KYLIE Findley has had a record breaking year to cement her status as one of Australia’s most formidable powerlifters.
The former Wedderburn College student and daughter of Roger Paterson, has achieved national honours in quick succession.
Within a month, Kylie competed in three separate national championships across three different federations. 
She started her competition tour in Brisbane with the Global Powerlifting Committee Nationals in the Open Women’s 110+ division. Despite competing in the open category, Kylie, 56, set Masters records in her age and weight class.
After a flawless performance of nine successful lifts Kylie shattered four national and world Masters records; Squat 167.5kg, Bench Press 75kg and Deadlift 190kg. 
She was awarded a bronze medal and a place on the podium for her efforts.
However, when she returned to Brisbane for the CAPO National Titles the following week, a warmup injury threatened to take her out of the competition. 
Despite a 140kg barbell accidentally rolling down her back and head, leaving her bruised and shaken, Kylie refused to back down. 
As a result, she broke her own National Deadlift Record, lifting 185kg, which stood as a World Record at the time of the lift. Kylie also attempted a 190kg deadlift, but judges ruled it incomplete due to a missed lockout.
“While I was disappointed with the decision,” Kylie said, “I was proud that I had managed to lift that weight after the earlier accident.”
She finished the day with the highest score in her age and weight category.
Most recently Kylie wrapped up her triple-title campaign at the Australian Powerlifting League nationals at the Melbourne Convention Centre. 
She again broke her own National Deadlift Record, pulling 185kg on her second attempt.
 For her final lift, Kylie went all in, attempting a 195kg deadlift—a bold move after a month of relentless competition. 
Though she couldn’t complete the lift, she still won the Masters 50–55 years, 110+ division, and placed third in the Open category.
Despite having competed in more national events than most lifters qualify for in one year. Kylie plans to compete in the Police and Emergency Services Games and the GPC Masters Championships later this year. 
She has also added CrossFit to her regimen with the goal of competing in a DEKA Strength event in January.
Bairnsdale’s Deadlift Queen isn’t just lifting weights, she’s lifting the bar for what’s possible, and becoming a role model for young female lifters.