Hi, my name is Anne but you may know me as “The Ashanti Warrior”
and I am training to compete at the 2025 United Masters Weightlifting Federation (UMWF) World Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida (December 4–7, 2025).
This isn’t just another meet for me—it’s the culmination of years of hard work, setbacks, and comebacks. I learned the power of self reliance, healing, and community through competition, and it’s incredible to see me grow to higher levels. I would be foolish to assume I can do this all alone
My Story
I found weightlifting as a way to rebuild myself. The barbell became my anchor through some of the hardest times of my life. Every lift taught me discipline, resilience, and how to show up even when life knocks me down.
In 2024, I suffered a serious wrist injury (torn scapholunate ligament) that forced me to step away from training and competing. For months, I couldn’t do the sport I loved. There were days I thought my lifting career was over.
But I fought back.
I rehabbed, rebuilt, and step by step I got back on the platform. By 2025, I returned to competition and hit a 130 kg total, proving to myself—and everyone watching—that I wasn’t done yet.
Now, I am only a few kilos away from officially qualifying for Worlds.
Why This Matters
As a first-generation Ghanaian American and a self-funded athlete, this journey is about more than medals. It’s about representing my community, my gym (Flagship), and everyone who’s ever been told to quit after being knocked down.
When I stand on that platform in Daytona Beach, I’ll carry with me the story of resilience, strength, and faith.
The Challenge
The hardest part isn’t the training—it’s affording the opportunity.
Here’s what I need to cover to get there:
Competition Costs
- $175 – UMWF Worlds registration
- $79 – USA Weightlifting annual membership
- $86 – Qualifier meet entry (Golden West 2025)
Total: $340
Travel & Lodging (Daytona Beach, FL)
- $680 – Hotel (Hilton Oceanfront, Dec 3–7)
- $400–500 – Roundtrip flight from California
- $200 – Ground transportation (rental car/Uber/parking)
Total: ~$1,300–1,400
Other Essentials
- $200 – Food/fuel for 4–5 days
- $100 – Baggage/gear fees
- $200 - For materials, singlet
Total: $300
✅
Fundraiser Goal: $2,500
This will cover everything: qualifying meets, registration, travel, food, and a small cushion for unexpected costs.
How You Can Help
- Donate any amount—every dollar makes a difference.
- Share this fundraiser with your friends, family, and networks.
- Follow my journey as I qualify, train, and compete on the world stage.
Closing
I shouldn’t even be here after that injury—but I am. Because I refused to quit. Because I believe in the power of resilience.
With your help, I’ll stand on that platform in December, representing not just myself but everyone who knows what it feels like to fall and rise again.
Thank you for supporting my journey.
Let’s bring
our community spirit to the world stage!
— Anne Shirley, “Anne the Ashanti Warrior” 🏋🏽♀️🔥
