Tammy Albanese of Glen Allen, 59, recently set world records in all three lifts at the U.S. Powerlifting Association’s Northeast Regional Championships. Competing in the 105-pound, Pro Figure division, the 5-foot-tall grandmother completed the milestones while following a plant-based diet. 

Albanese squatted 143 pounds, benched 99 pounds and deadlifted 220 pounds. She previously competed in bodybuilding and switched to powerlifting last year, setting state and national records with the USPA and USAPL federations. 

Albanese has followed a vegan diet for five years. “I have always looked for ways to be my healthiest and live my best and longest life,” she said. 

Her favorite foods include whole wheat or chickpea pasta with cashew parmesan and, in her words, “beans, beans, beans.” Favorite exercises are pullups, shotgun pulls and leg presses. 

Albanese’s competition record includes first-place finishes at the 2019 OCB Richmond Pro/Am Masters 50+ and Masters overall, where she also won her pro card, and first place with three world records at the 2025 USPA Northeast Regional Championships.