Nicola Paviglianiti

IPF Open Classic World Championship
2024 - 57kg - 6th

IPF Junior Classic World Championship
2017 - 52kg - Silver
2016 - 52kg - 8th

CPU Open Classic National Championship
2023 - 63kg - Silver
2022 - 63kg - Bronze
2020 - 57kg - Gold
2019 - 52kg - Bronze
2018 - 52kg - Bronze

CPU Junior Classic National Championship
2017 - 52kg - Gold
2016 - 52kg - Gold

Best Lifts
Classic Squat - 182.5kg
Classic Bench Press - 92.5kg
Classic Deadlift - 192.5kg
Classic Total - 465kg

Biography
I discovered my passion for powerlifting in 2015, during my third year of university. It started when I saw a girl at my gym squatting heavy weights. At the time, I was training for triathlons, but I was so inspired by her strength that I wanted to be like her. She encouraged me to enter an upcoming University meet, so I did – just for fun, with almost no training and all borrowed equipment. That experience sparked my love for the sport, and I've been training and competing consistently ever since.

My journey began as a 52kg Junior athlete, where I won two National Championships and competed in two World Championships. In 2017, I earned a Silver Medal overall in the 52kg Junior class at Worlds. I also had the honour of competing at both the European Arnolds and African Arnolds, and I was named Best Overall Female Junior Lifter at the 2017 Commonwealth Championships.

Over the years, I transitioned to the 57kg weight class, where I won my first Open National Title in 2020. I have also competed in the 63kg class with National Podium finishes. The year 2024 marks an exciting milestone as I represent Canada at the Open Worlds for the first time in the 57kg Female Open Class. Beyond the platform, I am also involved in the powerlifting charity Lift4Life making lifting accessible in Zimbabwe, as well as an Ontario referee.

Originally from Calgary, I've called Ontario home for the past decade. I train at Infinite in Belleville, Ontario, and compete under the Ontario banner. Beyond powerlifting, I run a landscaping business with my brothers in Calgary and a real estate business with my husband, Ben. When I'm not in the gym, I enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, and exploring new gyms along the way. My dog Jax is also a notable mention in my life, and comes to the gym with me as my little support pup (he even knows how to bark out bench commands).

What is your favourite lifting memory?
My favourite lifting memory is from the 2017 CPU Nationals. After competing and winning, a 74kg lifter from Manitoba approached me in the warmup room to introduce himself. Seven years later, we are happily married. My husband Ben Langley and I constantly compete to see who can be the strongest, always pushing each other to be the best we can be on and off the platform.

What is one piece of advice you have for up and coming athletes getting into strength training or strength sport?
Many people delay their first powerlifting meet, or never compete at all, because they feel they aren't strong enough or skilled enough. Trust me, the community, experience, and lessons you'll gain from competing are unparalleled.

Working towards a specific goal will push your training to new levels, and the unique environment of a meet will help you develop new skills and knowledge. Every great lifter started somewhere, and you might just surprise yourself with your performance on the platform! The meet setting will boost your confidence, teach you to lift in front of others, hold you accountable to standards, and open up new opportunities. You'll also have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals. I've seen some of the best friendships form from powerlifting meets, both from my own experiences and from observing others.

What is your favourite lift or event?
My favourite lift is the squat. Despite it being the most intimidating for me and the one I'm least naturally suited for (thanks to my long legs and major hip surgery as a child), it is also the lift I've worked hardest on. Overcoming numerous obstacles, I'm incredibly proud of the progress I've made with my squats.

What is your favourite product and why?
13mm Belt
I got my first SBD belt in 2016, and it's still going strong today. It has accompanied me all over the world, and to numerous different countries for training and competition. My squat and deadlift wouldn't be the same without it—it helps me brace and maintain tightness and stability.

What 3 other items are your go to and why?
Powerlifting Knee Sleeves
Flexible Large Wrist Wraps
Tank Top
Knee sleeves have been a game-changer for my squat routine, especially the powerlifting ones—they're my absolute must-haves. Additionally, I swear by the flexibility and support of the large wrist wraps; I use them for both squats and bench presses. Thanks to these wraps, I've never encountered any issues post wrist surgery. And let's talk about those SBD tank tops— they make you look jacked! You'll spot me rocking them inside and outside the gym all year round subtly showing off the gains.

What colourway is your favourite and why?
Classic
The classic red and black hold a cherished spot in my heart, particularly since it is the first items I ever owned, and I own numerous items from before the logo underwent its revamp and the new versions emerged. Moreover, the red resonates with my Canadian roots, making it a staple in my wardrobe when I'm traveling. It's a subtle nod to my home country whichever gym I train out of.

Why do you believe SBD is the gear all athletes should use?
Choosing SBD products has been a no-brainer for me since I embarked on my powerlifting journey back in 2015. Their gear has been instrumental in my progress and success, playing a pivotal role in getting me to where I am today. What sets SBD apart for me is not just their longstanding reliability but the unmatched quality they consistently deliver. In all my years of using their products, I've never encountered a tear, rip, or any sort of fault. It's a testament to the superior craftsmanship and durability they offer. Having the assurance of IPF approval means that you can trust the equipment to meet the rigorous standards required for competition, without any doubts or the need for replacements in the future.

Why do you believe in working with SBD Canada as a Sponsored Athlete?
It's a genuine honour to be part of the thriving community that SBD Canada is fostering, bringing together athletes from diverse backgrounds across our nation. Being involved in the sport and contributing to its growth locally and internationally is something I'm deeply passionate about. What sets SBD Canada apart is their genuine commitment to supporting athletes, which I find truly remarkable.

SBD's dedication to innovation and ongoing improvement sets them apart. Each time I wear their gear, I'm confident that I'm accessing the latest advancements in design. This assurance of being at the forefront empowers me to consistently push my limits and reach new heights. For me, working with SBD Canada isn't just about gear—it's about working with a brand that mirrors my dedication to excellence and continually surpassing boundaries in Canada and around the world.