Winning not only her division but also the award for best lifter, Jimmie Brownfield competed in the United States Powerlifting Federation Teenage Nationals in Oklahoma last week.
An incoming freshman at Davenport High School, she has already set national records including the deadlift in 101 class, bench in the 114 class and holds the American record in the 105 class.
“I was pretty confident that I would probably get the awards since I have been working hard,” she said. “Sometimes there’s a little doubt in the back of my brain, but I just ignore it.”
Training under her father, Kim Brownfield, Jimmie has competed in seven competitions so far and with the goal of winning eight more titles before she’s twenty.
“We have a way different approach to powerlifting than probably almost anybody. We’ve always said we’re kind of like the mad scientists of powerlifting,” Kim said.
As her performance shows, their strategies seem to be working. With sponsorships from Orr Construction in Davenport and State Farm Insurance with Ryan Cockrum in Stroud she’s well on her way.
Competing in the 114 weight class, Jimmie does not fit the generally stereotyped image of powerlifters.
“People think that it’s to get all muscley and stuff but it’s not. You can stay in shape and lift and it’s better for your body to stay in shape” said Jimmie.
She is also heavily involved with various groups in the community such as FFA and USPF as a teen ambassador, she is also able to get the most out of her training by doubling its use between lifting and softball.
“Me lifting obviously helps my softball because we have morning workouts anyways, so I balance it out and workout with dad for my workouts and then I can go to practice after I’m done.”
In the upcoming weeks, Jimmie will be looking to compete in a meet in Missouri as she perfects her lifts on the way to world championships in Nevada with high hopes of placing well once again.