Athlete Spotlight: Aziza Speight-Armstrong

When you first see Aziza Speight-Armstrong compete at a Special Olympics New York event, you won’t forget it. She is a powerhouse!

Hailing from Groton, NY, Aziza joined her training club, the Chargers, a decade ago. She began with soccer and bocce, but found her calling—and eventually, her husband—with powerlifting. Three years ago, she married Joel Speight-Armstrong. In fact, she told IC News that they’d been hoping to do so for 17 years. Aziza even credits Joel with introducing her to her favorite sport.

In 2022, Aziza competed at her highest level yet: USA Games in Orlando, Florida. And how did she find out the news? From none other than singer Montell Jordan! The unforgettable moment was captured by PEOPLE Magazine. “”I feel a whole bunch of proud,” she commented afterward.

And she made her country proud, too. How? By bringing home silver medals in the bench press and combination events, along with a gold in the deadlift.

Outside powerlifting, Aziza advocated for her fellow athletes on the Central Region Athlete Leadership Council. She was selected from among her peers to represent and elevate the voices of Special Olympics athletes in her communities and beyond. And although she graduated from the program last year, her work continues.

Of course, Aziza’s outside-the-gym efforts never distracted from her training. Just two months after graduation, she earned four gold medals in her trademark sport at last year’s State Summer Games.

So what’s next for Aziza Speight-Armstrong? Whatever she sets her mind to. We’ve got another Summer Games coming in three months, and we have no doubt she’ll be there once again, giving everything she’s got.

Good luck, Aziza! We’re rooting for you.

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