Uplifting Lesson from a Champion

Lessons from the Champions: Farhanna Farid


On 17 August 2026, we were honoured to welcome Team Singapore powerlifter and world record holder Farhanna Farid to share her inspiring journey at the Lessons from the Champions.

Farhanna began her powerlifting journey in 2017 at the age of 25. Just a year later, she made her international debut at the 2018 Asian Classic Powerlifting Championships, where she won three gold medals and broke the Asian deadlift record on her very first attempt. Since then, she has continued to push the boundaries of the sport and rewrite the record books. In 2022, she set a world record in the Women's 52kg deadlift at the World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships and has since surpassed her own marks multiple times. Most recently, at the 2026 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships, she set her 14th world record with an astonishing 220.5kg deadlift in the women's 52kg category, lifting more than four times her body weight.

Reflecting on her remarkable achievements, Farhanna shared her champion's mindset, anchored in the values of "I Am, I Can, I Have." It is a simple yet powerful framework that reminds us to believe in who we are, recognise what we are capable of, and draw strength from the support systems around us as we navigate life's challenges.


I AM: The Values, Beliefs and Positive Attitudes That Help You Overcome Challenges

Farhanna described herself as someone who embraces discomfort and continually pushes beyond her comfort zone in pursuit of growth. She reminded us that excellence is not about having everything figured out, but about having the courage to keep learning, adapting, and evolving.

Her journey demonstrates that true champions require more than physical strength. The mental resilience and maturity that she has developed over the years have been equally important to her success. As she shared, "I wouldn't have been able to handle the mental aspects of certain situations, especially during training, if I had been a less mature athlete."

Today, the pharmacist-turned-coach is also passionate about paying it forward. Through Valkyrie Powerlifting, which she founded, Farhanna provides a supportive environment where women can challenge themselves, discover their potential, and redefine their limits, especially those who have always wanted to try powerlifting but never felt confident enough to begin.

I CAN: The Skills and Strategies That Help You Overcome Challenges

Farhanna encouraged our student-athletes to see failure as opportunities for growth and learning. She shared how adapting to challenges, staying flexible, and focusing on what can be controlled, such as managing emotions, and accepting what lies beyond her control, has helped her to stay focused, resilient, and committed to giving her best in every situation.

I HAVE: The Caring and Supportive Environment That Helps You Overcome Challenges

Farhanna spoke passionately about the people behind her success: her coach, physiotherapist, husband, and trusted supporters who keep her grounded, challenge her honestly, and believe in her even on her toughest days.

Their unwavering support serves as a powerful reminder that no one achieves greatness alone. Behind every champion is a network of people who provide encouragement, perspective, and strength when it is needed most.

Farhanna's story left us with a powerful message: champions are not made by talent alone. They are forged through courage, resilience, adaptability, and the strength of a supportive community that believes in them, even when the odds seem impossible.