Kyle Graham

IPF Open Classic World Championship
2022 - 83kg - 8th

CPU Open Classic National Championship
2023 - 83kg - 5th

CPU Junior Classic National Championship
2020 - 83kg - 6th

Best Lifts
Classic Squat - 313.5kg
Classic Bench Press - 165kg
Classic Deadlift - 343kg
Classic Total - 816kg

Biography
I've been involved in powerlifting since 2018 when I joined my collegiate team and competed in my first meet. I had already been strength training for a couple years, but having the goal of improving for an upcoming competition got me hooked.

I hold the national squat record in multiple weight classes, and hit the open 83 squat record as a junior lifter. I currently hold the national records for squat, deadlift and total for the 93 weight class, after recently hitting them in my first meet as a 93, weighing in at 88 kg. I also received a bronze medal for squat at 2022 classic worlds.

I train in Scarborough (GTA) and alternate between a couple powerlifting gyms, Band of Barbells and Afterburn.

I've been coached by Austyn Ryan for almost 5 years! He's the man!

I'm from Pickering, Ontario. Outside of training I like to hang out with friends and family, go hiking or take my dog for walks, watch TV or movies, read fiction fantasy books, sometimes video games but rarely. I used to love rock climbing but find it's hard to balance that with powerlifting training.

I'm currently a full time powerlifting coach. I've been personal training at a couple different gyms for the past 5 years, mainly a commercial gym and worked with tons of different types of clients. I found working with people that are dedicated to getting stronger was the most rewarding and my favourite type of client. I've recently made the switch to full time online coaching and I'm loving it so far!

My family has always been super supportive of my powerlifting, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my parents.

What is your favourite lifting memory?
My favourite lifting memory is after hitting my last deadlift at my most recent meet to secure the national record deadlift and total. I remember seeing the white lights, freaking out, shaking the judges hands, Geno hold my arm up like I was some kind of mma champion, running to the back and hugging EVERYBODY in my way. I had such an adrenaline rush it didn't feel real. Maybe even a tear of joy or two.

What is one piece of advice you have for up and coming athletes getting into strength training or strength sport?
Enjoy the process of getting stronger. Don't be so focused on your next PR that you loose touch of the fun aspects of training on a day to day basis. It takes a long time to get really strong, and the PRs will come fewer and farther in between as you get better. Find ways to enjoy the mundane parts of lifting.

What is your favourite lift or event?
Probably squat, maybe deadlift.

What is your favourite product and why?
13mm Belt
If I had to pick one item that was essential to me lifting the most weight, it would be the 13mm belt. It's the most supportive and I use it every session for squat, and used to use it for deadlifts before the 10mm came out.

What 3 other items are your go to and why?
Powerlifting Knee Sleeves
10mm Belt
Singlet
The 10mm belt is more comfortable and allows me to get into a better position for deadlifts. The powerlifting knee sleeves are the most supportive and feel the best for heavy squats, and there's just something about wearing a singlet when you've got really heavy lifts. It probably doesn't do anything but the compression and feeling like you've got your super suit on definitely makes heavy lifts feel better.

What colourway is your favourite and why?
Momentum
I like how clean the black and white looks. It also matches with everything.

Why do you believe SBD is the gear all athletes should use?
I believe SBD makes the highest quality powerlifting gear and have been using it since 2018, way before I was an SBD athlete. The quality of the materials, the amount of support it provides, and the attention to detail are a cut above the rest.