On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Egyptologist Amal Kamel, who is the first woman in Egypt to participate in a powerlifting championship in the masters division, and to win a gold medal, met with Daily News Egypt for an exclusive interview.
How did you start powerlifting?
Sports and fitness have always been a priority for me. When I saw Dina Saad, Egypt’s first female powerlifting world champion, and how she great she looks, I was so impressed. So she motivated me to start weightlifting competitively.
When did you start?
I started at 55 years old.
How important is powerlifting and lifting weights in general?
Powerlifting really is the mother of all sports as it is based on squats. It really shapes your body. So I believe that it should be practiced, even every day if you can.
I used to work as a tour-guide. After tourism declined in Egypt, powerlifting was a positive change for me. It gave me an enjoyable new lifestyle.
When was your first championship?
It was this year, at the National Powerlifting Championship, held in Ismailia, Egypt, where I won gold medal in the 67.5 kg masters division.
How important is this victory?
It is very important, as I was the first women in Egypt to participate in a national powerlifting championship, in the masters division, for women above 40. I was the only woman in the Egyptian masters division.
I made three successful lifts, 30 kg, 40 kg and 45 kg, this is why I won the gold medal.
What are your future plans?
I hope to compete in an international powerlifting championship.
