Shannon Huff
Shannon Huff
IPF Open Classic World Championship
2026 - 69kg -
Canada Powerlifting Open Classic National Championship
2026 - 69kg - Gold
2025 - 69kg - Gold
2024 - 69kg - Silver
2023 - 63kg - 10th
Best Lifts
Classic Squat - 205.5kg
Classic Bench Press - 115kg
Classic Deadlift - 212.5kg
Classic Total - 533kg
Biography
I started powerlifting in 2022, after signing up for a meet as a “break” from competing in Olympic weightlifting.
My first exposure to barbell lifting was through team Strength & Conditioning sessions for rowing, when I was an NCAA Division 1 athlete on full scholarship at Old Dominion University in Virginia. I retired from rowing when I moved to Kingston, Ontario to start my graduate Physiotherapy program at Queen’s University, where I was introduced to weightlifting by my classmate (and now fiancé and powerlifting coach), Michael Richards.
Over the next five years, I competed exclusively in weightlifting. During that time, I moved from Ontario to Victoria, BC and joined Victoria Barbell Club, where I trained alongside powerlifters and learned more about the sport. After that first meet, I was hooked.
I now hold the National total record in the 69kg class, and am a two-time National Champion. I earned 2nd place at the 2025 NAPF/Pan-Americans in Grand Cayman, and will be attending my first IPF Open World Championships in 2026.
I give immense credit to Michael, who initially brought me into strength sports, has coached me for the past decade, and has believed in me every step of the way. He is a multi-sport athlete himself (weightlifting, powerlifting, and basketball) and inspires me everyday with his dedication to his goals, and mine. Aside from his role as a brilliant coach, his unwavering support at home is the reason I am able to be an elite athlete.
Outside of training, I am involved in coaching and developing parapowerlifting in Canada, and I volunteer as a BCPA referee. I like to read, try new foods, spend time with my friends, and be outdoors, especially near the ocean! I work as a physiotherapist, with a focus on all things strength, as well as pelvic floor health.
What is your favourite lifting memory?
I was able to open my meet with a new National squat record at Nationals 2026, and broke it on all 3 attempts. My final attempt was 3x my bodyweight and I got to grind it out with my mom and best friends in the front of the crowd. Such a fun moment!
What is one piece of advice you have for up and coming athletes getting into strength training or strength sport?
Don't force the results, let them unfold. Execute on the "boring" sets in the gym; the magic happens in the back-downs and the accessories. Celebrate small victories.
What is your favourite lift or event?
Deadlifts have me chomping at the bit (I love them all though).
What is your favourite product and why?
Singlet
Nothing makes me feel more ready for a PR than suiting up in my SBD singlet. I've used them since my first powerlifting meet, they are so comfortable and look amazing on the platform.
What 3 other items are your go to and why?
10mm Belt
Flexible Small Wrist Wraps
Sweatshirt
I love the 10mm belt because I can modify the size in an instant as I go between squats and deadlifts, or as my bodyweight fluctuates. It was comfortable from day one.
The wrist wraps I have used over many years, they are so durable. The flexible small ones form to my wrists and I can wrap them up really quickly.
I am a big fan of the sweatshirts! The fabric is a good weight and they are constructed with high quality. I wear them constantly.
What colourway is your favourite and why?
Nova
I'm really enthusiastic about the bold and vibrant colours, it's so fun to wear.
Why do you believe SBD is the gear all athletes should use?
SBD gear is manufactured in the UK using ethically sourced materials, and the products are thoughtfully designed and skilfully made. They are the highest quality items you can get to support performance as a powerlifter.
Why do you believe in working with SBD Canada as a Sponsored Athlete?
SBD Canada invests in the development of Canadian powerlifting as a sport, as well as supporting individual athletes that are representing our country on the world stage. This aligns with my personal values of pouring back into the communities I'm a part of, and it is an honour to have the sponsorship of SBD Canada behind me.
