CNJ+ September 2023

judges. At least two of the three judges must consider it a good lift. 2022- My first competition at a local event in January was designed to introduce me to the competitive platform and familiarize me with being judged. This was the official beginning of my unexpected journey. Two additional competitions that year and then the North American open Series in Calgary Canada in September took my journey to the National level. In weightlifting, you compete in categories designated by age and weight that create a level playing field. In open Series competi tions, all ages can potentially qualify and compete. From the age of thirty-five to in finity. One can also compete in Masters weightlifting competitions. 2023- In March, I entered my first Mas ters National Weightlifting Championship in Valley Forge, Pa. Overall- silver. I am now training at Marble Weightlifting in Freehold with Coach Joe Coszena. I have found a place where I belong and I can con tinue on this amazing journey. May-I competed in the Masters Pan American Weightlifting Championship in Orlando, Florida- overall- silver. Which brings us to present time- August. Masters World Weightlifting Championship in Wiel iczka, Poland where 56 countries and 1000 athletes will compete. Weightlifting has afforded me opportu nities, not only to compete athletically, but also to travel places never before on my ra dar, and to meet people who share my chal lenges and goals. I have worked hard and have experienced a great deal of growth on many levels. As my team mate Marcy told me, “You have earned the right to be on that platform. Trust that your body knows what to do.”

pride in what you have accomplished. It is an honor to compete in Poland for Team USA. I wear my USA uniform with much pride as I represent my country, my family, my coach, my teammates to the very best of my abilities. And so, it seems, my un expected Journey continues. P.S. Maybe, just maybe, I was born at the right time! Poland aftermath-My Unexpected Jour ney has reached new heights! Poland opened my eyes to a new level of possibility, poten tial, experience, and achievement. I am a better person for having visited Poland. For experiencing and learning more about its culture, the people, its language, (very difficult!), its treasures, and also the trage dies that are forged deep within its soil, and ingrained in its very soul. It is a beautiful country whose history has impacted the world. Coach Joe sent me off to Poland with these words, “Trust in what you have been training to do. Stay focused. Friday is the day the weights are afraid of YOU! I am ex cited for you! Let’s go! Be aggressive!” I was on my own in Poland. And, at first, that was a bit scary. But I soon learned that the Masters Weightlifting community is all embracing. I began meeting lifters from oth er states and from other countries as they arrived for the competition. Recognizing my concerns, as well as my apparent stress, so many of these “strangers” offered to help me, to coach me, to guide me through this, my first World Masters Championship. And soon, very soon, the “strangers” became… friends! Their support was overwhelming, and I am forever grateful. I know that these friendships are lasting friendships! Friday, August 18th. Competition Day! Together, 88 -year-old Bill Despard from Scotland (many times over a World Cham pion and Silver medalist in this competi tion!) and Marc Lado from South Carolina

Sue Gunther on winners podium

Couch Joe keeps on telling me to be ag gressive, to stop thinking so much and to trust in myself. He reminds me that I have come a long way in such a short time and that I have the ability to go further. Be Patient, he keeps telling me. (“I’m trying coach, I’m trying!) I have learned a lot from this unexpected journey, but the truth is, I am still learning- every single day. This has been one of the most gratifying things I have ever done because I am constantly being challenged, and I alone must rise to that challenge. I have discovered a sense of accomplishment in a place I would never have thought to look. I have learned that no window is ever truly closed as long as you can see through it to the other side. I am positive proof that it is never too late to try something new, go after those opportunities, believe in yourself, your abilities, and your strength, and most of all, relish in the sense of

(also a silver medalist in this competition,) coached me through the six lifts that ultimately landed me on the 1st Place podium! As our National Anthem played, I was filled with an indescribable and overwhelming sense of pride. I was proud, so very proud, to have the honor of representing my country! So, what does the future hold? No one is ever privy to that information be cause it is unknown. But I have come away from this experience highly moti vated. I intend to use that energy to move forward, to get stronger, to get better. And so I say… “Stay tuned! I am not finished!” Sue Gunther

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