Being a Champ

[wnt2bBeast]

For all of you who think powerlifters are fat and lazy you just dont understand..Here are some pics of SHW Donnie Thompson who won the WPO a few weeks ago with a 1025sq/760b/821D and a 2606 total

"Louie told him if you want to be the best you have to gain weight. I quess he was right, WPO champ!"

before
http://asp.elitefts.com/images/upload/qa/Donnie.jpg

after
http://asp.elitefts.com/images/upload/qa/Big Don.jpg

 

[blut wump]

You don't have to be fat to be strong ... but it helps.

 

[BigBadBootyDaddy29]

The added weight means added balance and leverage. I, too, get annoyed when people assume that SHW strength athletes are just fat guys who got up off the couch or the bar stool, most of them started out rather lean and athletic looking, and they purposely and gradually gain weight.

It is a sacrifice though, and strong or not, there are certain health risks to carrying around that kind of bodyfat. Most guys trim down considerably when they are done competing, as there is just no other use for being that size.

 

[Chi town]

I've never been one to accuse PLers of bein fat n lazy. I respect all athletes for what they do. One of the main reasons I stick to bodybuilding is because of my back. I have scoliosis in my lumbar which doesn't allow me do to heavy deads n squats. A buddy at my gym recently got his pro card in the strongman curcuit. Believe me...I've seen how much hard work n dedication it takes.

 

[Madcow2]

Once you hit SHW, it's all about the poundage. If you can get another 15lbs on your total by gaining 40lbs of weight you do it. Dropping fat post-career is very common. Plenty of guys bring their weight back down. I had a friend who competed at 330 5'8". It took him a while but he's down to 265 range now. Doesn't sit around and sweat anymore just because it isn't 70 degrees. Just looks a lot more healthy and more comfortable. Look at Glenn Pendlay, he was in the upper 300's at 6'2" when he was competing in OL and he's brought himself down to I believe a bit above 300 now and still wants to work it down (and he was not really fat at his top weight either - guy is a monster). For someone who is athleteic and isn't just an obese couch potato it's not exactly a pleasure or desirable being that big.

 

[Hugesquat]

The man would be fitter than he looks and hes incredibly strong!

 

[bignate73]

I'll bet you that guy has GPP like a champ! appearances can be decieving, IMO.