Cheerleader Anna Watson Can Dead Lift 230 Pounds (104.3 Kg)

Because the image of a cheerleader usually is one of a fit, lithe and slender girl, Anna Watson is here to challenge stereotypes. The 21-year-old athlete can dead lift roughly 230 pounds (104.3 kg) and is the owner of a very impressive set of arms.

The Giorgia cheerleader is now making headlines for her dedication and, most importantly, her decision to stay true to herself, even if that means turning down a very lucrative job offer as a fitness model.

Below are two videos: her interview with ABC News, in which she explains her situation and what determined her to say no to a very generous offer.

Anna Watson started weightlifting when she realized that the cardio she was doing wasn't enough to keep her going on the field.

Her friends and trainer suggested she tried lifting weights to build stamina. Now, 2 years later, she could probably outdo any of the guys she's cheering for, as the ABC introduction describes her.

Just recently, Anna was approached by a talent agency telling her she stood great chances of becoming a fitness model.

She was offered $75,000 (€56,960.5) for a contract, but the only condition the agency set was that she gained 50 pounds (22.6 kg) of pure muscle.

She tried getting there the traditional way, by overhauling her diet and her workout routine but, in the end, she realized she couldn't do it, which is when she was told she was supposed to take legal steroids to get the job done.

She refused, even well aware that she was throwing away good money and, of course, a career that could have set her for life.

In the ABC interview, Anna explains her decision: she knows God wouldn't have wanted her to use steroids to land the modeling contract because her “body is a temple” and she must take care of it – the way He'd want her to.

While some may mock the religious justification Anna came up with, there's no denying that her dedication, strength and honesty are truly admirable.