Alexa Mina & Mahassen Hala Fattouh
American-Lebanese represent their heartland Lebanon in weightlifting
Being born and raised in the USA but having Lebanese heritage, Alexa Mina (@alexaminacolwell) and Mahassen Hala Fattouh (@mahassenhala) made the decision to represent Lebanon in weightlifting, a sport that has gained a significant rise in popularity in recent years. Inspired to embrace their heritage and showcase their skills in this sport, they proudly carry the flag of Lebanon as they compete in weightlifting competitions, with passion and dedication.
Growing up, Alexa was deeply involved in competitive cheerleading. After college, she discovered weightlifting but had no idea that she could compete for Lebanon until a random conversation opened that possibility. Weightlifting became more than just a way to raise her heart rate, it became her passion. Since 2016, she has been dedicated to honing her strength and technique, doing her first international competition in August 2022.
Mahassen’s journey started differently. A friend introduced her to weightlifting, and she quickly loved the sport. Also, one of the coaches specialized in Olympic weightlifting awakened her interest even more. After high school, lacking the same opportunities for weightlifting, she remained determined to pursue it further upon discovering Lebanon’s Olympic weightlifting success. Despite the lack of women in the sport at that time, she reached out and decided to break barriers by representing Lebanon and becoming a weightlifter. It was a journey fuelled by passion and the desire to make a difference.
Alexa and Mahassen both share a deep sense of pride in their Lebanese heritage and competing for Lebanon in weightlifting. They boast about the rich culture, traditions, and mouthwatering cuisine that their country has to offer. Their husbands also contribute to their pride, with Alexa’s husband being fascinated by her double culture and Mahassen’s husband showing immense support as her coach.
Representing Lebanon since last August in weightlifting has fueled Alexa’s pride, particularly as she finds inspiration in trailblazers like Mahassen, who shattered barriers for women in the sport, especially in the Middle East. Being part of a community that exemplifies the strength and pride of women in the region is a tremendous honor. This journey has deepened her affection for Lebanon, motivating her to enhance her Arabic fluency and forge a stronger bond with her heritage.
As for Mahassen, her husband shows a lot of support in being proud of who she is and what she does. Despite facing challenges in competing for the country, having a Lebanese passport has made the process easier for her. Their visits to Lebanon, which they have been fortunate to do almost every year since 2016, hold special significance. It allows them to connect with her roots, explore the country, and spend time with loved ones.
Alexa and Mahassen agree that weightlifting is a lifestyle that demands discipline. While training sessions at the gym may last a few hours, it goes beyond that. Proper nutrition and quality sleep play a vital role in maximizing the impact of training. Maintaining healthy habits and prioritizing rest alongside workouts is a constant effort, by staying committed to all these aspects weightlifters can achieve better results and excel in their sport.
In addition to the mental work that needs to be done, Alexa shared her experience with a sports psychologist, whereby she sought guidance to improve her mindset for competition. Through that experience, she has learned what works best for her. Her process involves visualization, breathing exercises, and positive self-talk. She incorporates these techniques in both competitions and pre-competition gym sessions, fostering a sense of familiarity and automaticity on the competition platform.
Despite external obstacles, athletes acknowledge that their self-imposed limitations are the toughest to overcome in their athletic journeys. Alexa highlights the challenge of trusting the weightlifting process when things don’t go as planned before competitions. Dealing with poor training, she had to learn to trust her body and mind even when they didn’t cooperate. Building confidence on the platform amid unpredictable training outcomes was a constant struggle. On the other hand, Mahassen has faced multiple injuries in her nearly 20-year weightlifting career. She realized that neglecting these crucial aspects hindered her progress and blamed herself for not prioritizing them. While she acknowledges her growth and strength, overcoming mental obstacles has been her biggest challenge as an athlete.
Mahassen’s experience at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 was a remarkable one. Hitting her biggest clean and jerk ever on the Olympic stage was an amazing feat for her. The entire experience of being at the international competition was incredible, and she had a supportive staff from Team Lebanon, making it even more special. Mahassen considers this moment as her proudest one.
Alexa, on the other hand, had her first international competition in Turkey last August. She approached the competition with an open mind and a grateful attitude. Instead of focusing on the outcome, she aimed to do her best. She ended up winning a bronze medal, a significant achievement as it had only been accomplished by Mahassen before her in Lebanese women’s weightlifting. This success not only filled the Lebanese weightlifting community with pride but also resonated with women worldwide. Holding the Lebanese flag on the podium was an unforgettable moment that signaled the start of her international competition journey.
The sense of gratitude is profound for both Mahassen and Alexa as they recognize the privilege of representing their community in weightlifting. They appreciate the support they receive from their fans and the people who believe in them. The realization that their actions alone are something to be proud of brings them a great sense of fulfillment. They acknowledge the support they receive not only from Lebanon but also from the Lebanese diaspora and supporters worldwide, which further strengthens their motivation. The positive feedback they receive reinforces their connection with their fans and serves as a reminder of the impact they have on others.
