The self-proclaimed tough guy has surprised followers and fans from around the world, but as Janae Marie Kroc is finally ‘proud’
A world champion powerlifter has stunned followers by posting a photograph which unveils him as a transgender woman.
Matt “Kroc” Kroczaleski is not only a world record holding powerlifter, but also a nationally-recognised bodybuilder.
A former Marine, dad-of-three Matt served from 1991 until 1995 and was selected for Presidential Security duty serving under President Clinton.
But although his career since then has seen him working on his body – his website tagline is ‘Getting as big and as strong as inhumanly possible…’ – the athlete took to Facebook today to post an emotional and personal message to his followers.
A world champion powerlifter has stunned followers by posting a photograph which unveils him as a transgender woman.
Matt “Kroc” Kroczaleski is not only a world record holding powerlifter, but also a nationally-recognised bodybuilder.
A former Marine, dad-of-three Matt served from 1991 until 1995 and was selected for Presidential Security duty serving under President Clinton.
But although his career since then has seen him working on his body – his website tagline is ‘Getting as big and as strong as inhumanly possible…’ – the athlete took to Facebook today to post an emotional and personal message to his followers.
“There has obviously been a great deal of gossip, rumors and questions about me the past few days. To put them to rest: yes, I am transgender/gender fluid.
“First, I would like to be clear that I had planned to wait until my sons were out of high school before I became openly public about this. As that no longer is an option, I will address it now.
“I have been very open about this for many years among my family, close friends, and in the powerlifting community, but I realize for many of you this has been a huge shock.
“This is something that I have been dealing with my entire life and has been extremely difficult for me. In fact, it even drove me to consider suicide at one point.”
His website says: “It isn’t Kroc’s records or titles that he is most well-known for – rather it is his mental toughness, insane work ethic, training intensity and ability to overcome adversity.”
Cancer survivor Matt was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2004 and he has also sustained injuries including a torn left calf and has also suffered numerous back injuries during his career.
The Facebook post goes on: “I never wanted nor asked for this, and fought this as hard as I could for a very long time. I have finally reached a point where I am comfortable with and proud of whom I am, even if a lot of people don’t understand.
“I have received an unimaginable amount of support and love in the last twenty four hours from family, friends, fans, and strangers alike and I want to thank every single one of you that have reached out to me. It honestly means more to me that I can possibly express with the written word.
“I will share my story in more detail in the coming weeks. In the mean time you can follow me on Instagram @janaemariekroc and my Facebook page can be found under my friends list on Facebook under Janae Marie.
After the Marines, Kroc attended Ferris State University and is now a registered pharmacist working in the specialty pharmacy division of Walgreens.
Kroc is a sponsored athlete under contract with both Elitefts and MuscleTech, an author and model having appeared in and published articles in many magazines including Men’s Fitness, Powerifting USA, MuscleMag and Muscle & Fitness as well as being one of the featured authors for Tnation.
The new Janae Marie Instagram page which the Facebook post mentions has a biography which lists Janae as ‘”Transgender/genderfluid Alpha male/girly girl; Lesbian in a male body; Single at the moment’.
The reaction online has been of absolute shock, but the support from fans has also been impressive.
Eduard Raducanu commented on Facebook, “Whatever makes you happy – you taught us a lot of important lessons.”
John Rutledge added: “Insane Training is one of my favorite books. Still great insight. That doesn’t change. No judgement here.”
Robert Slone wrote: “Good on you Janae! I have always been inspired by your attitude and physique. That won’t change a bit.”
Courtesy of: The Mirror