Introduction to Farhanna Farid
Farhanna Farid stands as one of Singapore’s most remarkable athletes, having transformed from a casual runner into a world record-breaking powerlifter. This petite dynamo, competing in the U52kg category, has shattered expectations and stereotypes while inspiring countless individuals across Southeast Asia. Her journey represents more than athletic achievement; it embodies the spirit of determination and the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
As a Medical Information Specialist at AstraZeneca by day and powerlifting coach by night, Farhanna demonstrates that extraordinary accomplishments can emerge from ordinary beginnings. Her story resonates particularly with women who may feel intimidated by strength sports, showing that powerlifting welcomes athletes of all backgrounds. Through her role as an executive committee member of Powerlifting Singapore, she continues to shape the future of the sport in the region.
Farhanna’s Record-Breaking Achievements
Setting New World Records
Farhanna’s record-breaking prowess reached new heights at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, where she delivered a masterclass in competitive powerlifting. Her performance that day was nothing short of spectacular, as she not only broke her own world record once but twice in the same competition. The atmosphere was electric as she approached the platform, knowing that each lift could potentially rewrite powerlifting history.
Her dedication to excellence shows in every aspect of her preparation and execution. The precision with which she approaches each lift reflects years of meticulous training and an unwavering commitment to perfection. These achievements have solidified her position as one of the most formidable powerlifters in her weight category globally.
Details of the 2025 World Games Performance
The 2025 World Games witnessed Farhanna’s most impressive performance to date. She first lifted 210kg in the deadlift, immediately setting a new world record and sending waves of excitement through the powerlifting community. Not content with this achievement, she returned to the platform and hoisted an incredible 217kg, further cementing her dominance in the sport.
This 217kg deadlift represented nearly 8kg more than her previous world record of 209.5kg, a substantial improvement that showcased her continued evolution as an athlete. The lift was executed with perfect form and control, demonstrating the technical mastery that separates world-class athletes from the competition. Her celebration was modest yet meaningful, reflecting her focus on the journey rather than just the destination.
Comparison of Previous and Current Records
The progression of Farhanna’s records tells a story of consistent improvement and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her previous world record of 209.5kg was already considered exceptional in the powerlifting community, but her latest achievement of 217kg represents a quantum leap in performance. This improvement of 7.5kg might seem modest to casual observers, but in elite powerlifting, such gains represent months of dedicated training and refinement.
Her record-breaking journey includes an impressive collection of twelve world records, each marking a significant milestone in her athletic career. The consistency of her improvements demonstrates not just physical development but also mental growth and technical refinement. Each record has built upon the previous one, creating a trajectory that continues to inspire athletes worldwide.
Journey to Powerlifting
Initial Involvement in Long-Distance Running
Farhanna’s athletic journey began far from the powerlifting platform, in the world of long-distance running. Like many Singaporeans seeking fitness and community, she initially gravitated toward running as her primary form of exercise. The discipline and endurance developed through running would later prove invaluable in her powerlifting career, though she couldn’t have imagined the path that lay ahead.
Running provided her with a foundation of cardiovascular fitness and mental toughness that would serve her well in future endeavors. The solitary nature of long-distance running also taught her the importance of internal motivation and self-discipline. These qualities, honed over countless miles, would become crucial elements in her powerlifting success.
Transition to Powerlifting
The transition from running to powerlifting happened almost by accident, demonstrating how life‘s most significant changes often occur when we least expect them. Farhanna’s introduction to powerlifting came through a spontaneous decision to try something completely different from her usual routine. This willingness to step outside her comfort zone would prove to be the catalyst for an extraordinary athletic career.
What began as curiosity quickly evolved into passion as she discovered her natural aptitude for strength training. The immediate feedback and measurable progress in powerlifting appealed to her goal-oriented mindset. Unlike running, where improvements could be subtle and gradual, powerlifting offered clear benchmarks and tangible achievements that fueled her competitive spirit.
First Mock Meet Experience
Farhanna’s first mock meet experience was nothing short of remarkable, as she exceeded national records without any formal training or preparation. This debut performance was a clear indication of her natural talent and potential in the sport. The fact that she could achieve such results as a complete novice suggested that powerlifting might be her true athletic calling.
The mock meet environment allowed her to experience the competitive atmosphere without the pressure of official competition. This introduction to powerlifting culture and community was equally important as her impressive lifts. She discovered a supportive environment where athletes encouraged each other regardless of their level, a stark contrast to some other competitive sports.
