Betty Lafferty
Born: May 23, 1942
Hometown: Magnolia Springs
Current Residence: Gulf Shores
What is your Alabama Connection?
I was born and raised here.
Current pursuits in powerlifting and life:
I keep working on staying strong and healthy. I keep peace of mind and pass on love.
Lifting History:
When did you start weightlifting and what inspired you to start weightlifting?
I began working out, running and lifting at a young age, and a friend introduced me to heavy lifting.
When did you get involved with powerlifting and what got you interested in the sport?
From my partners at the gym, they got me intrerested to pursue the sport. At the time I started powerlifting I had run in 12 marathons including the 100th Boston Marathon. I wanted to try something new. In my first WABDL meet with Gus Rethwisch at the Holiday Inn in Gulf Shores I set 2 WABDL Master Women World Records.
Do you have a powerlifting nickname, and if so how did you get it?
It’s the “Princess of Powerlifting”. It was given to me by Rick Hagedorn in Gadsden, AL at the Riverfest meet.
What weight class(es) did you compete in? 105 & 114
What are your best lifts in each category in each weight class?
Best Lifts @ 105 lb. Weight Class
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
BENCH PRESS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
154.3 @ 76 y.o.
RAW
358.2 P/P Total
SINGLE PLY
209.4 @ 66 y.o.
154.3 @ 66 y.o.
Best Lifts @ 114 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
162 @ 64 y.o.
217.1 @ 69 y.o.
371.4 P/P Total
SINGLE PLY
How many years did you compete? 21 years
Between what year and what year did you compete? 1998 to 2018
What is the approximate total number of meets you competed in? 45
List your favorite meets you competed in.
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1998 WABDL Healthworks Southeast BP & DL Championship - My 1st Meet
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1998 WABDL 24Hour Fitness World Bench Press & Deadlift Championship - My 1st Worlds
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2003 WABDL Riverfest Southeastern Record Breakers - Gadsden, AL
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2003 WABDL World Championship - Las Vegas, NV
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2004 WABDL Riverfest Southeastern Record Breakers - Gadsden, AL
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2007 WABDL World Championship - Anaheim, CA
What's the highest classification you achieved? Elite
What's the highest score you achieved? Push/Pull Wilks 215.22
What are some of your powerlifting accomplishments?
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Currently hold 3 WABDL World Records in the Deadlift in Master Women
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Currently hold 4 WABDL World Records in the Bench Press in Master Women
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Set 35 WABDL World Records combined in the bench press and deadlift
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Won 12 WABDL World Championships
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Won 20 WABDL Best Lifter Award in Masters Women bench press & deadlift at the various WABDL Worlds
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2019 Inductee to the Alabama Powerlifting Hall of Fame
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Inductee to the WABDL Hall of Fame
Who are some of the most memorable lifters/people for you in your career?
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Joe Ladnier, he invited me to come workout in his gym. He was very generous with his time and in sharing his lifting knowledge.
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Gus Rethwisch, for his support all the years I competed in the WABDL.
With your name as part of the history of powerlifting in Alabama, what would you like to be most remembered for?
That I was a hard worker and pushed myself to achieve my goals. That I had fun doing it and encouraged others. For mentoring the young girls at the gym. Teaching them that powerlifting is a powerful metaphor for life. That life challenges require patients, planning, focus, and a resilient mindset to overcome obstacles. The sport teaches that success is found in the daily pursuit of improvement, not just the final result.
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to future powerlifters?
That with hard work, focus and planning all obstacles can be overcome. Keep moving forward, keep life simple and simply be kind. Finally, LIFT HEAVY or GO HOME !