March 9 & 10, 2024

Four lifters. One coach.

Battling it out for title of
Team Champion

Launching
The Bracket System

A unique and innovative format rewarding long-term
success and providing continuity in the sport.

WE’RE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE TEAM CHAMPS 2024!

Sanctioned by USAPL Australia and hosted by us, The Strength Fortress,
The TSF Team Champs aims to showcase the very best of team-based powerlifting.

TSF TEAM CHAMPS 2024

The largest prize pool we’ve ever offered

$ 4 5 0 0 A U D

Lifter and coach preparing for a competition attempt

What is the Team Champs?

The Team Champs is an annual powerlifting competition held at The Strength Fortress. While a traditional powerlifting competition is based on the individual result, the Team Champs centres around a team element; where scoring and results are based on a team result.

A team consists of four lifters and one coach. Each lifter competes in their respective weight class and, based on their placing in that class, scores points that contribute to a team score.

The winning team is the team that scores the most points.

To learn more about the specifics, click the link below.

TSF Team Champs Rules and Scoring

History of the Team Champs.

The Team Champs has its origins in 2017 when we hosted our second competition ever, the 2017 “End of Year Challenge”. This was very much a normal competition but we created a “teams” division. Entrants were encouraged to nominate a team to which they belonged and the team that scored the most points would win the $500 prize we had on offer.

The winning team was Obsidian Strength, unsurprisingly so, the biggest and strongest club in Melbourne at that time. The comp was a huge success and while the team element was very rudimentary and unpolished, it marked the beginning of what would be the evolution to the Team Champs of today.

In 2018 we ran the first official Team Champs. Sanctioned by Powerlifting Australia under the IPF, there were 14 teams, four of which came from interstate. Held on December 8, 2018 and with a prize pool of $1000 it ran across two sessions with three groups in the morning session and 2 groups in the afternoon.

Representing TSF was owner John Paul Cauchi (74kg), our now head coach Josh Luu (66kg), Amanda Brown (58kg) and Ben Sellars (83kg). It was a well fought day and TSF were able to take the win. Best lifters were John Paul Cauchi and Charlie Lee of Apex Strength.

In 2019, The Team Champs took a leap forward in how we presented and ran the event. We secured a few minor sponsors and were able to elevate the competition to a new standard. Again sanctioned by Powerlifting Australia however now under the World Powerlifting body, 13 teams took to the platform on December 7 fighting for a prize fund of $2000. JPS were the clear favourite but missing the win in the 83kg class (Jacob Schepis losing to Ben Sellars) and in the 64kg class (Mia Schepis losing to Giuliana Nannetti) meant they would end the day with two wins and two second place finishes. Representing TSF was Andre Nguyen (66kg), Giuliana Nannetti (64kg), Thanh Nguyen (48kg) and Caitlin McCurrie (58kg). Together, we scored three wins in Andre, Giuliana and Caitlin, and a 3rd place finish in Thanh. This was enough to take the win, for the second year in a row. Best lifters were Giuliana Nannetti and Sam Schepis of JPS.

From 2020 through 2022, riddled with closures and uncertainty of operations due to the COVID pandemic, the TSF Team Champs was forced into hiatus, uncertain if the reputation that had been garnered in years gone by would remain.

However in 2023, Team Champs was back. Meet directed for the first time by Elizabeth Nguyen and with a prize pool of $3000, the Team Champs instead took place on March 12 instead of it’s previously regular December fixture. This was to accomodate the Australian National Championships that were held late in 2022.

Now, under a new federation, the USAPL Australia, this would prove to be the most competitive and challenging Team Champs to date.

Representing TSF was Greg Vella (90kg Mens), Edwina Vejayaratnam (67.5kg Womens), Alisa Di Loreto (90kg Womens) and Sia Falesiu (82.5kg Womens), coached for the first time by new Head Coach Josh Luu.

Edwina had a great performance but narrowly fell behind Melbourne Strength Culture’s Abbey Stronell in the 67.5kg Womens class, while Greg was simply out classed in the 90kg Mens class, finishing 4th. Alisa and Sia were outstanding, taking the win in their respective classes.

A tough day on the platform saw TSF finish in 4th place behind the amazing performances of Elemental Strength Society (3rd), Sim Strength (2nd) and the ultimate winners, Liu Lift. Best Male Lifter was Chris Yip of Liu Lift while Best Female Lifter was Natasha Kadarusman of Deken Strong.

