The Legacy of the USPF

The first Women's Nationals was in 1977 and the first Women's World Championships was three years later in 1980.  Thank you, Joe Zarella, the "Godfather of Women's Powerlifting."  (Photo provided by Steve Zarella.)

Jan Todd (pictured on the Johnny Carson show) was a pioneer in and instrumental in implementing women's powerlifting.

She was the first woman to be elected to the Executive Commitee and have lifts of Squat 500+, Deadlift 400+, and Total 1200+.

Click here for one of many articles about Jan Todd.

In 1980, Danni Hawks (formerly Hartmann Eldridge) (front right) was the first female officer to compete in any type of CA Law Enforcement Olympics powerlifting events. Since there was no category for women, she had to compete against the men and placed a strong fourth place in her weight class.
Danni went to the CA Police Athletic Federation to settle this discrimination but was told a female division would only be created if she brought a team of women to compete. She recruited and/or trained a group of women for the next CA Police Olympics and the Women's Division in powerlifting was created in 1981.
The following year Danni was awarded Los Angeles Sheriff's Department’s “Outstanding Athlete of the Year” presented by Sheriff Block. (She may have also been the first female to receive this prestigious award.) 

Click here for Danni's webpage.

In 2022, Jimmie Brownfield was the first appointed USPF Teen Ambassador.  She was also the youngest USPF Referee in USPF history. 

Click here for our Memorial Tribute to Jimmie Brownfield.

On February 10, 2024, Paisyn Crain, who just turned 9 years old, is the youngest lifter in USPF history.  She deadlifted an incredible 105 lbs at a bwt of 52 lbs.  Paisyn is also 4th generation in the Crain powerlifting legacy.