TSF Team Champs Recap.
Powerlifting on the surface seems to be an individual endeavour and for some it may feel like that, it certainly did for me when I was younger. This sport was something that I could do on my own in my own time no matter where or when. If I was overseas or in a different state, if it was the middle of the night or it was at 6am before catching a flight. However the more that I was involved in powerlifting, the more I noticed that this could not run without the community around powerlifting — from volunteers, to athletes, to coaches.
When I started at TSF during my own powerlifting journey I had in my mind to come to JP for six weeks for coaching as I prepared for my first Junior National Championships in 2017 and then leave him after that. As you can see in those six weeks I changed my mind as I’m still here at TSF, six years later. The team aspect of powerlifting and having comrades or colleagues around you to spot, fist bump, cheer you on in your own individual endeavour was prevalent even in those short weeks.
I would never have come up with the idea of a team event and I’m very grateful that I was able to participate in the first ever TSF Team Championships back in 2018. So to be able to coach at this event which has not run in over three years has been a true honour and pleasure. I would like to thank the entirety of the TSF team for their support over the past few months in helping make this event a success. Even those from interstate watching along to the livestream, the positive feedback and support that TSF has received could not be possible without the community we have here.
Please read the scoring system rules below as the recap can get quite confusing without understanding this.
Scoring System.
All competitors are entered as open lifters in powerlifting. There are no age-divisions nor single-lift entries
Point scoring shall be 6, 4, 3 and 2 for the first four placings and 1 point for any subsequent placings in every body weight category.
Each team may submit one (or more) volunteer(s) in the running of the competition. This volunteer need not be a lifter or coach, but a representative for the team. They can volunteer as a spotter/loader, score keeper, announcer or any other role that the meet director sees fit. Teams will be awarded 1 additional point for providing at least one volunteer in the running of the competition.
The winning team is the one who’s lifters accrue the highest aggregate score. In case of a tie in points scored, the winning team will be the one with the most first places. In the case of a tie between teams having the same number of first places, the one having the most second places will be classified as first, and so on through the placing of the four scoring lifters. Should teams finish equally after this procedure, then the team with the greatest aggregate of DOTS points will be declared the winner.
Edwina.
First up was our very own Eddy who had a very short period to return to the platform after competing and coming second at USAPL Australia Nationals in 2022. Edwina had a stiff rival based on previous competition results in Melbourne Strength Culture’s Abbey Stronell (BW - 66.3kg) whom Eddy bested last year. Eddy made weight on the dot at 67.5kg with the help of our Boss Woman over in Spain the myth, Billie Asprey. Knowing that this competition was not about individual lifts and PBs and actually about going 9/9 and securing placings was more important, Eddy, being super competitive, told me she did not care about her individual PBs and was willing to sacrifice a chance at a PB if I thought it would help the team.
Squats.
Eddy opened on a comfortable squat attempt of 145kg while Abbey trailed at 137.5kg. As we progressed to the second attempt we furthered our lead by 2.5kg as Eddy secured 155kg on her second attempt while Abbey secured 145kg on her second attempt. We ended the squat session off very strong with an amazing grinder of a squat of 160kg which is equal to the Australian National Record in USAPL. Abbey held strong and snagged 147.5kg for a 2.5kg jump on her third attempt. Eddy's attempt proved to be well worth it as we went into the bench press with a 12.5kg lead, knowing full well that Abbey was a very strong bencher we really wanted to try and keep our lead going into deadlifts.
Bench Press.
After being stuck plateauing on a 75kg bench press for years Eddy opened on a 75kg bench press while Abbey opened with a 85kg attempt which was successful, after closing the gap quite considerably we opted for a 5kg jump to 80kg which was an equal PB for Edwina which she had just hit at Nationals in December. Abbey and Coach Didier out of Team Strength Culture opt for a 5kg jump also to keep the gap a 2.5kg lead in Eddy's favour. Both second attempts being successful and being quite confident that Eddy was good for at least a 2.5kg PB we opted to snag the little PB without overreaching as we needed every kilo on the bar possible. Eddy's third attempt was successful and looked like a little bit of room in the tank (Eddy can grind a lift! Just watch her 3rd attempt deadlift at Nationals last year). Abbey secures her 2.5kg jump on her third attempt Bench securing a huge 92.5kg bench which leaves the subtotal (the combination of Squat + Bench leading into deadlifts) 240kg for Abbey and 242.5kg for Edwina for a 2.5kg lead in our favour.
