Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune Nurse Powerlifts Her Way to Winner's Podium

Image of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Holly Vickers competed in the United States Powerlifting Association’s Virginia Beach Classic on March 26, 2022, taking home the top spot for her weight class. Photo used with permission from DVXT Images. (Photo: Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune Public Affairs). U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Holly Vickers competed in the United States Powerlifting Association’s Virginia Beach Classic on March 26, 2022, taking home the top spot for her weight class. Photo used with permission from DVXT Images. (Photo: Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune Public Affairs)

A Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune nurse has another title to add to her name – champion powerlifter. U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Holly Vickers competed in the United States Powerlifting Association's Virginia Beach Classic on March 26, taking home the top spot for her weight class.

"Powerlifting is a strength sport consisting of three lifts: squat, bench, and deadlift. Some meets do allow you to compete in one specific lift, but if you compete in all three- that's Full Power," Vickers said.

"Full power" is exactly how Vickers competed in the 75 kilogram weight class, recording a 275.6 pound squat, 137.6-pound bench, and 319.7-pound deadlift to round out the win. In addition to competing full power, Vickers competed "raw" meaning with the least amount of equipment or gear, such as knee wraps and deadlift suits, allowed per official rules.

Vickers, a native of Woburn, Massachusetts, currently serves at NMCCL as a perioperative nurse and division officer for the Sterile Processing Division. Vickers says sports have always been a part of her life, but it wasn't until she joined a CrossFit gym in 2017 that she discovered her love of weightlifting.

"I learned that strength was kind of 'my thing' and it grew from there. I deployed to Djibouti in March 2021. While there, Navy Moral Welfare and Recreation hosted a 500 pound and 1000 pound lifting challenge," explained Vickers. "I ended up taking second place overall for women totaling 630 pounds, only five pounds behind the winner. I figured, 'hey-I found something I enjoy that I might be decent at.' When I returned home from deployment, I registered for the Virginia Beach Classic."

With Vickers' win from the Virginia Beach Classic, she qualifies for the International Powerlifting Federation's North American Championship in November in Oklahoma City. Vickers' long-term goal is to improve her upcoming powerlifting total to 804.7 pounds and to hit International Elite standing someday.

"Juggling Navy Medicine commitments and a competitive sport is just that, juggling. I'll hit 11 years of active duty next month," Vickers said. "I know my military commitments come first – but I'm also at the point in my career where I understand the importance of taking care of myself both physically and emotionally. For me, powerlifting does just that."

Vickers hopes her identity not only as a Navy nurse but as a powerlifter will help set an example for other Sailors and encourage them to pursue their passions.

"If you're willing to put in the work and juggle it with your military commitments, it'll only make you a stronger Sailor. Be willing to make sacrifices and understand that results don't happen overnight."

When Vickers isn't training for the next competition, she is working toward her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and commuting to her family home in Virginia to tend to their "homestead of goats, chickens, and other critters."

You also may be interested in...

Video
Dec 9, 2024

Warrior Care: A Marine Finds Community with Art

Warrior Care: A Marine Finds Community with Art

Lance Cpl Sara Vanegas is a Marine with the Wounded Warriors Batallion East at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. She is a talented artist who is finding community through her art and the Warrior Care Program. Learn more about the many resources and programs available at health.mil/warriorcare.

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Frostbite

Winter Safety Frostbite

Playing in the snow can be fun, but the fun can fade if one becomes victim to hypothermia or frostbite. Staying out in the cold for extended periods of time can cause cold-related problems and put health in jeopardy, so learn how to avoid, spot, and treat these conditions. Also, keep other vulnerable populations in mind and check on loved ones. ...

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Hunting

Winter Safety Hunting

Being outdoors in the autumn and winter can be a great way to get fresh air and exercise. For many, the cooler weather also means hunting season which can pose dangers, sending hunters to the hospital or worse. Heart attacks, injured backs and broken bones are among the most common medical emergencies in hunting. #huntsafewearorange

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Do Your Part

Photo of "Dr. Love," Mr. A1 Jones

Leonard Jones from Air Force Safety Center Risk Management aka “Dr. Love” shares life-saving winter tips for you and your family during the fall and winter months. #holidaysafe

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Driving Safety

DHA Seal

Content Leonard Jones from Air Force Safety Center Risk Management aka “Dr. Love” demonstrates how to best clean your windshield in the snow of snow and ice to keep drivers line of vision clear. #cleanyourwindshield

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Winter Drinking

Winter Safety video

Driving during winter can be hazardous and scary, especially in regions that receive a lot of snow and ice this time of year. Additional preparations can help make a trip safer. It is important to follow the safe winter driving practices. The holidays are full of cheer and merriment. Follow these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe and prepared ...

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Fire Safety

Winter Safety, Fire Safety

There’s nothing cozier than spending time next using a fireplace, furnace, or heater to keep warm as the weather turns colder. But they do present certain safety hazards. #firesafemeanslongerlife

Skip subpage navigation
Refine your search