17/06/2026
Story time - And on time for a change :)
This was PA nationals 2013. Panthers was already in its infancy but we hadn't changed our name to Panthers at this stage.
Jen Webb, Mum and Dad all came down to Melbourne to support me lifting and little Talia was 1yr old.
Mum and Dad sat behind a Turkish family filled with Open class lifters who they thought were a little intimidating. Talia however totally disagreed and ran over to join them. These big scary looking men took one look at Talia as she invited herself to their family and welcomed her with literal open arms. I'm not sure who was entertaining who but its safe to say Talia loved the next 3hrs she spent with them. And we got a crash course in how amazing the powerlifting culture was in Australia.
The man in the photo with us is Anthony Harris who MC'd the competition. Tony was squatting over 400 in single ply back before it was cool. He's also the man behind the infamous 'Ladies and gentlemen, he is OUT... COLD!' line I've likely told you the story of more than twice.
Things might look a little different these days, but our foundation hasn't changed. The original meaning behind our first name is still alive in every single session. For the crew who has been sweating it out with us since the beginning... do you remember what we used to be called? Let's hear it in the comments! ✨
