Masters Pan Ams was the first meet I’ve been able to coach full-time after 10 years of competing and working around training and competition schedules. Most of my time in the sport has been spent juggling coaching and my own weightlifting career. I’ve been lucky enough to have Spencer and a team of coaches that I trust COMPLETELY to take care of my people when I couldn’t be there, but it’s not the same.
I’m leaving the door open to coming back to competition, but also giving myself time to take a break and reset. I love this sport and even though I do feel like I need some space from competition I don’t want any kind of break from the sport or the lifts. I HIGHLY doubt I will ever step away from the sport entirely, but as with anything, things change. I’ve realized that every phase in weightlifting has taught me things that I can use for both my career and that of my athletes – I’m already learning in this new phase.
Being at competition is about way more than medals or PR’s, it’s also about having time to build relationships with athletes and with the weightlifting community; having the time to celebrate wins in confidence on the platform, wins in consistency, and experience gained; and it’s about being there in the hard moments that we can learn from and use to move forward. Some of my favorite moments at Masters Pan Ams were in the conversations I got to have with athletes between weigh-in and competition, the smiles after meaningful lifts, and the pizza and laughs with new friends after a long day. I’m so proud of this team and even more grateful for their trust. Jesse, Jeanette, Katy, Sharon, Julie, Cameron, Cici, Lindsay, and Mandi, THANK YOU! I’m so excited for what’s next for each of you.
Weightlifting is hard, but the people in it are a big part of what makes it worth it. Transitioning out of being a full-time athlete (maybe temporarily, who knows) hasn’t been easy. It’s actually been more emotional and challenging than I expected -if you know me you know I’ve never handled change well. BUT transitioning into coaching full-time has made it so much easier. After this past weekend, sure my feet hurt, but I’m happy and can’t wait for nationals.
❤️
Jessie