posted on November 17, 2021
This Saturday I will be stepping back on the platform in Las Vegas Nevada to compete in the WRPF Nationals. This will be my sixteenth meet since I began competing in Powerlifting in 2013, and my first since having my biceps reattached just six months ago. By the way, it’s still Todd and CJ’s fault, but we will save that story for another day.
I signed up for this meet 2 weeks prior to my injury. I was coming off of achieving my first 2000 pound total in competition and was very confident that I was ready for more. I set my goals and developed a plan. Then, POP. I wasn’t mad, and I wasn’t sad. I just was. When I signed up to compete in this sport, I accepted the fact that there was a chance that something like this would happen. So when it happened, I almost felt as though I was already prepared. Instead of dwelling on it, I began to plan how I would overcome this temporary obstacle. Don’t get me wrong, there were many bad days. Some of the lowest days I’ve ever experienced, but I knew that this was only temporary, and that a positive mindset would keep me moving forward.
Once I had my surgery, I knew there was a chance that I wouldn’t be ready in time to compete in the meet I had signed up for. However, I told myself and my wife that I was going to do my absolute best to try and get back on the platform. Growing up, my dad taught me that if I said I was going to do something, that I better damn well do it. I gave my commitment, and I knew I needed to do everything possible to see it though, whatever the outcome might be. So, I sought out the best Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Doctors, and Coaches available to help me along the way. They told me what to do, and I did it. Every day and every night. Even during times that I felt like quitting, I remembered my word, and what I was taught.
Over these past 6 months, through the ups and downs, I can say that I have fallen back in love with training, and have been fortunate enough to rediscover the reason I started this journey in the first place. I now have a greater appreciation for every set, rep, and training session that I’m able to do, because I’ve learned that in a split second it can all be taken from you. Maybe it’s unfortunate that it took this injury for me to realize this, but I’m glad it happened regardless. Every injury, setback, accomplishment, and learning opportunity I’ve ever had has given me a chance to give back to the sport and profession that has given me so much. Because of this, I am able to pass on these things to those who find passion in their own journey just as I have.
Although the sport of powerlifting is an individual sport that is measured by how much weight you can lift, for me, it has always meant so much more. I know that every person I’ve met along the way and every obstacle I’ve faced are a huge reason why I’m where I am today and able to do what I love. For that, I am forever grateful.
Curtis Miller
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