The doubts of Dunedin powerlifter Ashley Templeton have melted away. She now trusts the words of her coach, Brian Jenkins.
Templeton (22), an occupational therapist, is one of two Otago powerlifters selected in the 12-strong New Zealand team for the world championships in Johannesburg from June 1 to 8. Law student Saera Simpson is also in the team.
When Templeton started serious powerlifting a year ago, she never thought she would qualify for the world championships a year later.
She went to the Snap Fitness gymnasium with her partner, Ryan Lester, last year to improve her fitness.
''Ryan and me were competitive against each other and I met my coach, Brian Jenkins, of Invercargill, who had faith in me,'' Templeton said.
''Brian said he wanted to take me to the world championships in a year's time.
''I didn't believe him at the time but I thought I'd give it a go and follow his instructions and train hard.''
Her progress was remarkable as she moved from club lifts to provincial, South Island, national and Oceania championships.
''I like powerlifting because it is an individual challenge for me and gives everyone a chance to get better,'' Templeton said.
''Everyone is supportive in the powerlifting community.''
She has enjoyed the adrenaline rush she gets from lifting heavier and heavier weights.
In her first club competition last year, Templeton lifted 95kg in the squat, 60kg in the bench press and 140kg in the deadlift for a total of 295kg.
Then at last month's New Zealand championships in Christchurch, she set New Zealand records in all disciplines in the junior women's under-63kg class - squat (112.5kg), bench press (67.5kg) and deadlift (147.5kg) for a total of 327.5kg.
And then, when she won the Otago title in the same class last weekend, she lifted 130kg for the squat, 82.5kg in the bench press and 150kg in the deadlift for a personal-best total of 362.5kg.
She also won gold medals in the bench press, deadlift and total and silver in the squat to win the Oceania title in Auckland in December.
Powerlifting has made a big difference to Templeton's lifestyle.
''It's made me change the way I look after myself, the way I eat and my nutrition,'' she said. Her diet is now more protein-based.
''I think more carefully about what I need to eat before and after training,'' Templeton said.
''I eat a lot more of the good fats and use protein shakes to help me because I'm training so hard.''
Templeton has lost 4kg since starting powerlifting and has maintained a steady weight just under 63kg.
''I have a lot more muscle and I find my ability to do everyday tasks has changed,'' she said.
''When I go back to the family sheep and beef farm at Riverton, I know how to lift things correctly. I can pick up a sheep more easily.''
Templeton makes sure she gives her body enough rest and has caught the competitive spark from other people at the Snap Fitness gymnasium.
''It's great to be around people who are highly motivated about their sport,''she said.
Fact file
Ashley Templeton
Age: 22.
Occupation: Occupational therapist.
Sport: Powerlifting.
Best performance: Squat (130kg), bench press (82.5kg), deadlift (150kg), total (362.5kg).
Class: Junior women 63kg.
Record: NZ rep to world championships, Johannesburg June 1-8; Otago, NZ and Oceania junior women's champion.