The Team Champs is now in its 4th official edition. With the biggest prize pool we’ve ever offered and the biggest field that we’ve ever hosted, it’s sure to be the biggest and best yet.

A woman lifter locks out a deadlift in competition

Two lifters looking happy smiling for the camera

View from behind the platform. A lifter prepares to deadlift and you can see the chief referee and audience in front of her

A coach and lifter fist bump after a successful attempt

Josh Sim, founder and head coach of Sim Strength competed in the 2017 End of Year Challenge. In 2023 his team took second place in the Team Champs.

Obsidian Strength, winners of the 2017 End of Year Challenge.

Josh Luu, now head coach at The Strength Fortress lifted as part of the winning team in the inaugural 2018 Team Champs.

Ashleigh Sumai coached by Vinay Srinivasan and Claudia Coppola of Avia Performance. Claudia will lift for Avia at this years Team Champs.

Michael Porsovigan has had a consistent showing at the Team Champs, formerly out of Obsidian Strength and now as co-founder and head coach of Elemental Strength Society

Team TSF at the 2018 Team Champs, taking the win on home turf.

Public figure Jamie Smith of Melbourne Strength Culture on the mic at the 2017 End of Year Challenge.

Aiden Potts, founder of Hunter Performance Centre lifting for Team Hayes, now the Process PL.

Co-owner of Paragon Strength and Performance Nick Cheadle lifted in the 2018 Team Champs

Wollongong-based National Strength and Performance Centre at the 2018 Team Champs.

The powerhouses of Team CF at the 2018 Team Champs.

Liz Craven and Megan Hinchley at the 2017 End of Year Challenge.

Bec Chambers, co-owner and head coach of Paragon Strength and Performance will return with her team again this year. Shown she is celebrating with lifter Hannah Dempsey.

TSF co-owner John Paul Cauchi with Alex Hayes of Team Hayes.

Team CDF celebrating a monster 100kg bench press.

The Premier Bracket.

Liu Lift

Liu Lift is the coaching brainchild of Melbourne based powerlifting Coach Victor Liu. A decorated athlete himself, Victor has made a name for himself as a successful powerlifting coach in his own right. Having started his powerlifting journey as a teenager, Victor has developed a healthy portfolio of successful athletes including numerous Australian Champions. Most notably, Liu Lift are the reigning champions of the Team Champs, having won the crown in 2023.
Their team in 2024 will consist of Aikaterini Chorianopolou, Jessica Liu, Evangeline Mouratidis and Frank Bascetta.
Sim Strength

Sim Strength is the coaching brand run by Melbourne based powerlifting coach Josh Sim. Josh has a long history in powerlifting and has recently had a successful dalliance in the bodybuilding world, giving him a unique perspective and understanding of training. His coaching team include a wide variety of athletes and their team are always a force to be reckoned with. They’ll be looking to hunt down Liu Lift this year after taking a silver trophy to Victor’s team in 2023.
Their team in 2024 will consist of Thuy Vy Pham, Megan Tsai, Demetrius Metaxas and Timothy Wang.
Elemental Strength Society

ESS is a powerlifting based gym in Melbourne’s West. Founded in 2022 by Michael Porsovigan, Tony Nguyen and Vinning Mak, their gym is an inclusive and open space for powerlifters, strength athletes and regular gym-goers. Their head coach, Michael, has quickly developed a reputation as a successful coach and most notably guided ESS to a tight third place finish at the 2023 TSF Team Champs.
Their team in 2024 will consist of Vinning Mak, Ruby Abangan, Tony Nguyen and Hung Phan.
The Strength Fortress

On home turf, TSF took the win in the first two years of the Team Champs in 2018 and 2019. In the first Team Champs back post-the lockdown hiatus, we were knocked off our throne in 2023. Ever hungry to take back the throne, our team headed by head coach Josh Luu will be back with a vengeance this year.
We are represented in 2024 by Lizzie Nguyen, Angie Vella, Greg Vella and Chris Pham.
Melbourne Strength Culture

MSC is a long-standing strength based gym situated in Moorabbin, Melbourne. They’ve been coaching athletes and running comps in Melbourne for the last eight years and have a strong presence both in Melbourne and in the online space. Their YouTube content and regular podcast reaches well outside of the powerlifting world too, into other areas of fitness.
Headed by Didier Vassou, their team of four in 2024 will includes Lina Tran, Natasha Viselka, Abbey Stronell and Constance Pandousis.
Crundall Crew

