Roni Thomas

Best Lifter spotlight from the USPC Sunshine State Skirmish on February 12, 2022.
Top Female Raw...

Name, age & how long have you been Powerlifting?
Roni Thomas, 33, this was my second meet. I normally do CrossFit for my workouts. I've always been pretty strong in the 3 powerlifting lifts naturally. So I figured why not try it out. 

Best lifts in competition?
Squat 280lbs Bench 180lbs Deadlift 385lbs those were during CrossFit competitions over 2 years ago. I'm getting back into it now after an acl/meniscus surgery. 

Athletic background?  What you did before powerlifting?
I am 1 of 6 kids. We were always active growing up. In high school I played basketball, golf, and ran track. 

Why Powerlifting?
I believe that I am a very strong woman mentally, so it's pretty cool to see it physically too. I like people to know that I could throw them if I had to. 😎

Tell me something about your gym/team.
I used to own a CrossFit gym in DeLand. I left that to start up my OWN gym. It's in the works. The name is DeLand AF ( yes what you're thinking) haha but really DeLand Affordable Fitness. DeLand AF for short. I'm hoping to have that up and running asap. It will offer a variety of training, including POWERLIFTING 💪🏾 . My team is my family, who stands behind me in whatever I do! 

Trying alone or training partner/coach, team?
A lot of times I lift alone or with my girl, Kasey.  If I'm going heavier on the bench and need a spot , I'll make sure one of my brothers are around. Thanks Kendrick and Chance 

Something most people you train with (or those who follow you if you train alone) don't know about you?
I am really an open book. There's not much people don't know about me. One of my most favorite things in the world is seeing people smile. 

Biggest inspiration in the sport?
The biggest Inspiration so far is seeing that I can naturally be really good at this sport without actually full force training for it. I signed up for these meets just to see if it's something I would want to get into..... I'm waiting for the next FL meet 😁 I'd say it's working out 

What's your favorite lift?
I like squats a lot but I LOVE deadlifts 

Least favorite lift?
I like all 3 lifts but I need to practice that pause on the bench! 

Biggest challenge in your training?
The biggest challenge in my training has been timing. I work 2 jobs and I do personal training on the side. I'm also a very social person in DeLand. Sometimes it's tough to fit it all in. 

Ideal training atmosphere?  Focused and dialed in or noisy and high energy?
Riding to school when I was younger, my mom would play Solid Gold Oldies. I blast those Oldies when I lift and it takes me back. I love it and I miss my mom everyday. 

Training plan. Do your own programming or have a coach?
I don't have a coach. I do my own workouts and lifting. For both meets so far, I had my little brother Chance by side to keep my mind right and he does the lift off on the bench for me. 

Social media.  Positives and negatives 
Social media is great. I like to see what other people are doing. It doesn't get in my head though. I'm competitive but at the same time , you can only go out there and do what you can do. 

Diet you follow? Supplements?
I count macros... sometimes. I could be better. I drink Ascent Protein every now and then but that's about it. 

Biggest accomplishment in your powerlifting career?
Honestly winning the sword for the best female lifter caught me by surprise. It definitely made me want to focus on powerlifting and get more into it. 

What's one of your non-powerlifting goals?
My biggest goal is to open up my gym and start a family. 

Finally is there anyone you would like to acknowledge or give a shout out to. 
A special thank you to my family for always believing in me and supporting me. I love y'all!  They are my biggest fans. Thank you Kasey for always putting up with my madness and helping me stock up our home gym. I love you. Thank you USPC for allowing us BEASTS to show our power 💪🏾