I am very excited to be the meet director of the 2006 Bench Press Nationals. Having been a competitive athlete in USA Powerlifting for almost seven years, I am always grateful for those who put so much time and effort into holding some of the spectacular events that I have been fortunate enough to lift in.

I have lifted in seven bench press national competitions in my career, becoming a National Champion four times and runner-up three times.  These national events have led me to competing in the I.P.F. World Bench Press Championships. I am currently training for my seventh year at this event. I have been a World Champion twice, been runner-up five times and took bronze once. I am also the current World Bench Press Record holder in the 60kg weight class with a lift of 142.5kg or 313.5 pounds.

I enjoy competing in full powerlifting events as well, even though the bench press is by far my best exercise. I have competed in four Women’s Powerlifting Nationals placing runner-up three times and fifth once. I am bound and determined to be classified as something other than a “bench press specialist”. One day I will get my squat up to a respectable weight!

Outside of powerlifting I am a wife to my husband Donovan of nine years and a mother to two year old Tucker and five month old Broden. Being a mother has been my most challenging and rewarding role. Children put your life into a whole new perspective and you find yourself happy to put yourself second. I hope that I will be able to continue lifting long enough for my children to travel with me to a World Championships. I think our sport is such a positive influence on kids and is full of amazing people.

Jennifer Thompson
:jennifer@132poundsofpower.com