Deadlifts.
Going into deadlifts Abbey opens at 152.5kg while Edwina opens at 155kg. Both attempts were successful giving Eddy a 5kg lead going into the second round of deadlifts. Abbey attempts 165kg for her second attempt and is successful. Edwina also successfully lifts 165kg on her second attempt. Head Coach Didier locks in 175kg as the third attempt deadlift to aim to push Abbey’s total up by 10kg to 415kg. After watching Eddy's second attempt deadlift of 165kg we stand at 407.5kg with a 2.5kg lead going into the third round of deadlift. We opt to put a bigger lead on by attempting 172.5kg believing that Abbey could not hit her third of a 10kg jump to 175kg. Unfortunately Eddy is unsuccessful in her lift and the ball is now in Abbey’s court to pull for the win.
I lost focus and did not notice and contest an illegal attempt change which was missed by the referees. Coach Didier made a third attempt change to Abbey's deadlift to 172.5kg, equal to what Eddy had already attempted and missed, which is illegal as Abbey has a lower lot number than Eddy. Abbey hits 172.5kg which is ruled successful and Edwina is placed second in the competition which secured four points for team TSF.
A big battle which came down to the very last deadlift. A big kudos to Edwina who's sportsmanship and camaraderie was unrivalled on the day as she was cheering Abbey to hit her lifts and be successful for the pure love of this sport. We love Edwina's spirit and the love she brings around TSF. We are so proud of you. Edwina ended the day on a 407.5kg total which is a 2.5kg PB. Edwina’s dedication to powerlifting over the past five years has proved that she can compete with the best in Australia, when in her first Nationals in 2018 she came dead last. I truly admire her spirit as she continues to inspire me.
Alisa.
Second up is Alisa in her second competition. Competing in the Team Champs was not something she envisioned in her lifting career however after lots of encouragement from the coaches Alisa agreed to take on the responsibility of representing TSF. Alisa had initially one competitor in the 90kg weight class who unfortunately withdrew from the competition (maybe not so unfortunate for Team TSF, hehe). This meant that Alisa only had to register a total to secure the maximum six points.
Alisa had a really good prep however was stressing about cutting some weight to make her weight class. Edwina took initiative to constantly check in with Alisa and be buddies in the arduous task of cutting some weight for their competitions. This support, encouragement and accountability can be extremely helpful and definitely reduce some of the stress of this "individual process". During this cut Alisa came down with an illness 2-3 days before competing. With such a strong competition prep she didn't lose any focus and didn't let it waiver her mentality. Alisa came in on the day and made weight with lots of room at 88.85kg.
Squats.
Sticking to the plan we opened with a 125 kg squat which got one red light on depth. Alisa knew what to do and made the second attempt of 137.5kg undeniable in terms of depth. Alisa’s execution wasn’t perfect which would typically guide me towards a more conservative third attempt. Given that Alisa had no competition to look out for we opted for a 5kg PB attempt of 145kg, which was too heavy on the day.
Bench Press.
Alisa is a very strong bencher. We opened at 85kg which is 2.5kg shy of her third attempt just four months ago in November 2022 in her first competition. This flew up so we opted to go to the planned 92.5kg for a 5kg Comp PB and equal training PB. After seeing the execution of the 92.5kg we went for a 97.5kg third attempt just a little shy from the 100kg milestone however something I thought was within reach. Unfortunately the bar dipped slightly on the ascent giving it red lights from the referees. We were a little bit bummed but the bar moved all the way up so we will continue on our hunt for the elusive 100kg bench press next time.
Deadlifts.
Going into deadlifts I really wanted to ensure we got a nice PB and got all three lifts in. Alisa opened at a 150kg deadlift which was successful and secured our first place position ensuring we didn't bomb out. She did receive one red light for soft shoulders at lockout. With a confident second attempt of 160kg with a stronger lockout this gave lots of confidence for the third attempt of 167.5kg which was a 7.5kg comp PB and 2.5kg training PB. Alisa secured six points and a whopping 17.5kg total PB with 397.5kg lifted. Alisa had a rough start but her determination to keep persisting and taking one step forward despite the unfavourable circumstances is a true testament to her strong will and mental fortitude. I am extremely proud of her performance and am even more confident that there is much more to come in the near future from this weapon!
Sia.
