Bronze

New Zealand

This is the way of the elite. As a young boy, I always fantasize about being a commander, a leader. I go to war against myself, every day. I live on the edge of my comfort zone to give my fullest gifts of strength, leadership, and service to the world. What we fear is often what we need. I hate squats, but I load that bar, increase the weight, wink to myself in the mirror, give myself a grin, before bracing and grunting with massive weights loaded on my back. I do not lift a steel bar with metal plates. I lift my emotions, my hard times, my good times, my fears, my concealed wrath, and my greatest moments. Never drop that bar, even when you're tank is nearly empty. Keep pushing, keep pushing, don't stop, just keep going, and you will make it. You also will have a 'high' feeling, of both dizziness, and accomplishment. A challenge is my favourite method of growth. Because learning without experience never forces us to remember things, a challenging time will ingrain it in you. Somewhere else in the world, there is someone bigger than me, stronger than me, and better than me. But I still will compete. I may be small, I may not look strong, but under that small physique, I have built months of training and strength and an incredible power to weight ratio. This photo is of me doing some heavy sets of squats during my workout. I'm still a novice powerlifter, which makes me happy, because I still have a long way to go. This is the way of the elite. We acknowledge that we are good at something, but we make ourselves believe that we are not good enough. This paradox will force you towards success. To all those out there who are struggling, disadvantaged, or without opportunity, keep your head up, and 2023 will be your year! Do the hard work, especially when you don't feel like it!

Participant