Powerlifting might not be the first sport that comes to mind for young girls—especially under age 12. But that’s quickly changing, as trailblazers like Ivory (11) and Felicity (10) Collier continue breaking records—redefining what it means to be strong through youth powerlifting. Weighing their options, the Collier girls tried basketball, soccer, dance, and gymnastics, with their parents, Jarad and Zoey, encouraging exploration. 

“Felicity found her rhythm during gymnastics conditioning—when the workouts pushed her hardest—and discovered a deeper drive that didn’t stop when the burn kicked in,” explains Zoey. They eventually discovered CrossFit offered the perfect environment—challenging and encouraging both Ivory and Felicity to push their limits. “When Jarad dusted off our bench press, what started as an experiment revealed both girls’ hunger to lift heavier, push further, and discover maximum strength,” Zoey adds. 

Their first gym session showcased the individual tenacious spirit that sets both girls apart. For Felicity, competitive gymnastics laid a solid foundation for bench pressing, deadlifting, and squatting. Ivory was more technical—focusing on technique over feeling. “You can do anything you put your mind to—just put in the work,” states Felicity when speaking about finding motivation. “I love that powerlifting brings out my competitive side and pushes me to be better,” adds Ivory.  As their love for lifting intensified, so did their training. Three to four sessions a week, each lasting 30 to 60 minutes, gradually grew to a demanding six-day schedule to prepare for competitions. 

When signing up for their first powerlifting meet, they simply expected an introduction to the competition world—to gain experience and confidence. The outcome, however, left many in disbelief. 

Both girls shocked bystanders—shattering expectations and leaving former records in their wake. As rookies, Ivory claimed first place and set a new state deadlift record with a remarkable 251.3-pound total. Similarly, Felicity swept all state records in her age and weight class, posting an impressive 242.5-pound total.

Three months later, at their second meet—Ladies of Iron—the sisters continued improving, competing alongside some of the strongest women in Washington. Each girl finished in first place for their class—Ivory with a 275.5-pound total and Felicity with a 242.5-pound total. “Sharing the platform with elite lifters from across Washington was both humbling and inspiring,” recalls Zoey. Maintaining momentum, the Colliers traveled to Pennsylvania to attend USA Powerlifting Youth Nationals—facing some of the strongest youth lifters in the entire country. “Felicity finished first in her age and weight group, breaking four additional state records,” Zoey says. “Ivory claimed second in her division, holding her own in a stacked, highly competitive bracket.” Both girls concluded the day with personal bests—Felicity at 272.3 pounds and Ivory at 310.8 pounds. 

When asked how it felt to stand on their platforms, Felicity says, “You feel proud that you’ve met your goal after spending so much time and effort to get there.” Ivory adds, “It was more pride than glory—You’re surrounded by so many strong girls that are also breaking their personal bests. It feels surreal." 

The Washington powerlifting community has welcomed Ivory and Felicity with open arms—offering advice and encouragement. Their welcoming nature reinforces what they’d already learned—that powerlifting isn’t just about strength, it’s about lifting up others.  At Nationals, not every lift went as planned, but each attempt became an opportunity to learn and adapt—proving resilience and strength are equally powerful. “They gained tips from fellow youth lifters—and left even more inspired after watching other state teams like Indiana lift with heart, precision, and unity,” Zoey explains. 

When asked what powerlifting has taught them, their answers reflect both the sport and life beyond the barbell. “The strength I’ve developed has helped in volleyball and CrossFit,” shares Ivory. “It’s taught me that being coachable and having discipline are important in all things,” Felicity adds. The girls have no intention of plateauing—already setting goals for the future. Both aspire to improve their weakest events—bench pressing for Ivory and squatting for Felicity—and continue lifting during and after college. “I want to compete in Egypt because it’s on my bucket list to travel there,” says Ivory. “I’d love to compete in Australia and a world powerlifting competition,” Felicity shares. 

Powerlifting is rapidly growing among youth—pushing boundaries and proving you don’t have to look like a powerlifter to be one. Through hard work, humor, bickering, and breakthroughs, Ivory and Felicity Collier are demonstrating how this unconventional sport builds more than strength—it builds character, resilience, and lessons they’ll carry long after they step off the platform.