"To never be content with where they are at, at any point in time. Some people say it’s a negative outlook on your progress; I disagree completely."

She had the goal to make it to the CrossFit Games so in order to make it a reality, she trained every chance she got. Poulos business allowed her to train in-between clients seven days a week, day or night. 

However, she started to burn out. 

"My heart and mind was 100 per cent in, but my body couldn’t keep up anymore and slowly the injuries started," she said. 

The type of schedule the Wollongong native had set herself was becoming impossible so she packed up all her things and made the move to Sydney.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Proud coaching moment: Tonight I’m happy to say that @zenakatrib rose to the occasion and put up a 162kg DL (triple her body weight). What makes me even more proud is the support that this group of people showed her following her success. A group of people who train together are a team - In this team everybody is equal - In this team everyone supports each other - In this team no one looks down on one another - In this team, all are welcome I love coaching this team 👌 #team #train #strong #triplebodyweight #revx #strengthlab #fitness #lift #hardwork #trainhard #realpeoplerealresults #support #wereallequal #insta #deadlift #justdoit #teammate #coach #proudcoach #strength

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She decided to take some time off from CrossFit after having some difficulties with her shoulder and went back to university to complete her Masters in Strength and Conditioning.

During that time, she was introduced to Luca Borreggine, who is now her current coach and got her started in weightlifting. 

"His no-nonsense approach was what I most enjoyed and the fact that I felt like an athlete again was what drew me into this sport," Poulos said.

Weightlifting has been one of the most difficult sports yet. It's a sport which is all about form from the moment your grip the bar and there's no time to be nervous. Athletes have just three chances to hit their lift, if they don't, competition over. 

Footballers can generally have a few touches to get the nerves out of their system but in weightlifting, full composure is needed from the moment you walk up to the bar.