Being born and raised in the USA but having Lebanese heritage, Alexa Mina (@alexaminacolwell) and Mahassen Hala Fattouh (@mahassenhala) made the decision to represent Lebanon in weightlifting, a sport that has gained a significant rise in popularity in recent years. Inspired to embrace their heritage and showcase their skills in this sport, they proudly carry the flag of Lebanon as they compete in weightlifting competitions, with passion and dedication.
Growing up, Alexa was deeply involved in competitive cheerleading. After college, she discovered weightlifting but had no idea that she could compete for Lebanon until a random conversation opened that possibility. Weightlifting became more than just a way to raise her heart rate, it became her passion. Since 2016, she has been dedicated to honing her strength and technique, doing her first international competition in August 2022.
Mahassen’s journey started differently. A friend introduced her to weightlifting, and she quickly loved the sport. Also, one of the coaches specialized in Olympic weightlifting awakened her interest even more. After high school, lacking the same opportunities for weightlifting, she remained determined to pursue it further upon discovering Lebanon’s Olympic weightlifting success. Despite the lack of women in the sport at that time, she reached out and decided to break barriers by representing Lebanon and becoming a weightlifter. It was a journey fuelled by passion and the desire to make a difference.
Alexa and Mahassen both share a deep sense of pride in their Lebanese heritage and competing for Lebanon in weightlifting. They boast about the rich culture, traditions, and mouthwatering cuisine that their country has to offer. Their husbands also contribute to their pride, with Alexa’s husband being fascinated by her double culture and Mahassen’s husband showing immense support as her coach.
Representing Lebanon since last August in weightlifting has fueled Alexa’s pride, particularly as she finds inspiration in trailblazers like Mahassen, who shattered barriers for women in the sport, especially in the Middle East. Being part of a community that exemplifies the strength and pride of women in the region is a tremendous honor. This journey has deepened her affection for Lebanon, motivating her to enhance her Arabic fluency and forge a stronger bond with her heritage.
As for Mahassen, her husband shows a lot of support in being proud of who she is and what she does. Despite facing challenges in competing for the country, having a Lebanese passport has made the process easier for her. Their visits to Lebanon, which they have been fortunate to do almost every year since 2016, hold special significance. It allows them to connect with her roots, explore the country, and spend time with loved ones.
Alexa and Mahassen agree that weightlifting is a lifestyle that demands discipline. While training sessions at the gym may last a few hours, it goes beyond that. Proper nutrition and quality sleep play a vital role in maximizing the impact of training. Maintaining healthy habits and prioritizing rest alongside workouts is a constant effort, by staying committed to all these aspects weightlifters can achieve better results and excel in their sport.
In addition to the mental work that needs to be done, Alexa shared her experience with a sports psychologist, whereby she sought guidance to improve her mindset for competition. Through that experience, she has learned what works best for her. Her process involves visualization, breathing exercises, and positive self-talk. She incorporates these techniques in both competitions and pre-competition gym sessions, fostering a sense of familiarity and automaticity on the competition platform.
Despite external obstacles, athletes acknowledge that their self-imposed limitations are the toughest to overcome in their athletic journeys. Alexa highlights the challenge of trusting the weightlifting process when things don’t go as planned before competitions. Dealing with poor training, she had to learn to trust her body and mind even when they didn’t cooperate. Building confidence on the platform amid unpredictable training outcomes was a constant struggle. On the other hand, Mahassen has faced multiple injuries in her nearly 20-year weightlifting career. She realized that neglecting these crucial aspects hindered her progress and blamed herself for not prioritizing them. While she acknowledges her growth and strength, overcoming mental obstacles has been her biggest challenge as an athlete.
Mahassen’s experience at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 was a remarkable one. Hitting her biggest clean and jerk ever on the Olympic stage was an amazing feat for her. The entire experience of being at the international competition was incredible, and she had a supportive staff from Team Lebanon, making it even more special. Mahassen considers this moment as her proudest one.
Alexa, on the other hand, had her first international competition in Turkey last August. She approached the competition with an open mind and a grateful attitude. Instead of focusing on the outcome, she aimed to do her best. She ended up winning a bronze medal, a significant achievement as it had only been accomplished by Mahassen before her in Lebanese women’s weightlifting. This success not only filled the Lebanese weightlifting community with pride but also resonated with women worldwide. Holding the Lebanese flag on the podium was an unforgettable moment that signaled the start of her international competition journey.
The sense of gratitude is profound for both Mahassen and Alexa as they recognize the privilege of representing their community in weightlifting. They appreciate the support they receive from their fans and the people who believe in them. The realization that their actions alone are something to be proud of brings them a great sense of fulfillment. They acknowledge the support they receive not only from Lebanon but also from the Lebanese diaspora and supporters worldwide, which further strengthens their motivation. The positive feedback they receive reinforces their connection with their fans and serves as a reminder of the impact they have on others.