Training and Preparation
Self-Funding Competitions
One of the most inspiring aspects of Farhanna’s journey is her commitment to self-funding her competitions, demonstrating that passion can overcome financial obstacles. Unlike athletes in more commercially supported sports, powerlifters often face significant expenses for travel, accommodation, and competition fees. Farhanna’s willingness to invest her own resources shows her dedication to the sport and belief in her potential.
This financial commitment extends beyond just competition costs to include specialized equipment, coaching, and nutritional support. Her approach to self-funding reflects a broader philosophy about taking ownership of one’s dreams and not waiting for external validation or support. This independence has allowed her to compete on her own terms and maintain control over her athletic career.
Balancing Training with Personal Life
Balancing an elite athletic career with professional responsibilities requires exceptional time management and prioritization skills. As a Medical Information Specialist at AstraZeneca, Farhanna must navigate the demands of a challenging career while maintaining the training intensity necessary for world-class performance. This balance becomes even more complex when considering her role as a powerlifting coach, which adds another layer of responsibility to her already full schedule.
Her ability to excel in multiple areas simultaneously speaks to her organizational skills and unwavering commitment to both her career and athletic pursuits. She has developed systems and routines that maximize efficiency while ensuring that neither her professional nor athletic performance suffers. This balance serves as an inspiration to working professionals who believe they must choose between career success and athletic achievement.
Nutrition and Discipline
Nutrition plays a crucial role in Farhanna’s success, requiring meticulous planning and unwavering discipline to maintain her competitive weight while fueling intense training sessions. Competing in the U52kg category means that every gram matters, making her nutritional approach both an art and a science. Her discipline in this area reflects the same commitment she brings to all aspects of her training.
The mental discipline required to maintain such precise nutritional control extends far beyond the physical aspects of eating. It requires constant planning, preparation, and the ability to make difficult choices in social and professional settings. Her success in this area demonstrates that elite athletic performance requires sacrifice and dedication in every aspect of life, not just the hours spent in the gym.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
Promoting Inclusivity in Powerlifting
Farhanna’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in powerlifting stems from her belief that strength sports should welcome athletes from all backgrounds and experience levels. Her work with Powerlifting Singapore focuses on breaking down barriers that might prevent people from trying the sport. She understands that many potential athletes, particularly women, may feel intimidated by the powerlifting environment and works actively to change these perceptions.
Her advocacy extends to creating educational opportunities and supportive environments for newcomers to the sport. Through workshops, coaching, and mentorship, she helps others navigate the technical and cultural aspects of powerlifting. This commitment to community building reflects her understanding that individual success is enhanced when the entire sport grows and thrives.
Encouraging Women in Sports
As a successful female athlete in a traditionally male-dominated sport, Farhanna serves as a powerful role model for women considering strength training. Her achievements challenge gender stereotypes and demonstrate that women can excel in powerlifting while maintaining their individual identity and pursuing other life goals. She actively works to encourage more women to participate in strength sports, understanding the transformative power these activities can have on confidence and self-perception.
Her approach to encouraging women focuses on education and empowerment rather than intimidation or pressure. She emphasizes the health benefits, community aspects, and personal satisfaction that come from strength training. By sharing her own journey and challenges, she makes the sport more accessible and relatable to women who might otherwise never consider powerlifting as an option.
Future Aspirations in Powerlifting
Farhanna’s future aspirations extend beyond personal achievement to encompass broader goals for the sport and community. She hopes to see powerlifting included in the Olympic Games, which would provide greater recognition and support for athletes worldwide. Her work toward this goal includes advocacy, education, and continued excellence in competition to raise the profile of the sport.
Her vision for powerlifting in Singapore includes greater participation, improved facilities, and increased support for athletes at all levels. She understands that building a strong powerlifting community requires sustained effort and leadership from successful athletes like herself. Her commitment to these long-term goals demonstrates that her impact on the sport will extend far beyond her competitive career, much like how other athletes work to promote powerlifting as an accessible sport for everyone.
Mental Resilience in Sports
The Importance of Mental Health
Farhanna recognizes that mental health is just as crucial as physical preparation in achieving elite athletic performance. Her approach to powerlifting emphasizes the psychological aspects of competition, including managing pressure, maintaining focus, and developing the mental toughness necessary for consistent performance. She understands that the mind-muscle connection extends beyond technique to encompass overall mental well-being.
Her advocacy for mental health awareness in sports stems from personal experience and observation of fellow athletes. She has seen how mental health challenges can derail promising careers and believes that addressing these issues proactively is essential for long-term success. This holistic approach to athletic performance sets her apart as both an athlete and a coach.
