Lifting Without Limits

Being both a nursing major and a weightlifter, sophomore Victoria Beato’s life motto is to never quit. The mindset this athlete and student constantly carries with her is to not put limits on herself. She continues to push further in the gym as well as at school.

“Even though I’ve been sick all week, I lifted 400 pounds for the first time,” said Beato. “I’ve never done that before.”

Beato aspires to be a professional weightlifter and make it to the Olympics. She began CrossFit the summer of 2015, before her senior year of high school.

“I’ve always known that I was strong,” said Beato. “I never knew how to express that and weightlifting was an effortless way to find that outlet.”

Throughout high school, Beato suffered from depression and anxiety, not participating much in sports. But through pushing herself, she began her weightlifting journey her final year of high school, carrying that passion with her into today.

When Beato enrolled at PLNU for the fall of 2016, she became busy with nursing and focused on improving her grades to get into the rigorous program. Beato trained with a coach the summer before she arrived at Point Loma and became burnt out. She packed up her weights and took a hiatus her freshman year in college.

“I was like, ‘I’m done. I need to study more,’” said Beato.

Because of the intense studying and dedication required to be a nursing major, Beato said she decided to “focus only on that” and take a break from CrossFit. The summer before her sophomore year, she was finally able to bring a car on campus and found a gym as well as a new coach. Beato now has the dedication and desire to improve her weightlifting.

“I found a great gym down here and a fantastic coach who got me back into it,” said Beato.

The inspiration and passion for weightlifting for the athlete came when others first started seeing the future she could have in Cross Fit.

“Others saw potential in me, but I didn’t believe it myself,” said Beato. “This whole journey has been learning how to see what others see in me.”

Beato said her favorite part of weightlifting is all the muscle pain and soreness because, to her, that reflects hard work. But this lifestyle has not always been easy to maintain.

“It’s completely mental,” said Beato. “If you can’t convince yourself you can make the lift, you won’t be able to. If I have something going on with my family, friends or school, it will affect how training goes.”

In addition to the psychological side, an athlete has a lot to endure physically. As a medical student, Beato said trying to get sleep and do weightlifting is tough, but it hasn’t dampened her spirit.

“My training sessions are two hours a day, five days a week,” said Beato. “I plan on getting as healthy as I can, and I want to compete nationally and qualify internationally as well. Hopefully, I can be in a position where I can pursue the Olympics.”

Beato currently attends the CrossFit Fortius Gym near Pacific Highway. She’s been doing local competitions and her sixth one will be in October. She’s received a gold medal twice. Her best lift in the snatch is 76 kilos, while her best lift in the clean and jerk is 98 kilos. Beato’s best accessory work, not for competition but for exercise, is 182 kilos.

Beato understands how strenuous the work of weight lifting can be and offers advice to those interested in the sport. Though, in truth, these words of wisdom can be applied to almost every aspect of life.

“Don’t put limits on yourself,” said Beato. “Give it all that you got and keep practicing every day. Do not let mental blocks form in your head.”

With a fantastic coach, easier access to a local gym and a committing schedule, Beato is ready to continue to advance her goals and set new personal records.

“I’m not even close to reaching potential until I practice for another five plus years,” said Beato.