Kerry Self Virginia Strength and Power HoF inductee 2021

By Strength and Power Hall of Fame

A brief personal history:
I was born & raised in Pennsylvania. I moved to Virginia in 1989 where I met & married my high school sweetheart. We've been married for 30 years and have a son. My husband, John Self, is my biggest fan and supporter. Some of my hobbies and interests include powerlifting, exotic cars, and enjoying time outdoors as a family shooting, hiking, dirt bike riding, and BMX riding. 

What lead you to your sport:
My husband & I started lifting hardcore in 2004 when my husband convinced me to enter a USAPL meet with him. One of his friends backed out and somehow he convinced me to do it with him. I never thought I'd be a competitive powerlifter but after doing the first meet I was hooked and been competing ever since. I am only interested in lifting in drug free federations and only compete in the raw division. Powerlifting & competing takes dedication and hard work. My faith is definitely my backbone and gives me strength to get me thru each day. Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Achievements in your sport:
John & I formed a team back in 2004 called the "RAWDOGS". A lot of our team members were people at our local gym who would see us lift or train for meets then ask to start lifting with us. By forming our team it was a way of bringing more women into a male dominated sport. I always wanted to change the conception by a lot women that if you lift heavy you'd turn into a man lol which is so far from the truth. You can be feminine and be strong. 

State, National and World records:
*All time rankings with 100% RAW Federation - 6th place in the 123 class with a 181.8 lb bench and 5th place in the 132 class with a 187.3 lb bench
*World bench record with 100% RAW Federation in the 132 class, 40-44 & 45-49 division with a 187.3 lb bench press
*Virginia state record with 100% RAW Federation in the 123 class, 40-44 division with a 181.8 lb bench press AND 132 class, 40-44 & 45-49 division with a 187.3 lb bench press
*Virginia state record with 100% RAW Federation in the 123 class, 40-44 division with a 65 lb curl
*I've taken home some 1st place/money winnings at non sanctioned meets as well

Other accomplishments:
I'd like to thank one of our main sponsors , Jack & Meg Owoc of Bang Energy/VPX Sports, for all the years of providing us with great products that fueled us to be able to train & compete at an elite level.

I was honored to be featured in a couple of magazines over the years.  
* Monster Muscle Magazine - featured as the Iron Maiden 
* Power Magazine - I had a 3 page spread
* Critical Bench Interview - http://www.criticalbench.com/Kerry-Self-Raw-Dogs.htm 
* Powerlifting USA Magazine

Other activities within the sport:
I have judged occasionally in the 100% RAW Federation

Author: By Strength and Power Hall of Fame Completed: yes Created: Sat Oct 30 23:42:37 UTC 2021 | Last Updated: Sun Dec 24 23:28:19 UTC 2023