T.J. Gear

IPF Open Classic World Championship
2022 - 93kg - 12th
2021 - 93kg - 6th

CPU Open Classic National Championship
2023 - 93kg - Bronze
2022 - 93kg - Silver
2020 - 93kg - Silver
2019 - 93kg - 6th
2018 - 93kg - 11th

Best Lifts
Classic Squat - 262.5kg
Classic Bench Press - 206kg
Classic Deadlift - 325kg
Classic Total - 791kg

Biography
I’ve been competing in Powerlifting for 10 years now. My first competition was a local meet in St. John’s Newfoundland in 2014. What really motivated me to compete the first time was my will to compete in sport. I grew up playing lots of sports and competing against other people and teams was always the highlight for me.

That first competition and the atmosphere around it is what made me fall in love with the sport. Since then I’ve been able to compete at the World Championships twice finishing 6th one year as well as taking the bronze in the deadlift. Apart from worlds I have a North American Powerlifting Federation Gold and Silver medal as well as two National silvers and a bronze. I had a lot of close calls on winning nationals and that only drives me further to improve and be as strong as I can be.

I own my own fitness centre in Goose Bay, NL and I train and coach other athletes out of there so powerlifting has become more than a hobby. Watching my athletes grow and succeed in the sport motivates me as much as seeing my numbers go up.

What is your favourite lifting memory?
My favorite lifting memory has to be going 9 for 9 at my first World Championship and pulling for the deadlift bronze. The atmosphere and levels of hype I felt that day were unparalleled.

What is one piece of advice you have for up and coming athletes getting into strength training or strength sport?
One piece of advice I would give to up and coming athletes in the sport would be to have patience, not every training day or competition will be your best but they are building blocks to improve over time. Some days may be tough but the days when you hit those PRs you’ve been grinding for are well worth it.

What is your favourite lift or event?
My favourite lift is the bench press. It has always come naturally to me and I really enjoy improving my bench.

What is your favourite product and why?
13mm Belt
The 13mm SBD belt is my favourite product because it is miles above anything else. The material is comfortable, it is a very sleek design, the lever is very convenient, and most of all it is very supportive and easy to brace against.

What 3 other items are your go to and why?
Powerlifting Knee Sleeves
Singlet
T-shirt
I’m a little bit of a minimalist when it comes to training but I can’t lift without my SBD knee sleeves, they are a must for every squat session. They provide great support and comfort. SBD T-shirts are very well made and are a perfect fit for my body type. The SBD singlet is comfortable and unrestrictive, which is what you want in a singlet.

What colourway is your favourite and why?
Phantom
Phantom is my favourite color way because of how sleek the all black design is.

Why do you believe SBD is the gear all athletes should use?
Athletes should be wearing SBD because it is the best brand on the market. For comfort, design, and performance, it provides it all.