Castellano stated, “A women-only powerlifting meet is a sign of progress in the sport and a reminder that every bar lifted carries the weight of those who paved the way. It reflects how far powerlifting has come, from the fringe to the mainstream, and how the platform belongs to everyone who steps on it.”
One of the competitors who will make her return to powerlifting at the Belle of the Bar will also mark IFBB Pro League Wellness athlete Maddy Forberg. Forberg was unaware of the history behind the meeting, but she appreciates its significance and looks forward to being a part of it.
“The women’s element played a role, but the history of the meeting made it much more meaningful. It will be awe-inspiring to see all these women from different backgrounds show up to overcome their own adversities.”
First connection with the sport
The leader of fitness coaching service Strong for Life Company discovered powerlifting by watching two friends train at a gym. Like many newcomers to the sport, Forberg was unaware that the sport was just as much for women as for men. Once she did, she took to it like a fish to water.
“It was like my life had started over,” she said. “I was lucky enough to see the sport when I did.”
From 2016 to 2019, Forberg competed in 10 competitions. Her best competition lifts included a 330-pound squat, a 209-pound bench press, and she deadlifted 350 pounds while competing at approximately 125 to 135 pounds. Forberg remembers a time when gatherings were much smaller and is proud to see how far things have come in recent years.
“It’s grown so much.”
An injury and a burnout led to the bodybuilding phase
Forberg was forced to retire from the sport after a serious injury she suffered six years ago. The combination of work and meetings in a row also led to her taking a break from the meetings. Even after she was able to train again, she still couldn’t put her full effort into powerlifting.
“It’s been frustrating to be in a position where I want to compete and be my best, but I’m not in a position to do that,” she said. “My body wouldn’t agree with me.”
However, she still had an itchy itch. This led her to pursue bodybuilding, particularly the growing Wellness division. Athletes playing both sports is not a new concept. Legends who have competed in powerlifting and bodybuilding include greats like Bev Francis on the women’s side and the eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman. In recent years, world record holders Hunter Henderson and Brianny Terry have moved from podium to podium.
Forberg earned her pro card at the 2024 North Americans. While she still considers herself a powerlifter first and foremost, she hasn’t taken the gift of the bodybuilding experience for granted.
“Both sports have taught me a lot, and you need different types of discipline to compete in them.”
Even with that pro card in hand, Forberg still longed to return to her original sport. Now she has been cleared and has completed her full preparation to make her return to powerlifting. However, her appreciation for bodybuilding is still there, as evidenced by her attendance at the 2025 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV.
“It was very exciting to be in that atmosphere again. I love being at events like the Olympia.”
Forberg was interviewed on the M&F Expo stage by Figure Pro Wendy Fortino. She also met many fans and supporters who were also grateful for her presence. The GYMREAPERS and ANIMAL athlete was regularly stopped for chats, photos and swapping stories.
“I don’t usually see that many people in person at the same time. I meet all these people who have watched my content and supported it from afar, and it gives you a real-life reminder that there are people behind you.”
The journey is as meaningful as the finish line
Forberg’s foundation of faith in God serves as the starting point for everything. That, combined with the energy she gained from Las Vegas, combined with the fire to compete again, has fueled Forberg’s path to the Belle of the Bar event. Her performance on measurement day will be important for obvious reasons, but the process and journey through preparation is
she notices the most. The days in the gym, preparing for the next set, going through the grind and hitting big weights around the people she trains with are where the magic is.
Forberg explained, “I love training. I love being in the gym and challenging myself physically. The meet is the highlight, but the work is what excites me.”
Even something as simple as putting on the top again after so long is a bull’s eye for her.
“It was quite emotional. That was the first time I put on a singlet in six years. It felt like, ‘Wow, I’m really doing this.'”
Like the fellow competitors who will grace the stage in New Jersey, Forberg is hoping for a big meet, but she’s also willing to just be there and enjoy the moment. Although it is a competition, the powerlifting community is known for encouraging each other while pushing themselves. It’s those moments that Forberg perhaps looks forward to as much as when the judges’ three white lights signal a good lift.
“I’m starting to get really excited and a little nervous, but it feels good – a good kind of nervous.”
For more information about Powerlifting United and their meetings, go to their website.
You can follow Forberg on Instagram.
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