Sheila Hopkins is truly a powerlifting pioneer in North Carolina. She was the first female lifter in N.C. Sheila first lifted in meets in 1975. When it was rumored that a female was going to lift, most expected a big brute of a woman, instead a thin whisp of a 16 year old girl took to the platform in the 114 lb class and proceeded to outlift many of the guys !!! For the next several years she would place well in meets without today's benefits of age and the female divisions. Many a man went home a place lower at her hands. Sheila lifted for almost 10 years and when national womens divisions were created, took home the titles. The deadlift was her lift and she did over 300 at 114 and well over 300 at 123.
