Jaime Nagata is breaking the glass ceiling for Palauan women by smashing into the 1000 club – a powerlifting competition held by the Civic Action Team every year. Called the 500/1000lb Club, powerlifters must lift in three events (squat, bench press and deadlift), and the combined weights should add up to 500 or 1000 lbs (or over) to have their names entered into these clubs. While the 500 Club has been reserved for women only, men have dominated the 1000lb Club. Until recently, when Jaime successfully performed a 385-pound squat, 185-pound bench press and a 430-pound deadlift, to a powerful total of 1,000 lbs. At 5’6”, Jaime’s record rivals that of 2023 South Pacific Games Powerlifting medalists in her weight class.
Jaime started her fitness journey in 2017, but did not get serious until 2021. She competed in her first event in November 2022, where she immediately took the lead in the 500lb club with 265-lb squat, 135-lb bench press, and 335-lb deadlift. She did not stop there and continued to train four times a week for 2-3 hours. Her dedication paid off in her next competition, where she increased her weights to 335 lbs (squat), 160 lbs (bench press), and 405 lbs (deadlift) in August 2023. A mere five months later, kicking 2024 off to a great start, she lifted her way into the 1000 club, being the first woman to grace the board of pride and bragging rights at Camp Katuu.
Jaime is an inspiration to other fellow lifters. Fellow 500 club member and weightlifter, Cheryl Patris, says “She’s a beast! Such an inspiration and I hope more women become like her and join lifting.” Another 1000lb club member and weightlifter, Benit Kintaro, had this to say about Jaime making it, “It’s freaking impressive…and let Palau know that this is a sign that we need a Powerlifting Federation so she can start bringing in the medals.” In fact, Jaime’s next goal is to compete in a sanctioned powerlifting meet, to represent Palau and show case the strength of Palauan women.
What is her inspiration in her fitness journey and in life? To “embrace your strength”—a motto that continues to drive her in achieving new heights (and weights).