Strategies for Building Resilience
Building mental resilience requires specific strategies and consistent practice, much like developing physical strength. Farhanna employs various techniques to maintain psychological balance, including visualization, goal-setting, and stress management practices. Her approach to resilience building is systematic and evidence-based, reflecting her scientific background and practical experience in high-pressure situations.
Her strategies emphasize the importance of self-respect and internal validation over external approval. This mindset allows her to maintain confidence even when facing setbacks or criticism. She teaches other athletes that resilience is not about avoiding failure but about learning to recover and grow from challenging experiences.
Career and Athletic Balance
Role as a Medical Information Specialist
Farhanna’s professional role as a Medical Information Specialist at AstraZeneca requires scientific rigor, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly. These skills translate directly to her athletic pursuits, where precision and analytical thinking are essential for optimal performance. Her pharmaceutical background provides her with a deeper understanding of human physiology and the scientific principles underlying athletic training.
The demanding nature of her professional responsibilities has taught her valuable lessons about time management and prioritization that benefit her athletic career. Working in the pharmaceutical industry also provides her with access to cutting-edge research and scientific developments that inform her approach to training and recovery. This unique combination of professional expertise and athletic experience makes her a more effective coach and mentor.
Powerlifting Coaching Responsibilities
As a powerlifting coach, Farhanna shares her knowledge and experience with athletes at various levels, from beginners to competitive lifters. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes proper technique, safety, and gradual progression, reflecting the same methodical approach that has made her successful as a competitor. She understands that effective coaching requires patience, clear communication, and the ability to adapt training methods to individual needs.
Her coaching responsibilities extend beyond technical instruction to include mentorship and motivation. She helps athletes develop the mental skills necessary for competition while building their confidence and competence in the sport. This dual role as competitor and coach provides her with unique insights into both sides of the powerlifting experience.
Inspiration and Motivation
Farhanna’s Impact on the Community
Farhanna’s influence extends far beyond her personal achievements to encompass her broader impact on the powerlifting community and society at large. Her success has inspired countless individuals to pursue their own athletic goals, regardless of their starting point or perceived limitations. She demonstrates that extraordinary achievements are possible through dedication, proper training, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Her community impact is particularly significant among women and working professionals who see in her story proof that they too can achieve remarkable things. She regularly receives messages from people who have been motivated by her example to start strength training or pursue competitive powerlifting. This ripple effect of inspiration multiplies her impact far beyond what any individual achievement could accomplish alone.
Encouraging Others to Push Boundaries
Farhanna’s philosophy centers on encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones and challenge their perceived limitations. She believes that most people underestimate their own potential and that with proper guidance and support, they can achieve far more than they imagine. Her own journey from casual runner to world record holder serves as compelling evidence for this belief.
Her approach to encouraging others is both practical and inspirational, combining technical knowledge with motivational support. She helps people set realistic but challenging goals while providing the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve them. This balanced approach has proven effective in helping numerous individuals transform their relationship with fitness and competition.
Personal Goals and Future Competitions
Looking ahead, Farhanna has set ambitious goals for her continued competitive career, including participation in the Asian Championships in December where she hopes to further improve her lifts. Her immediate focus remains on technical refinement and strength development, with the long-term vision of continuing to break world records and inspire others through her achievements.
Her future competition plans reflect a strategic approach to athletic development, balancing the desire for immediate success with long-term career sustainability. She understands that elite athletic careers require careful planning and periodization to maintain peak performance over time. Her goals extend beyond personal achievement to include growing the sport and creating opportunities for future generations of powerlifters, similar to how other advocates promote powerlifting as an accessible sport that anyone can try regardless of their background or experience level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What records has Farhanna Farid set in powerlifting?
Farhanna Farid has set multiple world records, including her most recent achievement of lifting 217kg in the deadlift at the 2025 World Games.
How does Farhanna balance her professional career and powerlifting?
Farhanna balances her career as a Medical Information Specialist at AstraZeneca with her powerlifting training and coaching responsibilities through exceptional time management and prioritization skills.
What is Farhanna’s advocacy work in powerlifting?
Farhanna advocates for inclusivity in powerlifting, encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds, especially women, and promoting educational opportunities to help newcomers.
What are Farhanna’s future aspirations in powerlifting?
Farhanna aims to continue breaking records, participate in competitions like the Asian Championships, and work towards greater recognition for powerlifting, including its inclusion in the Olympic Games.
Empowering the Next Generation of Powerlifters
Farhanna Farid’s journey in powerlifting exemplifies the power of determination and community engagement. As she continues to break records and inspire others, her commitment to fostering inclusivity and support in the sport paves the way for future generations of athletes to discover their potential and pursue their goals.