Third up is our very own birthday girl Sia, who had a stellar day competing on her birthday March 12th! Sia had a little bit of inconsistency with her training schedule due to external stressors, however when she came in we adjusted as necessary to ensure she could get in the most productive training possible.
After a few chats in the gym we really started to see more determination from Sia and everyone could see it. When Sia lifted her top sets in training, the whole gym would stop and watch! The main goal for me was to ensure that we managed Sia's arousal levels and confidence and ensure she, most importantly, had fun competing. However coming out of retirement was Elise McLennan out of Melbourne Strength Culture who competed at the last TSF Team Championships in 2019. There were a total of five competitors in the 82.5kg class, however based on predicted totals, Elise was the one to look out for.
Squats.
Sia started warming up and things were looking good, after we made a last minute technical change to her squat just a few days prior to competition. We snagged a very good opening attempt of 140kg; Elise secured 125kg in her first attempt. Sia confidently squatted a very solid second attempt of 150kg which is shy of her own current national record of 150.5kg. Elise took her second attempt and locked in 135kg. Now in a local powerlifting competition under USAPL you're not allowed to break national records however we loaded up 160kg which would be an Australian national record and "THE LIFT IS GOOD!" Sia smashed 160kg giving us a 25kg lead as Elise failed her third attempt of 145kg, being stuck at her second attempt of 135kg.
Bench Press.
Now going into bench I knew Elise was a strong bencher and she could make up some ground so we had to proceed with caution. Sia opened at a comfortable 75kg and Elise opened at 85kg, both successful. Coach Didier and myself take 5kg jumps for the second attempt. 80kg was locked in for Sia which is 0.5kg below Sia's current PB and her own national record of 80.5kg. 90kg was locked in for Elise. Both attempts being good lifts, jumps of 2.5kg were opted by myself and Didier. Sia snags a 82.5kg bench press for a 2kg PB which moved better than her second attempt! Elise had missed her third attempt bench press leaving her at 90kg which would be an unofficial national record. The subtotal going into deadlifts were 242.5kg for Sia and 225kg for Elise.
Deadlifts.
With a big lead like this I knew the only way to throw this was to miss lifts. Sia opened at 170kg, 5kg more than Elise’s 165kg, extending our lead of 17.5kg to 22.5kg. Elise secured 177.5kg as her second attempt; Sia followed up securing 180kg, which was a PB and an unofficial national record pipping, her own existing record by 2.5kg. 185kg was the third attempt of choice which seemed to hit the mark just keeping our lead as well as giving Sia a nice 7.5kg comp PB. This secured first place and six points for Team TSF!
Sia ended up with 427.5kg total with a 19kg PB total. Big well done to Sia on her massive effort and great performance and execution! Sia is definitely one to look out for at this year's USAPL Australia Nationals.
Greg.
Finally Greg is in one of the most stacked classes of the day with five competitors in the 90kg class. Greg originally was not planning on competing at the TSF Team Champs and wanted a long off season after recently competing at the USAPL Australia Nationals in December. Based on the conversations we had we moved away from competition lifts for his first training block after comp. It was only in early 2023 after a few more chats that Greg agreed to represent TSF at the Team Champs. I had to change drastically the way his training structure was after his first block into two blocks of training designed to get him ready for near maximal weights. Greg took on this challenge like a true champion and gave every session his all while travelling between TSF in Maidstone and Ben’s Army in Ballarat.
Squats.
Greg started warming up and felt strong through the warm ups but mentioned that his first attempt felt a little slow. We opted for the planned second attempt of 245kg which was an equal PB, which truly indicated to me that he wasn't 100%. We chose a conservative 5kg jump on the third to 250kg which was one of the heaviest squats of the session. We snagged the 5kg squat PB.
We were tied in the squat with Suleiman from Elemental Strength Society who had also secured a 250kg squat at a lighter bodyweight. Cameron Brown from Strength Culture who was the favourite, missed his third attempt of 247.5kg leaving him on a 237.5kg squat. Sean Pan of Liu Lift secured a 240kg squat and Kevin Ho of Crundall Crew missed 240kg leaving him on 232.5kg.
Bench.
We opted to drop Greg's bench opener to 132.5kg, something we knew he could comfortably hit. The other boys having very big benches were making strides. Sean the dark horse secured a massive 170kg bench on his first attempt taking the lead while Suleiman overtakes Greg with a 160kg bench. After the first round, Greg secures a comfortable 137.5kg. The other boys make up a lot of ground and overtake Greg leaving him in 4th place at the end of the second round. As we enter the third round of bench we opt for a 142.5kg bench which is a 5kg PB and Greg is successful, giving him a subtotal of 392.5kg in 4th place.
