up about her history in competitive powerlifting, the setbacks she’s faced due to injury, and the mindset that keeps her in the game. She shares the story of her shoulder injury, how it affected her training and mentality, and the decision-making process that led her to compete at the Pan American Championships despite not being at 100%. We also discuss how strategy helped her succeed in this international competition, even though she didn’t hit a PR or go 3/3, and what kept her smiling after a tough performance.

 

Steph Tracy highlights many of the elements we discussed in our Powerlifting Competition Series on the Podcast and we’re excited for her to share her story with you. In this candid conversation, Stephanie gives valuable advice for anyone dealing with an injury while preparing for a competition and how to determine when to push through and when to take a step back.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • The ups and downs of Stephanie’s competitive powerlifting journey, including her experience with injuries and how they’ve shaped her approach to the sport.

  • Why powerlifting is a great sport for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

  • How to stay mentally focused during competition, even when dealing with setbacks.

  • The real reason Steph accepted the invitation to the Pan American Championships, despite being injured.

  • The importance of strategy in overcoming physical limitations and how it contributed to her performance.

  • How to evaluate whether you should push through an injury or take time off from competing.

  • Why injuries don’t necessarily have to end your competition season.

  • The role of imaging in understanding the extent of an injury and its impact on performance.

Episode Highlights:

  • Injuries and Resilience — Stephanie talks about the challenges injuries have presented throughout her powerlifting career and how they’ve affected both her training and mindset.

  • Pushing Through the Pain — A deep dive into the mental toughness required to compete at a high level when injured, and how strategic thinking allowed Stephanie to succeed even when she wasn’t at full strength.

  • Facing the Decision — Stephanie’s advice for anyone dealing with an injury and whether to continue pushing toward a competition or take time off to heal.

  • Why It’s Not Always About PRs — Despite not hitting a PR at the Pan American Championships, Stephanie explains why she felt proud of her performance and how the experience shaped her approach to future competitions.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, strategy, and the power of mindset in competitive powerlifting, even in the face of injury.

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