Special Olympics powerlifter Chelsea Schultz of Nashua showed off her three silver medals as she was welcomed home by her co-workers at Hannaford Supermarket on June 30. (Telegraph photo by Christopher Roberson)

NASHUA – With three silver medals around her neck, Special Olympics powerlifter Chelsea Schultz of Nashua, received a resounding welcome home celebration from her co-workers at Hannaford Supermarket on June 30.

Dozens of cheering employees shaking red, white and blue pom-poms lined the store’s front entrance as Schultz returned.

Schultz had spent the prior two weeks participating in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany. During her time in Berlin, Schultz competed in the Women’s Bench Press, the Women’s Deadlift as well as the Combined Women’s Bench Press and Deadlift.

Store Manager Diego Comesana said Schultz has been with Hannaford since 2015 and currently works on the front end.

“She’s a really upbeat, energetic employee,” he said, adding that Schultz’s positive energy is infectious. “She’s a phenomenal team player.”

Schultz said the team at Hannaford has become family during the past eight years.

“I’m glad I’m with such a wonderful company,” she said.

Schultz has represented New Hampshire in the Special Olympics for the past 13 years competing in basketball, bowling, softball as well as track and field. However, the competition in Germany was her first time on the international level. She has also only been powerlifting since September 2021. During that time, Schultz lost 70 pounds and continues to train with her Nashua Plus Pride teammates five days a week.

After winning three bronze medals at the 2022 USA Games, Schultz was chosen as the first female powerlifter to represent New Hampshire in 50 years.

Schultz said that in addition to the physical benefits, powerlifting has become a mental outlet as well.

“Once I put my hands on that bar nothing else matters,” she said.