Mother of Two lifts past Stereotypical Norm, Subreen Dari Q&A

Subreen Dari is more than just a nursing student, she is an award winning weightlifter and mother of two. The 32-year-old New York native was raised in Ohio and fumbled upon weight lifting four years ago when she took her son to a local gym for sports training. It was at the gym that she signed up for a weight lifting class and now says she is in the best shape of her life. Palestine in America chatted with Dari to discuss her passion, her success and how her family supports her. 

What is it about weight lifting that you like so much? 

I always wanted to try something new, I am very adventurous. I am a tiny girl. I am small. The weight I am able to carry is pretty awesome. I wanted to break the stereotypes as a normal hijabi female. I wanted to take notice and make a stand. You can do anything you put your mind to no matter your background. You can do anything. It's not your normal female Arab thing.

It is a source of therapy for me. I just need time to feel like I am a part of something. I had no background when I started. I just went to a class and kept going. Four years later I am winning awards and am a part of a team. I never thought I’d get into weightlifting before I did but I am so happy I took the first class because I am so much stronger today. 

What teams are you a part of and what awards have you won? 

In the Ohio weightlifting championship, my team of six women won best team in Ohio. I have been going to the competition for the past two years and recently clean and jerked 178 pounds. I am still going up. I need to train, it makes me feel like I am part of something bigger. 

Did you catch on fast after starting? 

I am very coachable person. I am a fast learner and caught on very quickly. I learned techniques the right way off the bat. My coach, Reggie Hodges,  taught me everything I know. My technique is A1 compliments. I never had to learn from another person. I thought I was strong until I picked up a barbell.

Do you think more women should get into it and if so why? 

If it is something that a woman is interested in trying, I definitely think she should. It has kept me healthy and I have never felt this strong before. I thought it was really cool. I may be small but I can lift very heavy weights. It was something I started and fell in love with instantly. Empower women and empower each other. I would love to see more women out there, especially Muslim women. I feel like the only one on stage. I am the only hijabi female on stage as well. If you want to do it, do it! 

How does your family support you? 

It's satisfying being a good role model for my kids. I motivate myself. My son is in travel baseball and sometimes doesn't want to train and I can relate. I tell him it's okay and he says “my mom can do it so can I.” He thinks I am old. My 10-year-old daughter tells people “I just want to be strong like my mom.”