Linda Patterson isn't your ordinary grandma.
The 78-year-old retiree from Albuquerque is just days away from competing in her first powerlifting competition. She told KOAT, "I just want to be strong, and there’s something about working out that makes me feel so good."
According to her trainer Derrick Williams, Patterson could barely even lift herself a year ago when she started training following a car accident that lost her the ability to "extend her spine" which also resulted in both her knees being replaced.
Her first test a year ago was just getting up off the ground by herself, of which she couldn't do. Now, this weekend, Patterson is competing in her first powerlifting competition.
Her journey all started by wanting to be there to keep up with her two granddaughters, though now she hopes to inspire other people along the way.
She said, "I would like for people to feel like they could do it and that it’s great for your mind and your body. I would just like to inspire people to go for it and just to try it."
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