I must admit I always have a soft spot in my heart for powerlifters who convert to Olympic lifting, mainly because that’s how I personally started in the sport. For those of you who haven’t done it, I can promise you it’s a process that tests your patience. However, it often leads to great success if the athlete is tough enough, and that’s the story with this month’s interview.
 
Tiffiny Wohlers is a former national-level powerlifter from Alaska who converted to Olympic weightlifting in 2017. In only a short amount of time, she has already snatched 100 kg and clean and jerked 120 kg in the 75 kg weight class, ranking near the top of her division nationally. Needless to say, switching sports was a good idea for her. When an athlete comes in with the kind of strength Tiffiny brought to the table, there’s often a time period in the first few years that’s a combination of huge progress and struggling to build consistency. Amazing strength and athletic ability will lead to quick early results, but it also takes years to develop the kind of technical mastery that makes a truly great weightlifter. It’s a normal part of the process, and that’s where Tiffiny is at right now.
 
Fortunately, she has what it takes to survive the early years that rough you up. She completed this interview on an airplane as she flew home after a disappointing national performance. That takes character, and that’s what’s going to lead her to greatness. True talent doesn’t lie, and it will be exciting to see the impressive results she puts up in the future. The Performance Menu is pleased to give you a look at one of the rising stars in US weightlifting.
 
Tell us about your background. Where are you from, where do you currently live, what’s your occupation, family life, what kind of sports background do you have outside lifting, etc.
 
I was raised and currently still reside in Wasilla, Alaska. I’m the oldest of five siblings, with four younger brothers! My boyfriend and I recently purchased our first home together, with plans to continue living up here as we both pursue our careers. I’m currently a full-time coach, splitting my time as a men’s gymnastics coach at Denali Gymnastics and CrossFit coach at their affiliate, Denali CrossFit.
 
As far as sports history goes, I grew up a multi-sport athlete: soccer, basketball, and primarily gymnastics. During my freshman year of high school, I transitioned from gymnastics into competitive cheerleading. A few years later, I ended up attending Hawaii Pacific University on a full-ride scholarship for cheerleading! After college, I pursued CrossFit for a short stint of time before finding success in powerlifting, where I spent a couple years competing nationally and internationally. USA Weightlifting’s recruitment project ended up reaching out to me through my powerlifting organization/coach, and here we are!
 
Describe your weightlifting history. When/how did you start? Who have your coaches been? What are your proudest accomplishments?
 
I started in February of 2017 when my powerlifting coach, Larry Maile, thought I would make a good transitional athlete. Around this same time, USA Powerlifting and USA Weightlifting had formed somewhat of a partnership and Phil Andrews ended up recruiting me through the USAW Recruitment Program. Currently, I am being coached by Patrick Borkowski. Honestly, my first few months in weightlifting were a struggle and I really wasn’t sure what my future held. Finding him was an absolute game changer, he is hands down the perfect coach for my weightlifting career. Patrick is the head of Human Performance for the U.S. Navy, and to say that he is brilliant is an understatement. Words can’t explain how honored I am to be his athlete.
 
Please give a basic description of your training method. Just tell us as much as you can about your program, weekly/yearly planning, etc.
 
My programming is pretty straight forward. I train seven to eight times a week; a few two-a-days and an active recovery day are typical. I have daily snatch and clean variations, coupled with squats, deadlifts, and/or presses, depending on the day. We plan our competitions as far out as possible, and program our cycles accordingly. We typically shoot for two American Opens and Nationals, filling in with some LWCs if needed.
 
Describe some obstacles you face, or maybe some things that frustrate you in your weightlifting life. What kinds of changes would you like to see, either personally or with the sport in general?
 
It’s actually funny that out of all the times I could’ve been asked this, naturally, now is that time. I’m currently typing this out on my flight back from American Open 3 in Vegas, and if you watched the Women’s 76kgA flight, you probably know where this is going…
 
I spent my entire cycle leading up to AO3 focusing on clean & jerk, dialing in technique. I felt great, I was ready to come out and put up bigger numbers than I ever had. This was the best I had ever felt physically on competition day. My snatch session went great. Attempt one- clean & jerk…lift off, front rack…straight to my butt. Wait, what? Attempt two- miss. Attempt three- miss. Bomb-out. My biggest fear. A moment that so easily could’ve been under “accomplishments” has now become my biggest obstacle. I don’t know what happened, what was missing, what went wrong.
 
I have thought about what it would feel like, imagined how I would feel. And yep, it’s every bit as bad as I thought, maybe even worse. This is where weightlifting becomes more mental than physical. It’s so easy to let negative thoughts steer your course. I find myself continually working on ways to reroute those thoughts and do my best to create something positive out of them. This will be a test of that mentality, and certainly not an easy one. You can’t prevent a bad day, but you can grow, learn, and become stronger when those days happen.
 
What are your plans and goals for your weightlifting career? How do you see your future in the sport?
 
My plan for now is to continue course through 2024, with my goal being to make the 2020 and 2024 Olympic team. In the meantime, and all the years to follow, I hope to give back as much as I can to both youth and adults in our Weightlifting community. Weightlifting has genuinely been the best part of my life, and I hope to reach as many people as I can through it.
 
Who are some of your major influences, people you look up to, etc.? Who are the people you want to thank for your success?
 
Priscilla Ribic has been probably the biggest influence on my lifting career. She is the epitome of true grit. She has continued to win titles 20 years into her career; this is the kind of history I strive to make.
 
My brother, Trent, who was recently paralyzed, for being the strongest person I know. Seeing him continue to push forward despite any obstacle he’s faced with inspires me daily to not take this life for granted and push to be the best “me” I can be.
 
My “thank-yous” are endless, first and foremost to God for the opportunity and able body. Of course, my mom and dad for always believing in my crazy dreams. My boyfriend, Chris, for being relentless in his support of my daily endeavors. My coach, Patrick Borkowski, for spending countless hours to ensure I’m in peak mental and physical shape. My powerlifting coach, Larry Maile, for bringing my strength to the next level. Without Larry, I do not think anyone else would’ve been able to pull the potential out of me. Lastly, but certainly not least, thank you to my Alaska CrossFit and fitness community! Whether it’s a quick message on social media, or a high five in passing, they have been the most supportive group of people I’ve ever met. They never let a day go by without letting me know they are in my corner!
 
We’re all in your corner, Tiffiny. Be patient and keep pounding the stone every day. You’ve got what it takes to go all the way!