PORTLAND, Ore. — In October 2024, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Stepfanie Glidewell was preparing for surgery. For years, Glidewell had struggled with a debilitating pain that made even walking a challenge. While the cause had remained a mystery for years, the reality, while awaiting surgery, was apparent - she had tumors growing up and down her sciatic nerve that severely limited her capability to move. For Glidewell, an avid powerlifter, it meant she could not compete in the sport she loved.
After her procedure, Glidewell made a promise to herself: If doctors could help her, she would return to her passion for powerlifting with a renewed intensity.
“I kind of made a deal with myself that if we ever figured out what was wrong with me,” Glidewell said, “I would never look back and take my health for granted as much as I was.”
Fast-forward to September, less than a year after that same procedure, and Glidewell is on track to compete in the U.S. Military Powerlifting Nationals, in Killeen, Texas, slated for March 2026. It’s a remarkable turnaround that exemplifies Glidewell’s mental, spiritual and physical resiliency.
Glidewell is the definition of a multi-capable Airman. In addition to her incredible physical ability, she works full-time as the Unit Deployment Manager for the 142nd Maintenance Operations Flight, participates in the Unit Self-Assessment Program and works as her Unit Health Monitor. While these various responsibilities might seem daunting, they illustrate Glidewell’s determination to do her absolute best.
It’s no wonder that Glidewell was drawn to competitive powerlifting. The slow, grueling movements of the squat, bench press and deadlift that encompass competition exercises require a mental focus that mirrors her military training.
“You only get to attempt your heaviest lift three times for one lift, and if you're stuck in your emotions…you're just going to keep messing up your next lift,” Glidewell said. "Learning how to keep your bearing, maintain bearing and learn from your mistakes, I think is super vital to the sport."
Glidewell’s training schedule is not for the faint of heart: training six days a week, often twice a day, and waking up at 2:30 a.m. for cardio before her work day begins. The demanding regimen serves as a reminder of how far Glidewell has come in her recovery, which at times has been slower than she would like.
“I’m getting over the mental aspect that I had a significant injury,” Glidewell said. “There was about a three-inch shift from my left leg to my right leg, where I didn't have much muscle.”
For now, Glidewell is focused on her goals for the upcoming competitions. At the state championships in November, her goal is to bench press 210 pounds. Looking ahead to military nationals, her sights are set on an even bigger milestone: breaking a 950-pound total across her three lifts, putting her close to the significant 1,000-pound club for female lifters.
The most challenging part of her journey has been managing her own expectations and learning not to compare herself to the person she was before her surgery.
“Prioritizing my health and mobility, that's been really challenging for me, because I can’t compare who I was five years ago to who I am now.”
Glidewell's journey isn't just about the physical feats of strength. It's a testament to the powerful connection between physical health and personal growth. That devotion to growth has not only propelled her to compete on a national stage but also forced her to reflect on maintaining balance in life.
“It’s forced me to take more time for myself,” Gildewell said.”I was out here probably working six or seven days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day. Now I'm taking care of myself, and I’m able to balance everything a little bit more.”
Oct. 1 will mark the first anniversary of Glidewell’s life-altering surgery. While she’s still recovering, she has already proven that her journey to recovery has made her stronger than ever.