International Women's Day: Introducing Amy (she/her)
Amy’s Interview was brought to you as part of our "More than" campaign for International Women's Day 2023.
Campaign by Strong Like a Mutha
In association with
Clothing by lululemon
Videography by Ellen Francis
Photography by Mirrorbox Photography
Amy (she/her) is a weightlifter and long-time member of SLAM. We’d love to share with you her experience in sport throughout her life and how she is passionate about equality for women in this!
What is your sport or interest in fitness?
I’ve been lifting weights for 15ish years, and yoga only about 4. I’ve done some form of fitness classes or gym from about age 20.
How did you get into it?
A local gym was doing a “powerlifting for beginners” course, and I went along and loved it. I found yoga properly at SLAM. Previously I’d done the odd class but wasn’t that fussed, Lyndsey’s practice changed that for me and now I love it.
How do you feel when powerlifting or practising yoga?
I feel strong and energised when lifting weights or doing conditioning. Weightlifting especially builds a lot of confidence in myself and what I can do. Yoga helps me to feel calm, relaxed and restored.
What impact have these sports/practices had on your life?
It’s not always something I do consistently as life gets busy but I know I need to be active to feel my full self. Being strong and fit helps me physically but also mentally.
Have you ever felt stereotyped by your gender identity in your sport?
Not so much in my sport now but in how I was guided as a girl. I liked football but I had to do netball (although I was good at that too). I was strong so did well at things like shot put and similar but was teased about being ‘a man’ for anything that didn’t fit the usual female expectations, so I never did any of those sports and instead did nothing for a long time.
Have you ever felt underestimated because of your gender identity in life?
Oh god aye! So many things like ‘don’t lift that’ or assumptions that I’m a good homemaker - all of which are just utter pish. In some ways, I’m probably physically stronger than my husband and he is a 10 times better homemaker than me.
Do you feel there is an equal balance of opportunities for your gender in weightlifting?
No! Weightlifting is much less mainstream for women but it’s getting better.
What would you say to a younger version of you hesitant to get into your sport/fitness interest?
I’d say start this as soon as possible, it’s where you surprise yourself, find your people and what makes you happy.
What would you love to see change for people of your gender in your sport/fitness interest or life in general?
I’d love to see more sports covered in schools to let kids see where they excel, and for taking part in sports and fitness to be a stronger part of our culture, like in Australia.
I’d also love to see men and women be accepted in any sport at any age and any ability and people be left to choose what they want and love despite all the societal pressures.
What makes you feel powerful?
I feel powerful when I can make decisions for myself without unnecessary barriers, when I lift weights and have a high-energy workout, and when I carry my daughter on my shoulders while carrying her scooter and a bag of shopping 😆
When do you feel your best?
When I’ve had the right mixture of time with loved ones, time with myself, time doing things I enjoy and, most importantly as a mum of a little baby, when I’ve had sleep, which I don’t get much of just now.
How has your interest in sport/fitness contributed to feelings of being empowered, standing up for yourself, using your voice etc?
I feel like being part of SLAM has contributed to this for me more than the sport itself. It’s helped me see there is strength in who I am just as I am and that I don’t need to change or fit a standard set by society.
