First there were the ones from the local Special Olympics competitions.
All told, Angel has about 49 medals to her name, her mother finally determines.
I feel like I’m Hercules, Athenas tells SELF about how powerlifting makes her feel.
Athenas at the Special Olympics Summer World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 closing ceremony
Shes alsobroken female powerlifting records for New York State.
Athenas faced an exceedingly challenging childhood.
“Gee, how could we not lead her and do something?
Because what’s her destiny?”
Though she struggled with basic verbal skills, her natural coordination and athleticism became readily apparent.
In high school, she expanded her repertoire to include track and gymnastics.
That’s all before she discovered an unparalleled passionand talentfor powerlifting.
They began tackling workouts together, focusing on weightlifting, and Athenas developed a strong interest in the sport.
They welcomed her into their group, and she began lifting with them once a week.
At many of those local competitions, Athenas was the only female powerlifter, explains Geri.
But that didnt seem to intimidate her.
Because of her personality, she was out there, yelling,You’re doing great, says Geri.
And she was smiling, and talking to everybody.
Then came the epic ask from USA Special Olympics.
Would Athenas represent America in the 2019 Special Olympic World Games Abu Dhabi?
Given her success at the USA Games, Geri and Bob elected to say yes.
Athenas says she arrived at the global competition with full confidence.
When I went to Abu Dhabi, I said,You know what?
I feel like I got this, because I know I’m the strongest woman in the world.
The newly crowned World Champion returned home to a flurry of attention, celebrations, and event invites.
First there was the welcome home party at her group home complete with elected officials and news cameras.
Case in point: her extremely strong work ethic.
I’ve never met anybody that is so into it, says Ponce.
I have to be careful, she says.
I dont overdo it.
And as a person?
Athenas is very giving, very loving, extremely overprotective, he says.
She also enjoys dancing and DJ’ing.
So what advice would Athenas give to other athletes seeking success?
Go forward and just do the best you’ve got the option to.
And don’t let nobody tell you that you’ve got the option to’t do this.
