Powerlifting has experienced a notable surge in popularity across Canada over the last decade. It draws participants from all age groups, motivated by their personal fitness goals and the appeal of strength training. Among these dedicated athletes is local powerlifter Steve Doyle, whose journey into powerlifting exemplifies his enthusiasm for the sport.
World Competition
Doyle recently competed with Team Canada in the 2024 IPF World Open Equipped Powerlifting Championship. It was his second world event since he joined the sport ten years ago.
“I finished 12th out of 16. I think I got last in the first year I completed because of a back injury. And so, I didn't have a good day, but I was nominated in 12th, so I finished in 12th. I did have my best total, which was my best and the most I had ever lifted. Before that, my best was 765, which I did at the nationals last year in BC.”
For Doyle, it was a mix of emotions. Although he didn't achieve all his goals despite his hard work and dedication, he recognized that his efforts were not entirely in vain.
“I was happy and a little frustrated because I only got one squat out of the three attempts. I was a bit disappointed in that. But I had a great day after that. I benched 485 pounds, then I pulled 606 pounds. I had a pretty good day after having bad squat openers.”
Powerlifting is a strength sport that focuses on three main lifts: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. Its goal is to lift the maximum weight possible for a single repetition in each lift.
Powerlifting Journey
Doyle’s journey into the sport came about rather innocently. Ten years ago, his primary focus was playing music downtown and drumming in bands, leading to unhealthy habits like staying late and not caring for himself.
He met Brett Gibbs, a New Zealander and internationally renowned powerlifter, during a chance meeting at a local coffee shop where he worked. Gibbs was in town for the summer, launching an online coaching business with another renowned local powerlifter, Josh Hancott.
After frequent visits to the coffee shop, Doyle introduced himself and started to pick his brain about the sport. He also learned about his YouTube channel, which he was already a follower of and was impressed by his accomplishments.
Intrigued by his suggestion to try powerlifting, he started training under his guidance. His insight and encouragement shifted his focus from general fitness to competitive powerlifting, which aligned perfectly with his athletic background.
“It piqued my interest since I had played hockey growing up and found regular fitness routines getting a bit monotonous. I decided to give it a shot, joined McNeely Barbell, and began training under Frank Williams.
When he started there, he weighed about 130 pounds. He is now in the 93-kilo class, roughly 205 pounds.
Making Team Canada
Young, who has been on the Canadian Powerlifting Team for two years, said maintaining a place on the national team is all about motivating yourself, determining yourself, and training with great coaches.
“Sticking with it and having a good coach and team is essential. I train with Iron Body Works, run by world-class lifters Tom and Steph Kean. Steph holds two world records in equipped and raw lifting, while Tom boasts five world titles. They've been instrumental in my progress since I joined them in 2018 after my initial training at McNeily Barbell with Frank, my first coach.”
Doyle said Frank was fantastic at getting him started, but he recognized when it was time for me to move to the next level. He recommended Tom and Steph.
“Tom's motivation and training methods pushed me to strive for world championship-level performance. His approach of doing more reps with my weights kept me driven. Over the past decade, I haven't missed a session, staying dedicated and focused on improving.”
Future Goals
Doyle said it takes about 8-12 weeks in advance to prepare for a competition. His routine usually includes training shifts from high reps at lower weights to heavier lifts with fewer reps to conditions for peak performance.
Mentally, his focus involves ensuring proper rest, nutrition, and recovery. He said representing Canada internationally is a significant achievement, guided by his goals and persistence.
One standout moment was in Iceland, which felt like redemption after a challenging first World Championship.
“It's been a roller coaster since the first World Championships. Leading up to the Iceland event was very rewarding—I felt like I finally climbed a mountain, and when I got to the top, I thought, 'Oh, I did it.”
Doyle said his best advice for newcomers wanting to try powerlifting is to seek guidance from a good coach or immerse themselves in a supportive gym environment.
"I would suggest getting involved. You can always message the NLPA, our local Newfoundland Powerlifting Association. They'll help get you started.
His next goal is to stay healthy and compete in the Masters Class Championship when he turns 40.
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