Rebecca Manzi A 72-year-old nun from California becomes a powerlifting champion, blending faith, veganism, and fitness to inspire people of all ages.
@gorbachevae/Instagram
In the heart of California’s Bay Area, a 72-year-old woman is quietly rewriting the rules of aging, spirituality, and strength. Sister Pat Farrell, a Dominican nun, has recently taken up an unusual vocation alongside her religious mission—competitive powerlifting. Yes, you read that right.
Just four months ago, Sister Pat picked up her first set of weights with the simple goal of improving her health. Fast forward to July 19, and she found herself standing on a competition platform at the California Summer Open, hosted by USA Powerlifting. There, in front of judges, athletes, and a curious crowd, she completed her first official meet—and walked away with a medal in her category.
Training with purpose
Under the guidance of vegan powerlifter and coach Katya Gorbacheva, Sister Pat lifted a total of nearly 238 pounds (108 kg). That includes a 77-pound (35 kg) bench press and a 160-pound (72.5 kg) deadlift, both impressive feats for someone who only recently stepped into a gym. Her next challenge? Incorporating squats into her training for future competitions.
“I’m doing this for my health,” Sister Pat has said, “but also to show that you’re never too old to start something new.”
The decision to begin weight training wasn’t arbitrary. Like many older adults, Sister Pat had read about the risks of muscle loss after age 60. Determined to stay active and independent, she started lifting dumbbells at home before eventually joining The Yard, a local gym in San Francisco, where she trains with a supportive crew of so-called “gym bros.”
And if you’re wondering whether she’s received any pushback—after all, it’s not every day you see a nun deadlifting in a power cage—the answer is a gentle shake of the head. People seem more inspired than shocked.
A legacy of strength
Sister Pat is part of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, an order currently celebrating 175 years of mission and service. For her, powerlifting isn’t a departure from that legacy—it’s a bold continuation of it.
“This is about honoring the women who came before me,” she said. “They were fearless. They didn’t lift weights, but they moved mountains in other ways.”
That sense of heritage and purpose is central to her story. Not every one of her fellow sisters is ready to grab a barbell, but the message she sends resonates: movement is medicine, no matter your age.
Her secret to staying strong, however, isn’t just found in the weight room. Sister Pat also follows a vegan diet and makes a point of walking at least 10,000 steps a day. The combination of clean eating, regular movement, and spiritual grounding has helped her feel not just stronger, but more alive.
Her presence is magnetic. Those who train alongside her describe her energy as “contagious,” her discipline as “humbling.” In a world quick to sideline women past a certain age, Sister Pat is quietly, powerfully, turning heads—without ever raising her voice.
Source: Katya Gorbacheva
