Melissa Suchoplas

CPU Open Classic National Championship
2022 - 69kg - Gold

Best Lifts
Classic Squat - 182.0kg
Classic Bench Press - 92.5kg
Classic Deadlift - 190.5kg
Classic Total - 459.5kg

Biography

My passion for physical activity and mental health led me to become a personal trainer and manage a corporate gym for years. In 2017 I was checking out a local box gym in Calgary where a few powerlifters noticed me deadlifting and started talking to me about powerlifting and the rest is history! With my all in attitude I decided to give powerlifting a real shot. I had a quick exposure to the sport competing 5 times in 6 months, I do not recommend it!

I moved back to Manitoba to be with my now husband in 2020 during the height of covid and all the gym closures. I was determined to keep training and converted a very old parts shed into what we then called the Bulk Barn and this is where I trained leading up to Nationals 2022.

My biggest accomplishment would be seeking mental health help as an athlete, bettering myself as an improvement for my family and the lifting community. I have always struggled with doubting myself, but after getting help, I walked into Manitoba and smashed all the records for my weight class and won 2022 Nationals in St Johns. Winning gold in Bench only, Gold in 69kg Classic open, and breaking the Canadian squat record.

Shortly after winning Nationals, we found out I was expecting and although I was no longer hitting the platform I was able to train right through till my son Micah was born March, 2023. Fast forward and we decided to add another little one to our family and welcomed another little boy, Coulter, October, 2024. Unfortunately, I was not able to train like I did during my pregnancy with Micah but now I am more eager than ever to get back to it. In this time, we also moved into our dream log house and have a gym setup in the basement, Bulk Barn 2.0, where I am excited to now train.

Juggling being an athlete and a new mom definitely has challenges but my goal is to inspire parents and moms especially who took a break from their powerlifting careers to start a family that it is possible to get back to the platform and integrate it into your now very busy life. Together we can be role models for our little ones and what better motivation than having them out in the crowd yelling “go mama!”.

What is your favourite lifting memory?
My favorite powerlifting memory was a battle with a friend breaking the National squat record and handing it back and forth with each attempt until I walked away with it when I won Nationals in 2022.

What is one piece of advice you have for up and coming athletes getting into strength training or strength sport?
Your biggest competition is you. Don't worry or compare yourself to anyone else.

What is your favourite lift or event?
Deadlift on a good day.

What is your favourite product and why?
13mm Belt
It's the Rolls-Royce of belts and took my training to a new level.

What 3 other items are your go to and why?
Powerlifting Knee Sleeves
Stiff Medium Wrist Wraps
Singlet
These are the essential combination for confidence and safety in my lifts.

What colourway is your favourite and why?
Momentum
I love the simple color's but yet the sleek design.

Why do you believe SBD is the gear all athletes should use?
SBD gear is simply head and shoulders above the rest, and continue to take athlete feed back to evolve and stay the best.

Why do you believe in working with SBD Canada as a Sponsored Athlete?
To be the best you must be equipped with the best, and SBD is and does that. SBD truly gets behind their athletes to push them to the next level. SBD strives for absolute perfection and does it every time.

Photo Credits: Profile Picture-White Lights Media; Deadlift-White Lights Media; Squat-White Lights Media