The anxiety rises as she steps onto the platform in front of the crowd. Everyone watches with anticipation as she reaches down to lift the 280-pound barbell. 

Sophomore Peyton Busteed started powerlifting in August of last year for her father’s team at Omaha South High School.  

“I had watched my dad power lift growing up,” Peyton said. “It seemed really fun and like a good opportunity so I decided to try it out.” 

During her first year of competing, Peyton took home many titles. She started off the season on a positive note, taking home the first-place medal at the Omaha Open deadlift only competition. The rest of her season went well with her placing in the top five each time. At State, Busteed placed 3rd and lifted a total of 604 pounds. 

But for Busteed, powerlifting is not just about winning and gaining strength, it’s about gaining confidence.

“My dad encouraged me to power lift because I was getting low self-esteem,” Busteed said. “Since I’ve started I’ve become more self-confident. I’m also really proud of myself, how far I’ve come and how much I can lift.”

Busteed trains three times a week with her father, Bryan Busteed, at Omaha Barbell gym. Bryan started powerlifting when he was 18 and now coaches at Omaha South. He also works with Peyton to help her gain strength and technique. Each time Peyton goes to the gym she works on the three main lifts, bench press, squat, and deadlift. She also does accessory workouts to strengthen specific parts of her body.

“I enjoy working with my daughter because it’s an opportunity to see her more often,” Bryan said. “I also like that I get to share my passion for the sport with one of my kids.”

Powerlifting is also unique to Peyton because it’s typically viewed as a male sport. Although some women are known for powerlifting, from the outside it may not always look like that. 

“When I was younger there were very few girls on the powerlifting team,” Peyton said. “But as I’ve grown up there are more girls on the team and I see more women powerlifting” 

But Peyton doesn’t let this get to her. She still enjoys herself and continues to work on her skills and strength. She hopes to continue with powerlifting and compete with her father’s team again this winter.