Linda Leightley Virginia Strength and Power HoF inductee 2025

By Strength and Power Hall of Fame

Personal history:
Born and raised in Newport, RI. Married a Naval Officer and left in 1968. Residing in Fairfax, VA since 1976.

What led you to your sport:
Joined a gym at age 63 to lose weight and gain fitness. Worked with a trainer and started lifting heavy. I was lifting very heavy and another trainer suggested I enter competition.

Achievements in your sport:
I competed at 132 lbs. I made my first powerlifting competition at age of 69 in January 2014 making a 65-69 age group 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation world record in the deadlift. The video of my competition is on Youtube. In June 2014, I established world records in 100% Raw Power lifting Federation. in squat, bench, and deadlift in the 132lbs and 65 – 69 age category. Established world records in age group 70 – 74 in 100% Raw Power lifting Federation. in 2019 for squat, bench, deadlift, and curls. In November 2017, I had a PBS News Hour segment on my powerlifting accomplishments. The video is on Youtube. Established world records in 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation age group 75- 79 in 2020/2021 in the squat, bench, deadlift, and curls. Inducted into the 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation Hall of Fame Nov. 2023. Established world records in in 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation age group 80-84 in Feb 2025 in the squat, bench, deadlift, and curls.

State, National and World records:
I have 15 world records in the 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation including all the female 132 lbs records from age group 65-69 thru age group 80 - 84.

Other accomplishments:
Significant Other Accomplishments: Graduated with a RN degree in 1966 and worked on an Intensive Care/Critical Care Unit. Was a preschool teacher and director for five years. Mother of three children and grandmother of six. Deputy Commissioner of Revenue City of Fairfax for 37 years, retired in 2022.

Other activities:
Volunteered at local swimming meets and food stand at soccer games when my children were young. Volunteer at my church for over 40 years including starting a preschool Sunday School and bringing communion to shut-ins. Currently serving as a sacristan.

Author: By Strength and Power Hall of Fame Completed: no Created: Mon Apr 14 01:22:57 UTC 2025 | Last Updated: Mon Apr 14 17:26:12 UTC 2025