Amera Ross Breaks Deadlift Record After Overcoming Eating Disorder

Amera Ross, a 22-year-old powerlifter from Bristol, has made headlines after setting a new deadlifting record of 182.5kg at an ABPU powerlifting competition, one of the largest federations in the UK. This achievement is particularly significant as Ross previously battled bulimia, a struggle that shaped her early approach to fitness. Now, she can lift more than twice her body weight, showcasing the remarkable transformation she has undergone.

Ross's record-breaking lift is roughly equivalent to the weight of an adult male lion, despite her own weight being just 69kg. She attributes her success in powerlifting to a shift in mindset; where she once aimed to be as small as possible, she now strives to be strong. This change in perspective has been pivotal in her recovery from an eating disorder, allowing her to redefine her relationship with food and fitness.

In her first year of competition, Ross quickly made a name for herself, finishing first in her age and weight class at her debut event. She not only set records for her deadlift but also for her combined total across squat, bench press, and deadlift. Recently, she transitioned to a higher weight category and secured second place at her latest ABPU competition.

During her most recent competition, Ross initially aimed to lift 180kg, but her coach encouraged her to attempt 182.5kg to improve her standing in the competition. The pressure was intense, as achieving this lift would not only grant her the deadlift record but also elevate her to second place overall. "I was absolutely shaking in my boots," she recalled, reflecting on the weight of the moment.

Balancing Powerlifting and Professional Goals

In addition to her dedication to powerlifting, Ross is also pursuing a career in law, training four times a week while managing her apprenticeship. This juggling act reflects her commitment to both her athletic and professional aspirations. She emphasizes that her initial motivation for joining a gym was not to build muscle but to become smaller, a mindset that has dramatically shifted as she embraced the empowering nature of strength training.

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Umariah Malik from Beat, a charity supporting individuals with eating disorders, highlighted the importance of recognizing unhealthy relationships with exercise. He noted that while eating disorders are serious mental health issues, not everyone who suffers from them will engage in overexercising. Malik stresses the need for medical advice for those recovering from eating disorders, emphasizing that a healthy relationship with exercise is possible.

Ross credits her nephew for inspiring her to change her approach to fitness. His admiration for her weightlifting journey helped her reshape her self-image and embrace her strength. Now, as a powerlifter, she consumes nearly 3,000 calories a day to support her training and performance. "I think this sport is really interesting for women. But what I say is don't be afraid to pick up a weight," she encourages, advocating for women to embrace strength training as a path to empowerment.