Billy Buhler heads to the IPF World Junior Powerlifting Championships with a goal of reaching the podium.
The 20-year-old Parksville lifter has sacrificed his summer as he spent time most of his free time honing his bench press, squat and dead lift skills at Bodyworks Fitness fours times a week, three to four hours per session.
It’s a full commitment for Buhler as he is focused on winning a medal at the worlds that will take place in Regina, Sask, Aug. 26-31.
“It’s a lot of time in the gym but that’s what I have to do to succeed,” said Buhler, who will be competing in the 120 kilogram weight class and will go up against the top up-and-coming powerlifters in the world. “I have done some scouting and stuff and a total of around 865 kilos would put me up the podium,” said Buhler. “If I am on the deadlift and I am in range, then I will load it up and go for the win.”
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With his online coach Avi Silverberg, who lives in Alberta, Buhler said they will come up with a good plan that he hopes will help him achieve all nine lifts — three attempts in squat, bench and deadlift — successfully.
“If need to load it up, I will be aggressive but I am going to stay composed and make sure I can make the lifts,” said Buhler.
Like any athlete or team, Buhler had to overcome some problem areas of his game, specifically his bench press skill. He recalled the difficulty he encountered at the nationals that saw him finish sixth overall.
“A month ago I bench pressed 215 kilos at the B.C. provincials, and in the gym a week ago, I benched 217.5 kilos,” said Buhler. “My previous best was 202.5 kilos so I am way over that. The bench press is no problem anymore.”
Bodyworks Fitness has also helped Buhler as it has installed professional powerlifting equipment which he said has totally boosted his training.
“I got two competition racks, competition plates, collars and bars,” said Buhler. “I am training on competition equipment so there will be no surprises on game day. So I will be 100 per cent prepared.”
Buhler will go hard in training for one more week before tapering down a week before competition. He lifts on Aug. 31, the last day of competition at the world championships.
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