Subtotals at the closing of bench press:
Suleiman Halabi - 422.5kg
Sean Pan - 422.5kg
Cameron Brown - 402.5kg
Greg Vella - 392.5kg
Kevin Ho - 382.5kg
Greg had the lightest deadlift opener, so the aim was to keep in range and not drop any places as this could be a detriment to the total placing of team TSF.
Team Points update.
There were 13 teams and by this point, roughly eight hours into the competition, in the last session right before Greg’s deadlifts the team scores were sitting at:
19 - Liu Lift
17 - Sim Strength
17 - The Strength Fortress
15 - Strength Culture
12 - Team VQ
11 - Deken Strong
11 - Barbell Babes Brigade
10 - Total Strength Training
10 - Crundall Crew
9 - Elemental Strength Society
9 - Husla
9 - Melbourne University
8 - 3 Point Performance
Deadlifts.
Greg opened his deadlifts at 230kg getting us on the board and bringing his total to 622.5kg. The other four boys hit their opening attempts as well, getting the final part of our battle underway. Kevin hits a solid 235kg opener to close his gap with Greg to 5kg, with a 617.5kg total. Sean hits a 237.5kg to bring his total to 660kg, Cameron hits a massive 250kg deadlift on his first attempt bringing his total to 652.5kg. Suleiman upped his dominance by securing a 242.5kg opener to bring his total to 665kg.
We opt for a second attempt of 250kg for an equal PB to decide our third attempt. This second attempt was a good lift however the 250kg seemed unexpectedly hard considering Greg had hit this confidently in training. Kevin Ho also took a 20kg jump to match us and keep trailing by 5kg, Sean Pan secured a 252.5kg deadlift on his second attempt while Suleiman locked in 255kg on his second attempt to keep his lead over the pack. Cameron hits the biggest deadlift of the second round with 270kg.
Greg takes a 5kg jump for his final attempt of 255kg and is unfortunately unsuccessful.
Sean steals first place from Suleiman with a 260kg deadlift however Suleiman quickly retakes the lead with a successful 262.5kg. Kevin attempts 272.5kg which is unsuccessful and leaves him in fifth place. Cameron loads up 285kg for a hail mary third attempt deadlift to take away first place but comes up short and is stuck in third place.
Greg secures fourth place and two points for TSF which takes TSF to 19 points, putting us in second place with one more flight to lift. Greg stayed composed despite the pressure in a very tough battle against worthy athletes and took one attempt at a time giving his best. Greg snagged a 12.5kg total PB after a short turnaround between competitions, which is extremely impressive. Greg is one of the hardest workers I have seen and he took on this challenge like a true champ!
FIN.
The final flight was very intense as Sim Strength really shook things up when Timothy Wang bagged four points in the 100kg weight class, giving them 21 points overtaking team TSF.
Elemental Strength Society bagged an extra 12 points for their team in that final session when Suleiman (90kg) and Tony (100kg) both took gold, moving them into second place tying Sim Strength with 21 points, pushing TSF into fourth place.
Sean secured first place for Liu Lift with second place and four points bringing Liu Lift to 23 out of 25 possible points for an almost perfect day for the team! This was a very epic day of lifting and I cannot express the gratitude of those who supported and helped make this possible.
Your Winners.
A very big congratulations to all the teams who competed and the winners of TSF Team champs 2023!
First Place - Liu Lift - $1750
Head Coach - Victor Liu
Aikaterini Chorianopoulou, Women’s 52kg, 1st place
Jessica Liu, Women’s 60kg, 1st place
Chris Yip, Men’s 75kg, 1st place
Sean Pan, Men’s 90kg, 2nd place
Second Place - Sim Strength - $750
Head Coach - Josh Sim
Ellescia Phung, Women’s 56kg, 1st place
Toai Trinh, Men’s 67.5kg, 1st place
Daniel Xia, Men’s 82.5kg, 2nd place
Timothy Wang, Men’s 100kg, 1st place
Third Place - Elemental Strength Society - $500
Head Coach - Michael Porsovigan
Vinning Mak, Women’s 52kg, 2nd place
Ruby Abangan, Women’s 60kg, 2nd place
Suleiman Halabi, Men’s 90kg, 1st place
Tony Nguyen, Men’s 100kg, 1st place
