Fil-Am mom is world's strongest Pinay?

While fitting the mold of a devoted wife and mother, a Filipino-American woman in California is proving that gender and nationality do not hinder one’s ability to lift and push heavy things—literally.   Maricelle Garcia-Mendelson, a professional occupational therapist, is the matriarch of “what could be the world’s strongest family,” which she carries together with her husband, Scot, a world powerlifting record-breaker.   This Fil-Am, who started out as a mixed martial artist, surpassed international and American records herself, being “a three-time World Champion Powerlifter and [a] two-time National Powerlifting Champion,” the Asian Journal said.    In an interview with the news site, Garcia-Mendelson disclosed that she often encounters people who are surprised by her strength because she is a woman and a Filipino—a combined stereotype that she tries to break by doing well in her sport.   “I think that people may be intimidated by it because they may feel like it’s something they could never do,” she said. “And because of it, they make feel a reason to attack it, downgrade it, or even insult it.”   ‘Strong’ family ties   Aside from her sport, Garcia-Mendelson is focused on her family, especially her and Scot’s three children, who are following in their footsteps.   The Asian Journal described the Fil-Am as one who “doesn’t like talking about herself,” diverting attention to family members, who she can readily talk about while beaming with pride.   Garcia-Mendelson is fond of talking about her 15-year-old daughter, Jade, who “is also a powerlifter and mixed martial artist.” Two years ago, the young Mendelson “broke the California powerlifting record for a female benching 138 pounds.”   Meanwhile, she said her two other children, Troy and Jasmine, “are naturally athletic and will one day succeed in the sports world.”   The affection, of course, extends to Scot, who is known in the powerlifting world as “the Jewish Hulk,” holding “more than eight powerlifting records” and recognition from outfits like ESPN.   Meeting Scot changed her life, she said, adding that she “did everything I could to be there for him in his career… even at the expense of my own career.”   “I always put Scot and my children first,” she told Asian Journal. “My three children… and most of all, God, are my motivating factors.”   Putting the family first is something that Garcia-Mendelson credits to her late mother, Adoracion Tolentino Mangulabnan, a former professor from the University of the Philippines who raised her and nine older siblings in Vallejo, California.   “She herself was a pioneer and inspiration for me growing up,” she said.   ‘To be’ the strongest woman in the world   The Fil-Am powerlifter confided that she “sacrificed a lot” for Scot’s career and their family, adding that “now it’s my turn”—detractors and non-believers aside.   “Am I the strongest woman in the world [of] powerlifting? Not yet, but one of my goals is to be that one day,” she said. “When I see the obstacles and see the detractors, it honestly fuels me to get better. It makes me want to do it more.” - VVP, GMA News