100 of the Most Influential Women in Sport >> Athletes

Stefi Cohen, Venezuela

Powerlifting

Stefi Cohen is an athlete you may well not have heard of, her exploits demand that you should. At a glance she is petite, diminutive almost – but that belies her true capabilities. Stefi is a five-foot 119lb powerlifter with more than 20 all-time world records to her name. In a world dominated by men, she stands out as a beacon of inspiration to women who want to lift. She is the best in the world in her weight category, and pound-for-pound, her achievements rank her among the best ever. That’s quite the resume for someone only in their mid-twenties. Her most notable achievement to date? Deadlifting more than four times her bodyweight. Just let that sink in for a moment.

– Stefi set 11 World Records in her first two years powerlifting

– She has great pedigree in other sports representing Venezuela in football at Under-18 level.

– She is the co-owner of Hybrid Performance Method, an online training regime that helps atheltes focus across bodybuilding, weightlifting and powerlifting disciplines.

Did you know…

We should be referring to Stefi as Dr. Stephanie Cohen. She is a doctor of physical therapy and training.

“Women need iron. Not the vitamin. The barbell. We are taught to be gentle and hide our strength or even to cultivate charming physical weakness until we start to believe our bodies are weak. Iron teaches us how strong we can be.” – Stefi Cohen