TL;DR version: Lis Smash directed a women’s-only powerlifting meet last year. She planned to host it again this year on May 5th, with a different federation (USPA instead of USAPL). Her dad recently passed away and now the meet is postponed indefinitely.
A few weeks ago I made the decision to stop directing meets with USA Powerlifting.
This is my personal decision, based on my feelings that as a feminist and an LGBT ally, I can’t continue to work or volunteer with a federation that is not equal and inclusive.
I still have friends & clients involved with the USAPL, and will still coach lifters there.
My decision is personal, and your opinions and criticisms won’t sway me, so don’t bother. I am still a member in good standing with USA Powerlifting, as well as a club coach & state referee.
I have decided to sit for the USPA state referee test and will become a USPA coach. Eventually I hope to compete* with the USPA as well.
A few weeks ago, I spoke with USPA Georgia state chair Steve Goggins. We made plans to host my Atlanta Women’s Open powerlifting meet in partnership with Goggins Force and the USPA on May 5th.
Then, on 2/26, my Dad passed away unexpectedly, and my world has been turned upside down.
My first priorities are my health, my family and my clients, and so I have decided not to host the Atlanta Women’s Open this spring as originally planned.
The event will hopefully be rescheduled for later this year. Stay tuned.
For those who need a place to lift now, I recommend one of the following events:
The USPA Georgia State meet (not drug-tested) hosted by Goggins Force, full power, 5/26 in Marietta, GA
The USAPL Gulf Breeze Open hosted by Team Rohr, full power, 6/2 in Gulf Breeze, FL (near Pensacola)
Women’s Strength Coalition’s Pull for Pride, 6/16 in Atlanta, GA, deadlift only, BENEFITING Lost N Found Youth
Thanks to everyone for your kind words, positive energy and condolences. I look forward to seeing you all sometime soon.
xoxo,
Lis Smash
*And I WILL be getting my deadlift ready to participate in June’s Pull for Pride event. :)*