Being born and raised in the USA but having Lebanese heritage, Alexa Mina (@alexaminacolwell) and Mahassen Hala Fattouh (@mahassenhala) made the decision to represent Lebanon in weightlifting, a sport that has gained a significant rise in popularity in recent years. Inspired to embrace their heritage and showcase their skills in this sport, they proudly carry the flag of Lebanon as they compete in weightlifting competitions, with passion and dedication.
Growing up, Alexa was deeply involved in competitive cheerleading. After college, she discovered weightlifting but had no idea that she could compete for Lebanon until a random conversation opened that possibility. Weightlifting became more than just a way to raise her heart rate, it became her passion. Since 2016, she has been dedicated to honing her strength and technique, doing her first international competition in August 2022.
Mahassen’s journey started differently. A friend introduced her to weightlifting, and she quickly loved the sport. Also, one of the coaches specialized in Olympic weightlifting awakened her interest even more. After high school, lacking the same opportunities for weightlifting, she remained determined to pursue it further upon discovering Lebanon’s Olympic weightlifting success. Despite the lack of women in the sport at that time, she reached out and decided to break barriers by representing Lebanon and becoming a weightlifter. It was a journey fuelled by passion and the desire to make a difference.
Alexa and Mahassen both share a deep sense of pride in their Lebanese heritage and competing for Lebanon in weightlifting. They boast about the rich culture, traditions, and mouthwatering cuisine that their country has to offer. Their husbands also contribute to their pride, with Alexa’s husband being fascinated by her double culture and Mahassen’s husband showing immense support as her coach.
Representing Lebanon since last August in weightlifting has fueled Alexa’s pride, particularly as she finds inspiration in trailblazers like Mahassen, who shattered barriers for women in the sport, especially in the Middle East. Being part of a community that exemplifies the strength and pride of women in the region is a tremendous honor. This journey has deepened her affection for Lebanon, motivating her to enhance her Arabic fluency and forge a stronger bond with her heritage.
As for Mahassen, her husband shows a lot of support in being proud of who she is and what she does. Despite facing challenges in competing for the country, having a Lebanese passport has made the process easier for her. Their visits to Lebanon, which they have been fortunate to do almost every year since 2016, hold special significance. It allows them to connect with her roots, explore the country, and spend time with loved ones.
Alexa and Mahassen agree that weightlifting is a lifestyle that demands discipline. While training sessions at the gym may last a few hours, it goes beyond that. Proper nutrition and quality sleep play a vital role in maximizing the impact of training. Maintaining healthy habits and prioritizing rest alongside workouts is a constant effort, by staying committed to all these aspects weightlifters can achieve better results and excel in their sport.
In addition to the mental work that needs to be done, Alexa shared her experience with a sports psychologist, whereby she sought guidance to improve her mindset for competition. Through that experience, she has learned what works best for her. Her process involves visualization, breathing exercises, and positive self-talk. She incorporates these techniques in both competitions and pre-competition gym sessions, fostering a sense of familiarity and automaticity on the competition platform.
Despite external obstacles, athletes acknowledge that their self-imposed limitations are the toughest to overcome in their athletic journeys. Alexa highlights the challenge of trusting the weightlifting process when things don’t go as planned before competitions. Dealing with poor training, she had to learn to trust her body and mind even when they didn’t cooperate. Building confidence on the platform amid unpredictable training outcomes was a constant struggle. On the other hand, Mahassen has faced multiple injuries in her nearly 20-year weightlifting career. She realized that neglecting these crucial aspects hindered her progress and blamed herself for not prioritizing them. While she acknowledges her growth and strength, overcoming mental obstacles has been her biggest challenge as an athlete.
Mahassen’s experience at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 was a remarkable one. Hitting her biggest clean and jerk ever on the Olympic stage was an amazing feat for her. The entire experience of being at the international competition was incredible, and she had a supportive staff from Team Lebanon, making it even more special. Mahassen considers this moment as her proudest one.
Alexa, on the other hand, had her first international competition in Turkey last August. She approached the competition with an open mind and a grateful attitude. Instead of focusing on the outcome, she aimed to do her best. She ended up winning a bronze medal, a significant achievement as it had only been accomplished by Mahassen before her in Lebanese women’s weightlifting. This success not only filled the Lebanese weightlifting community with pride but also resonated with women worldwide. Holding the Lebanese flag on the podium was an unforgettable moment that signaled the start of her international competition journey.
The sense of gratitude is profound for both Mahassen and Alexa as they recognize the privilege of representing their community in weightlifting. They appreciate the support they receive from their fans and the people who believe in them. The realization that their actions alone are something to be proud of brings them a great sense of fulfillment. They acknowledge the support they receive not only from Lebanon but also from the Lebanese diaspora and supporters worldwide, which further strengthens their motivation. The positive feedback they receive reinforces their connection with their fans and serves as a reminder of the impact they have on others.
-
Karen Kawkab
-
Karen Kawkab
-
Karen Kawkab
-
Karen Kawkab
