El Paso Animal Services Director aims to repeat as world weightlifting champion

Three years ago, 54-year-old Paula Powell weighed 348 pounds.

She knew she needed to make a change in her life.

“The City of El Paso started an employee fitness program, and I really wanted to pass the fitness test that the city has. I was 200 pounds more than I am today,” Powell said.

The city’s animal services director started off by working out in the pool. She then transitioned to the gym, and started lifting weights. The pounds kept coming off.

“I kind of fell in love with weightlifting, and someone told me I should try powerlifting, and so I said ‘alright,'” Powell said.

Powell set records in her first ever American Powerlifting Association meet in El Paso. She then continued competing and qualified for the International Powerlifting Federation championships in 2017.

She won her age group of 50-54. She squatted 220 pounds, bench pressed 148 pounds, and deadlifted 297 pounds.

“It’s been a life-changing experience that to be honest with you, I didn’t expect,” Powell said.

Her trainer, Ismael Hernandez, said she motivates people. He’s been training her for the past three months at Goliath Gym in East El Paso.

“It’s incredible to be honest with you, especially at her age,” Hernandez said. “I’ve never seen that before.”

Powell said her fitness journey has helped all aspects of her life.

“My confidence at speaking at city council, my confidence at leading my team, it has just skyrocketed,” Powell said.

She has 10 more weeks left to train before the IPL Championships in Atlanta.