Maura Howden

IPF Junior Classic World Championship
2024 - 84+kg - Silver
2023 - 84+kg - Bronze

Canada Powerlifting Junior Classic National Championship
2025 - 84+kg - Gold
2023 - 84+kg - No Total

Canada Powerlifting Open Equipped National Championship
2025 - 84+kg - Silver

Best Lifts
Classic Squat - 235.5kg
Classic Bench Press - 130.5kg
Classic Deadlift - 210kg
Classic Total - 573.5kg

Biography
I started lifting as a way to stay active after high school. To keep active and pushing goals that were only for myself, outside of school and becoming a Registered Nurse. I was in university when I stumbled across powerlifting through the gym community. I loved the idea of adding a competitive edge to my lifting. I remember being excited to hit new goals which at the time were usually just to compete to the best of my abilities. When I think back to who I was then, that girl wouldn’t believe I’ve made it to where I am today: a multi-time international event podium medalist.

I have always been supported so greatly by my family and friends. They saw the purpose and joy that powerlifting brought into my life. My mom has travelled with me great distances, listened to my sad phone calls when things weren’t going to plan, and has always cheered the loudest in the room (you would surely have heard her if you’ve ever been around while I’ve competed). It is so special to me the way that her, my friends, and the rest of my family have rallied behind me even when they don’t fully understand the sport, but knowing what it means to me.

The sport turned more serious for me after my first international competition. I didn’t know that I had the potential within myself to end up on the podium that day and my goals have only grown from then. I have been in the sport over three years now, and see a long career in it going forward. Since then I’ve started working with my current coach, Tori LaPerriere, who has continued to push me towards these goals, often believing greater than I do in what is eventually achievable in this sport for me. She pushes me when doubt is my biggest rival, and celebrates each of my highs and lows with me.

I’m forever grateful for what powerlifting has added to my life, and maybe even more grateful for the things it has taken away. 

What is your favourite lifting memory?
My favourite lifting memory is of my first Junior worlds. A competitor out totalled me with her last pull and all I wanted to do was embrace her and cheer for the amazing things she had accomplished. My goals then seem so small to me now, and that competition opened my mind to the greater possibilities of what I could continue to train for.

What is one piece of advice you have for up and coming athletes getting into strength training or strength sport?
Surround yourself with people you look up to. Allow yourself to compare to your idols. One day, sooner than you think, you may turn those people into your competitors.

What is your favourite lift or event?
Squat.

What is your favourite product and why?
10mm Belt
This belt gives me the flexibility while also providing the support I need to crush heavy lifts.

What 3 other items are your go to and why?
Powerlifting Knee Sleeves
Stiff Medium Wrist Wraps
Joggers
I love the SBD powerlifting sleeves for the same reason I love the 10mm belt. The perfect balance of compression and support with flexibility allows me to move in natural movement patterns while also providing explosiveness and stabilization for the movement.

I have always preferred the stiff SBD wrist wraps because they provide stability to my wrists while benching without excessive compression. Keeping my wrists safe while always pushing to express more weight lifted on the platform.

I consistently reach for my SBD joggers for to and from, and even during my training sessions. They are comfortable and a go to choice for sessions where I want to feel cozy in the gym.

What colourway is your favourite and why?
Momentum
I love the simplicity of the momentum colourway, I love feeling put together in my kit on the platform and having the best quality gear that also allows me to “look good, lift good” on the platform.

Why do you believe SBD is the gear all athletes should use?
SBD has proven its dedication to the athlete by listening to lifters and considering that what may be best for some, isn’t always best for all. They have a wide variety of equipment choices that will complement your lifting the way you want it to.

Why do you believe in working with SBD Canada as a Sponsored Athlete?
As a sponsored athlete with SBD Canada, I believe in partnering with a brand that embodies excellence, quality, and continues to provide support for athletes at every level. SBD’s commitment to crafting world-class performance gear aligns perfectly with my dedication to pushing limits and achieving greatness. They continue to support local lifters, meet directors, and entrepreneurs, and their community-driven approach fosters a culture of strength and perseverance. Working with SBD Canada is a shared mission to inspire and elevate athletic performance.

Photo Credit: Squat-White Lights Media, Profile-White Lights Media