Simone Lai

IPF Open Classic World Championship
2022 - 47kg - Bronze
2021 - 47kg - Silver
2019 - 47kg - Bronze

CPU Open Classic National Championship
2023 - 52kg - 5th
2020 - 47kg - Gold
2019 - 47kg - Gold
2018 - 47kg - Silver
2017 - 47kg - Gold
2016 - 47kg - Silver

CPU Open Equipped National Championship
2023 - 52kg - Gold

Best Lifts
Classic Squat - 140kg
Classic Bench Press - 77.5kg
Classic Deadlift - 157.5kg
Classic Total - 372.5kg

Equipped Squat - 170.5kg
Equipped Bench Press - 85kg
Equipped Deadlift - 162.5kg
Equipped Total - 413kg

Biography
I have been competing for over 9 years now. It all started because I never liked going to the gym. Honestly, I stumbled across powerlifting on Instagram one day and learned that when I had something to train and compete in, I had a reason to continue to show up to the gym. It was so cool meeting people at my first competition and having strangers cheer me on to hit a PR.

As an athlete, some of my biggest accomplishments include growing the lifters of Afterburn Barbell Club. In this club, we have organically become a family of lifters - travelling across Canada and even around the globe to compete together. Being able to be a part of other lifters' journeys in powerlifting is quite an honour. I am also proud of my other accomplishments including 2 bronze and 1 silver finish at IPF open worlds, multiple medals in individual events, Commonwealth champion, multiple North American gold medals in both classic and equipped, and multiple national and provincial titles.

I train at Fortis Fitness in Toronto and Afterburn Fitness in Scarborough. Outside of training and my day job, I enjoy baking and napping with my cats.

What is your favourite lifting memory?
I have so many great memories, I don't know which to pick!

What is one piece of advice you have for up and coming athletes getting into strength training or strength sport?
Enjoy the process, progress isn't linear, learn your body and listen to it, and don't be afraid to ask questions!

What is your favourite lift or event?
Deadlift

What is your favourite product and why?
Powerlifting Knee Sleeves
Finding the right size in the powerlifting knee sleeves allowed me to take advantage of the thoughtful technology and design. I love the snug fit and joint support. I trust that the quality of SBD sleeves and know I won't need a new pair any time soon.

What 3 other items are your go to and why?
10mm Belt
Knee Wraps
Beanie
Beanies are the best accessory to get you to and from the gym, especially being in Canada. As a lightweight lifter, the 10mm belt forms to my torso much better than the original 13 mm belt. The knee wraps helped me break a NAPF squat record in 2023. They provide great support without burning my skin!

What colourway is your favourite and why?
Classic
It is iconic.

Why do you believe SBD is the gear all athletes should use?
In anything from SBD, you know that there is thoughtful purpose and trusted quality. Every seam and stitch, material, finish, size, was designed by strength athletes for strength athletes. There are very few brands out there that continue to keep athletes truly at the heart of what they do - SBD is one of them.