The Crundall Crew are a team led by Powerlifting Coach Matt Crundall. A successful competitive powerlifter in his own right, Matt has successfully established himself as a knowledgeable and successful coach with numerous lifters competing at the national level. An excellent game-day coach, Matt takes the competitive aspect of powerlifting very seriously and you know that his attempt selection will be absolutely clutch to score the maximum points possible.
Their team of four will this year consist of Jessica Lam, Brian Ong, Aengus Williams and Matt Crundall himself.
Total Strength Training

TST is an online coaching business run by Josh Brown and Ella Collins. Their coaching services reach beyond powerlifting into general strength training as well as nutrition coaching services. Their debut at the Team Champs in 2023 was a great success scoring 15 points and placing 8th.
Their team in 2024 will consist of Ella Collins, Christopher Bone, Matthew White and Van Bawithawng Hlawnceu.
JPS Health and Fitness

JPS are a long-standing fitness and personal training brand based in Essendon, Melbourne. Run by brothers Jacob and Sam, they’ve been leaders of the fitness and fitness education space in Melbourne for close to an entire decade. With enormous success in both the bodybuilding and powerlifting world, their team is a force to be reckoned with. Their last appearance at Team Champs was in 2019 where they came a close 2nd, losing only to us, The Strength Fortress. Their return to the Team Champs is a huge announcement.
Their team will consist of Ally Roberts, Rosie Manunzio, Brendan Refalo and co-owner Jacob Schepis.
3 Point Performance

3PP is a gym and coaching studio based in Port Melbourne. Their focus is on both strength and general fitness training. Their coaching staff also run a podcast called the Good Lifting Podcast which provides general commentary and discussion on all things lifting and life.
2024 will see their second appearance at the Team Champs, represented this year by Edwina Vejayratanam, Jess Pendlebury, Alexander Dellaportas and Dennis Pereira.
Barbell Babes Brigade

BBB is a women’s only facility based in Coburg. Headed by Rochene Hawley, BBB has provided a safe and inclusive space for women interested in strength training for just shy of a decade. Recently sold, the BBB team will remain headed by Rochene this year at perhaps their last hoorah at The Team Champs.
Their 2024 team is represented by Rochene Hawley and Prue May.
Apex Strength

Apex are a strength and powerlifting club located in Coburg, Melbourne. Owned and operated by head coach Tyler Seabrook, this will be Apex’s second showing at the Team Champs, with their last appearance in 2019. A strong team with strong representation at The Team Champs this year, Apex will be one to look out for.
Representing Apex this year will be Lota Leinberga, Gabriel Lattouf, Asher Jones and Tony Reinmuth

The Challenger’s Bracket.

Panthers Powerlifting

Our only team based out of Queensland, Panthers Powerlifting is a strength-based gym owned and operated by Colin Webb for almost 10 years. Colin is a multi-time Australian Champion powerlifter. 2024 will mark their first hit out at the Team Champs.
Panthers will be represented by lifters Martin Smith, Scott Mieklejohn, Emilia Phillips and Emry Williams
Stronghold Ballarat

Stronghold Ballarat, formerly Ben’s Army, is a Ballarat based gym. Their huge 1000 square meter facility is a haven for all sorts of strength and fitness pursuits from powerlifting to strongman to bodybuilding and weightlifting.
This will be their first year competing at Team Champs, headed by Chris Whyte and represented by lifters Alyssa Britten, Tyson Andrews, Aaron Grant and Jason Oakley.
Paragon Strength and Performance

Paragon Strength and Performance is a gym based in Artarmon, Sydney, owned and operated by Nick Cheadle and Bec Chambers. The boutique gym space specialises in powerlifting, physique and strength-based training. Paragon last competed at the Team Champs in 2019 and are returning with Bec as their head coach in 2024.
They will be represented this year by lifters India Stewart, Kristyn Bennett, Ashleigh Armanasco and Ricky Lau.
Dark Horse Powerlifting

Dark Horse is the coaching brand of Melbourne’s Chris Yip. Chris, an extremely accomplished lifter himself and previous holder of the All Time Deadlift World Record at 75kg competed in 2023 for Liu Lift and won Best Male Lifter.
The Dark Horse team will this year be represented by Carol Chew, Samantha Huang, Andrew Phan and Naveed Zuhaer.
Lioness Performance

