Bianca Luedecker may look tiny, but put her on a bench and she can lift a world record weight.

The 5-foot, 118-pound college teacher holds the world record in the bench press and has set the record in her weight class at each powerlifting meet she’s competed in — and she’s only competed in four so far.

Luedecker, 29, started powerlifting competitively in July, although lifting has been a part of her life since she was 14 with the influence of her father and brother who are big-time weight lifters.

“My brother’s advice is to never neglect your natural muscles,” Luedecker said. “I felt like in some way I was letting him down by not competing. I’ve always wanted to do it competitively, but I never found a coach or federation.”

That is until Tim McKeever, coach of Verde Valley’s powerlifting club Rec-N-Cru, walked into her life.

For the full story, please see the Friday, May 2, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.