In a world where strength is often associated with the physical prowess of one’s body, it is crucial to recognize that true strength goes beyond what meets the eye. Meet Grace Del Barrio, an extraordinary woman whose journey embodies resilience, determination, and an unyielding spirit. Despite being deaf, Grace has risen above challenges, becoming a prominent figure in the world of strongman lifting in the Philippines.
In an exclusive interview, Carlos Lanzona – reigning PH Strongest Man sat down with Grace Del Barrio to learn about her awe-inspiring journey as a strongman competitor, challenging societal norms, and shattering misconceptions about disabilities. From her early struggles to her proudest achievements, Grace shares the story of how she embraced her uniqueness and transformed it into a source of empowerment.
Carlos: To start things off, could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about yourself? How is life and school going?
Grace: I am a 26-year-old college student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education. I have a great passion for sports, particularly strength-related sports. I also play volleyball and I am currently practicing for the upcoming Eagles Deaf Club EAGLES CUP 2023. I used to be a bikini athlete, but I had to stop participating due to religious reasons.
I was also a former member of the Board of Directors of the Powerlifting Association of the Philippines. One of my biggest milestones is the publication of my book titled “SUCCESS FACTORS: Conquer your Disability and Achieve your Dreams.”
As for life, it’s exciting for me as long as there are competitions to join. It helps me maintain a balance between my studies and personal life—study hard and play harder.
Carlos: How did you discover your passion for strongman and powerlifting, and what inspired you to pursue them as your disciplines?
Grace: My coach, who is now my husband, introduced me to the world of strongman and powerlifting. He encouraged me to start lifting weights with him. Interestingly, although he was the first one to start lifting weights, I ended up being the one who competes.
He kept adding weights, and since I enjoy challenges, I went along with it. Realizing that I had the ability to lift weights, we started gathering information about powerlifting, strongman, and bodybuilding events. From there, my passion for these disciplines grew.
Carlos: Can you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a dual athlete and how you overcame them?
Grace: I have encountered several challenges while training and competing as a dual athlete. Firstly, time management has been a struggle. Balancing my classes (fortunately, many of them are online) and scheduled practices has impacted some of my grades. Additionally, finding enough time for rest and recovery has been challenging. Managing my studies, practice sessions, and household responsibilities while ensuring adequate rest is not easy.
Supplementation and nutrition have also been a challenge. When faced with financial constraints, it becomes difficult to prioritize the basics. Another challenge is the psycho-emotional aspect. I often question myself, wondering if I can lift certain weights or if I might get injured. These thoughts arise due to an undiagnosed recurring minor injury in my infraspinatus area. Sometimes, this injury affects me during heavy lifting.
Carlos: Living in this country is already challenging enough, but what has been the biggest challenge for you as the only hearing-impaired person in your sport and as a young woman in a male-dominated field?
Grace: Officiating has been a significant challenge for me, hahaha! It’s tough for me to understand the referees and officials. However, I’m grateful that the officials have been accommodating and understanding. This challenge was particularly evident when I participated in a bodybuilding event, as I had to rely on my fellow athletes’ movements during the comparison round.
Regarding the male-dominated nature of the sport, it doesn’t bother me much because I compete in separate categories, and the male athletes are supportive and encouraging during events. There is a warm and friendly atmosphere among the athletes, and a strong sense of sportsmanship prevails.
Carlos: I noticed that you recently got married! Congratulations on that. How has married life and Islam changed things for you, if at all?
Grace: Our wedding ceremony was very simple, with only a few witnesses. Our families and guests were not present, so to speak. I consider it the fulfillment of my dreams and a religious obligation.
In terms of changes, my dressing style has transformed. As you may have seen me before, I used to wear tight clothes. However, my husband doesn’t force me to wear an abaya, hahaha! I was just kidding. Now I adhere to the Islamic dress code and wear appropriate attire. Interestingly, wearing loose clothes like an abaya is actually comfortable.
Carlos: For those reading this interview who may not be aware, could you share how Ramadan is observed and how fasting and other spiritual practices impact your training? How do you manage training for sports while fasting?
Grace: Ramadan is a significant month for Muslims. Firstly, it is the month when the Quran, our holy book, was first revealed. Secondly, fasting is prescribed during this month.
As a Muslimah, I am still learning and growing in my faith. I embraced Islam after the month of Ramadan, so I haven’t had the experience of fasting yet. However, during the month of Ramadan, I will surely adjust my training schedule (insha Allah) to accommodate fasting.
Carlos: How do you balance your commitments to family, sports, and competing at your level while pursuing your studies?
Grace: It is indeed challenging to juggle family, sports, and school. Unfortunately, I have faced struggles in my studies. Sometimes, sacrifices need to be made to achieve certain goals.
We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes you have to rely on yourself when everyone is busy with their own activities.
Carlos: How often do you usually train and how many hours do you spend in the gym? Do you have a coach to help you reach your goals?
Grace: I typically train 3-4 times per week, depending on my availability and training cycle. Sometimes, other priorities have to take precedence. During active rest or lightweight cycles, I may train every day, but during peaking cycles or maximal loading, it may be just 2 times per week, ensuring that each body part has a rest period of 4-6 days.
In terms of the number of hours, I give my all in the first hour of practice and then wrap up and leave the gym.
Carlos: And how do you maintain your fitness considering all these factors?
Grace: It all comes down to prioritization, dedication, and discipline. If I truly want to achieve something, I have to push myself to the limit and set goals.
Carlos: Which lifts do you find most challenging, and how do you mentally approach overcoming those hurdles?
The deadlift is the most challenging lift for me due to my recurring injury. Mentally, I just go for it. I’m not afraid to fail. I keep trying until I succeed.
Carlos: How do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with being both a powerlifter and strongman?
Grace: I compete because I love the game, the adrenaline rush, and the challenge. When you enjoy what you do, winning becomes an icing on the cake. I find joy in every event.
Carlos: What is the most challenging feat of strength you have accomplished, and how do you prepare for it?
Grace: I consider all events in powerlifting and strongman challenging. If something doesn’t feel challenging, it means I haven’t practiced enough. However, due to my recurring injury, as mentioned earlier, the deadlift is particularly challenging for me.
Carlos: Thank you so much for your time, Grace! I’ve always admired your perseverance.
Grace: I’d like to express my gratitude to you Carlos for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed by the strongest man in the Philippines.
I would also like to take this opportunity to promote my book entitled “SUCCESS FACTORS,” which is available on various online bookstores.
You could check them out at:
