Sioux-z Hartwig-Gary
Women's Hall of Fame - 2011
What is your personal background?
- From: Lake Norden, SD as one of four siblings.
- Currently : Rockville, MD
- Massage therapist & own Supreme Sports Performance & Training, Inc. (SSPT).
What is your athletic background?
- High school: softball, basketball, track, & a cheerleader.
- College: Tae-Kwon-Do
How did you get into Power lifting?
I realized I was strong in high school but was told there was no room for girls to lift. Luckily one day, while working at Mt. Rushmore, I joined some guys on a universal machine and was told, “You’re strong, and you should be a powerlifter.” Then my journey began.
1) First meet in 1991
a) Number were: 205sq; 105bp; 205dl @105lbs
b) Did a meet 10 weeks later and totaled 225sq; 120bp; 250dl
2)Today:
a) 380sq; 226bp; 369dl; 965 Total @114lb Geared
b) 308sq; 176bp; 330dl; 814 Total @114 Raw
3) 3 x World Champion
a) 1993 WDFPF Worlds 105-lbs (ADFPA affiliate)
b) 2003 IPF Open 114lbs
c) 2009 IPF Master 114lbs
- 20 years competitive lifting
- 13 x World Championship Competitor (Once WDFPF)
- 2 x World Games Competitor
- 20x National Competitor
- 15x National Champion
- 2008 NAPF Champion
- 2x Master World Records
Highlights/Memorable Events
Winning the IPF Open Worlds in 2003 in Chicago.- Proud and thankful to have competed in two World Games.
- 2008 NAPF in Aruba. Broke the Master WRx in the squat, bench press, and total
- 2010, I competed in four national/international meets and made 35 of 36 lifts while hitting PRs along the way.
Who influenced you in powerlifting?
Early Stages: Kirk Karwoski - taught me great form and technique. He also stressed the importance of smart attempt selection. Currently: husband, Matt Gary. Matt plans most of my training and does a lot of research on various training programs and techniques. Contribution in Powerlifting:
- Referee for over 12 years, currently a National Referee
- Women’s Committee
- Athlete’s Rep
- Assistant Coach for NAPF, World Games, World Championships and Arnold Sports
Most memorable lifter in your career:
Kirk Karwoski, Ed Coan, Carrie Boudreau, and Wei-ling Chen
As your name goes down in history, what would you like to be most remembered for?
I hope to be remembered for not only being a strong lifter, but for being consistent and making a lot of attempts. I’d also like to be remembered for my love of the sport and willingness to help and support other lifters, especially the up and coming lifters.
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to the future female powerlifters?
Don’t let others tell you that you cannot do something because you are female. Always try your very best and you will earn respect. It is not simply about how much weight you lift; it’s about making attempts and beating your own personal bests. Set goals and when you achieve them, set more.
Sponsors of Women’s Hall of Fame:
- USAPL Womens’ Hall of Fame Fund
- Titan Support Systems
- PLGearOnline
- Con-Cret
- Quest Nutrition
- George Marts
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