Lioness is a women-specific strength and performance facility based in Berwick Melbourne. It is owned and operated by Rebecca Potalej. Bec launched her business in 2021 after discovering the power of strength and powerlifting for women. Now, she’s set to debut Lioness at the Team Champs.
The Lioness team includes Bernadette Mammone, Lilli Anderson, Olivia Fraser-Jones and Rebecca Potalej herself.
VQ

VQ are a team based in Melbourne. Headed by Winston and coached by Jevan, their 2024 team consists of Shien Ting Lim, Jevan Tan, Yujin Huang and Winston Sutantio.
SR Strength Collective

One of the newest strength and powerlifting gyms in Melbourne, the SR Strength Collective in Altona is owned and coached by Daniel Featherston, Jaiden Roe and Edgar Degay. Daniel previously coached the Melbourne University Powerlifting Club Team at the Team Champs 2023 and now with his own brand and name, is looking to make a splash in 2024.
The SR debut team is represented by Madeleine Villani, Jaiden Roe, Matthew Keogh and Yash Sharma.
Avia Performance

Avia is a warehouse gym based in Coburg Melbourne. Owned and operated by Vinay Srinivasan and Luke Troiani, their holistic approach to training attracts diverse clientele with goals ranging from rehabilitation to sports performance, powerlifting and more general health and fitness. Avia have long been a huge contributor to the powerlifting scene in Melbourne, hosting 2-3 competitions per year themselves.
Their 2024 team consists of Claudia Coppola, Felicia Leong, Emily Cano and Majd Asad.
DB Health & Performance

DB Health & Performance is a personal training and coaching brand run by David Barros. David is successful trainer and coach, also based out of 3 Point Performance in Port Melbourne, offering coaching services both face to face and remotely.
DB will be represented in their first Team Champs hit out by Hannah Pamment, Caitlin Ryan, Charlotte Vine and David Barros himself.
Ladies That Lift

Ladies That Lift is a women-specific coaching brand headed by coach Raquel Ramirez. With a background in both training and nutrition, Ladies That Lift aims to guide women out of the yo-yo dieting trap and instead towards nutrition and training interventions that are as empowering as they are effective. A regular team at TSF competitions, this will be their first hit out at the Team Champs.
The LTL team will be represented by Kiara Sala, Raquel Ramirez, Olivia White and Jessica Stikovic.
The Chads

The Chads are a group of training partners and friends who’ve banded together to create an absolutely formidable team at this year’s Team Champs.
One to very much keep your eye on, they will be coached by Shant Rahman with lifters Josh Joyce, Tom Glover, Remi Burns and Brodie McDowell.

2024 LIFTER ROSTER

VIEW THE FULL ROSTER

Competition Format.

Instagram post linking to diagram of the Bracket System

Introducing the Bracket System.

Powerlifting has traditionally had a lack of continuity from comp to comp. In its normal format, results from any particular event have no impact or bearing on future events. Each contest is “independent”; there is no flow on effect, no consequences nor repercussions from comp to comp.

The Bracket System aims to provide this level of continuity.

The 22 teams at the 2024 Team Champs will split into two groups of 11: The Premier Bracket and The Challenger’s Bracket — a sort of “Division 1” and “Division 2”.

While all competitor results will mix, the Premier Bracket get the added advantage of lifting on day two, allowing them to jostle for overall placing much more competitively.

For the Challengers wanting to qualify for the Premier Bracket for 2025, they will have to end day one in the top four. Their relative placings could change after day two but it is their placing at the end of day 1 that matters.

For those in the Premier Bracket, they will need to fight to finish top seven overall in order to maintain their place in the Premier Bracket for 2025.

Importantly, any new teams entering the system from 2025 will have to start in the Challenger’s Bracket; teams have to earn their way into the Premier Bracket by succeeding in the year prior.

Click the image link to the left for a full diagrammatic run down of the competition format.

Schedule.

Day One, March 9

CHALLENGER’S BRACKET.
10am
Session 1
Light weight men
Light weight women
2pm
Session 2
Heavy weight men
Heavy weight women
Day Two, March 10

PREMIER BRACKET.
1pm
Session 1
Light weight men
Light weight women
5pm
Session 2
Heavy weight men
Heavy weight women
8.30pm
Award presentation