Porshia Birdsley wins second at national strongman competition

Thermopolis's Porshia Birdsley won Second Place in the Nation at the 2023 United States Strongman Nationals in Dallas, Texas on June 3. Birdsley competed against 15 women in her class of 149 to 165 pounds. These athletes are the top in the nation and their scores were based on an accumulation of total points from each of the events.

There were five events Birdsley competed in. First was the Lever Ladder Deadlift with 110 pounds that reached 315 pounds, to be done as fast as possible. Second, was the Axle Clean and Presses for 175 pounds with a maximum number of reps in one minute. Third was the Wagon Wheel Axle Deadlift for 325 pounds, also with the maximum number of reps in one minute. Fourth was the Coin Hold where Birdsley held 25 pounds out with her arms fully extended and her back against a pillar. Fifth was the 250-pound Sand Bag Drag for 60 feet as fast as possible. 

Regarding how she feels about winning at the competition, Birdsley said, "Good. I'm feeling strong. Much stronger than even a year ago. I'm excited that I found something that I'm good at and that is inspiring to others, and it's just been a good hobby. It's been a good outlet for me."

Birdsley's success is opening more doors for her as well. After winning second in the nation in the U.S. Strongman Nationals and making it to the podium, Birdsley has been invited to the Pro Women's Worlds 2023 show in Peoria, Arizona, on October 21 where she will compete in five new events at pro-level weights. Birdsley has four months to train and prepare. How does she feel about this time to get ready? Birdsley said, "I feel quite confident that I could do well with what's required of me for this competition."

Birdsley is also thankful for the support of her family, friends, and community. When her husband Trever's work schedule allows, he is able to join her for the competitions. For this particular competition, Trever and Birdsley's children, Taylin, 11, and Tannen, 13, were all able to attend. Birdsley commented about her family and said, "My son's very supportive and inspired by my journey in Strongman. And then it's a good role model for my daughter to choose to be strong and to chase after her dreams as well. And then for my husband, he's very supportive, and he's just like the coach in the corner, just trying to give me tips or he'll be watching the other competition to give me good feedback or like, 'Oh if you at least get 50 seconds here, you'll be sitting well.' He's a good coach." Birdsley noted that her athleticism has inspired Tannen's interest in wrestling as well. 

Birdsley added, "I would just say that I'm just thankful for the support of the community and I hope to represent Thermopolis and Wyoming as a whole well. Because that is a heart of mine. In anything that I do, I want to make sure that people see my true heart and that it's definitely more than just a vain sport. It's more about representation and being healthy and our community. We're all strong and strong-willed people."

Birdsley not only appreciates her community's support, but she also wants to inspire others too. She said, "The biggest thing that I would tell them would be to go for their goals no matter what they are. If you have a vision or a dream of doing something, then take the steps in order to try to pursue that. And even if it doesn't seem realistic, you will get further than if you don't do it at all."