Kroc transitions to Janae Marie.

Some weeks ago you may have came across an article featuring powerlifting champion and bodybuilder Matt “Kroc” Kroczaleski. The inventor of the Kroc row, the powerlifter has gained respect and prominence over the years for his impressive strength and hulking physique. But now it seems Kroczaleski is giving the fitness world a whole other reason to focus their attention on the powerlifter. Recently Kroc revealed that he is in fact transgender and has transitioned from Matthew Kroczaleski to Janae Marie Kroc. It’s a startling revelation that Kroc confirmed yesterday on a popular forum. Kroc’s official statement can be read below.

“First, yes this is really me and yes I am transgender. Second, one does not “become” transgender you are or you aren’t. I have known this since I was five years old and it has been a very heavy burden to carry. I never asked for nor did I want this. For most of my life I would have given anything to not feel the way I do and at one point it drove me to consider suicide. Now I am perfectly comfortable with who I am and have been very open about this for many years. I told Wendler and Dave Tate at Elitefts when I first signed on and they were and still are very supportive of me as are nearly all of my close friends which comprise the majority of the top lifters in the sport. Ed Coan even recently reached out to me to offer his support.

At this point I do live my life in both genders but I am still undecided about whether or not to fully transition to living as a female full time. It would solve many of the most difficult issues I have struggled with but would also be a huge sacrifice as I would have to give up much of what I have worked so hard for. I also have three amazing sons that fully support whatever decision I make but I feel that I need to be there for them as I am at least until they’re adults even if it means a great deal of sacrifice for myself.

One thing that I am 100% certain of is that if I do eventually decide to transition I would never compete in powerlifting again. I feel that would be a no-win situation and I would never want to do anything that would reflect negatively on the transgender or powerlifting communities.

If you have respectful questions ask away. I am an open book.”

In the wake of Bruce Jenner’s transformation into Caitlyn, it would seem that more and more high profile individuals have been finding the courage to come out and express their true feelings and identities. For the bodybuilder and powerlifting community, a culture dominated by the male gender, it may come as quite the shock. But in reality who are we to deny Kroc the right to express herself in the way that she chooses. It’s certainly unprecedented, but as we move farther into the future, it’s entirely likely that this kind of situation will become more and more common.
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