Balancing the demands of medical school with personal passions can be challenging, but Gianna Sweeting, a first-year medical student (M1) at Meharry Medical College School of Medicine, is proving that strength and dedication extend far beyond the classroom.
Sweeting recently competed in a USA Powerlifting (USAPL) meet, a strength sport centered around three core movements: squat, bench press, and deadlift.
The competition marked a major milestone for her, not only was it her first competition in Tennessee, but it was also her first meet since beginning medical school.
Her performance was nothing short of impressive. Sweeting placed first in her weight class and was named Best Female Lifter Overall. Her winning lifts included:
- Squat: 352 pounds
- Bench Press: 165 pounds
- Deadlift: 402 pounds
Originally from Miami, Florida, Sweeting has been competing in powerlifting since 2023 and continues to pursue the sport while navigating the rigorous journey of medical training.
At Meharry, students like Gianna Sweeting demonstrate that excellence can take many forms, from the clinic to the competition platform.
Written by: Brandon Marshall, School of Medicine Communications Director.
Photos taken by: thepinkplatformmedia.
