There’s a powerlifting champion in the area, and it might not be who you think.
Heather Connor, a 2009 Southern Lee High School graduate, took up the sport in late 2015 after local pastor Steve Ray of Good News Baptist Church encouraged her to join a co-ed competition.
Connor, 34, said was approached by Ray while working out at a local YMCA.
Powerlifting has helped her deal with scoliosis, including a “double curve” in the top and bottom of her spine, she said, because she has built muscle.
Connor said she previously dealt with some anxiety, and the sport has helped her deal with that too.
She is the youngest daughter of Doug and Sherry Connor of Sanford. Her sister, Amber Werkheiser, also lives in town.
Heather began teaching third grade at Highland Elementary, east of Buffalo Lake Road, north of Carolina Lakes Golf Course, in March.
She had taken some time off from teaching prior to that in order to compete more in powerlifting, which includes squats, deadlifts and bench presses.
Connor has 10 years of teaching experience, she said, noting previous time at Tramway and Overhills elementaries.
Highland Principal Dyan Pope is a big supporter, Connor said.
So far, Connor has won three International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) women’s championships in the 47 kg weight class, or 103 pounds.
She also has won seven national Powerlifting America (PA) championships, she said.
“It was amazing,” her father said, referring to Heather’s recent international win.
Weight lifting won’t usually interfere with her teaching, she said, noting that competitions occur in April and June during spring and summer break.
She will have to take off a few days in October and late January, however, due to competitions in Houston and England.
She has lifted four and one-half times her weight twice now, both this year, she said.
“It seems insane,” she said. “I want to be the first woman to deadlift five times my body weight.”
Connor has come a long way from her high school days, where she completed in cheerleading, basketball and track for the Lady Cavaliers.
She lives at Fort Bragg with her husband. Her Instagram handle is @heather.e.connor.
