Sep-2014-Brenden-Brown

September 2014 - Brenden Brown

Please introduce yourself. Who are you? How old are you? Where were you born? Etc. Give the readers some background about yourself.

- Hello. My name is Brenden Brown. I am 18 years old and live in Dacula,Ga. I am attending Georgia Gwinnett College for my major in business and a degree in health and fitness. I intend on owning and operating my own gym someday.

Do you compete equipped (squat suit, bench press shirt & deadlift suit) or unequipped (no suits) or both and what weight class(s) and divisions(s) do you compete in?

- I have been lifting for six years but have only been competing for four years. I have competed in the 165lb to the 183lb weight classes within the four years. For my first three years of competing I only lifted raw. It wasn't until last January when I did my first equipped (single-ply) meet. I have competed in the Teen II, Teen III and now the open division.

What was your last competition and how did you do?

- My last competition was Men’s Nationals in Philadelphia, Pensilvania. I went 9/9 and meet PR’d on every lift. I won the Teen III 83kg class.

When was your first competition?

- My first competition was in the Summer of 2010. That meet is what made me realize my true love for powerlifting.

How did you improve from your first competition to your most recent?

- From my first meet ever to my most recent I have improved in every aspect! From form to speed, strength and mentality.

What is your next competition?

- My next competition is on October 26th, 2014 at the Georgia and Southern States Championship. I will compete in the 181lb Teen III and Open Division.

What do you plan on doing differently for that meet if anything?

- Focus on me and me only during my competition.

Where are you located in Georgia and where do you train at?

- I live in Dacula, Ga and I train at Khaos Barbell in Auburn, Ga with Matt Christie.

What are your hobbies (other than powerlifting)?

- My hobbies besides powerlifting are; Listening to music, Xbox, eating and lots of sleeping.

Who is your role model and why?

- My parents by far are my biggest role models. If it wasn't for their love and support I wouldn't be where I am today in powerlifting.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

- I’m a pretty emotional guy haha you put on a good sad movie and I’ll ball my eyes out.

Is there anything about powerlifting you would like to change or wish was different?

- I’d make all federations be drug tested. I believe all federations lifters should have a fair competition.

What is your occupation? Does it interfere with competing or visa versa?

- I work at Carter Lumber in Winder, Ga. At some points it can make training difficult, but powerlifting is a part of my daily life so I find a way to push past those obstacles.

How did you get into powerlifting and how many years have you been competing?

- One of my trainers George Herring had been training me for football and wrestling when he one day asked me to do a push/pull meet down in St. George Island. Ever since that meet I’ve been hooked! I’ve been competing for four years now.

Are you involved in powerlifting in any way besides as a competitor?

- As of now, no, but I am planning on getting more involved very soon.

What are your biggest squat, bench press, deadlift and total numbers? And how do your best training numbers compare to your best competition numbers?

BEST TRAINING NUMBERS

565lb squat, 395lb bench, 515lb deadlift

BEST COMPETITION NUMBERS

586lb squat, 380lb bench, 540lb deadlift

What advice would you give a new lifter just starting out?

- FORM, FORM, FORM!! and also to be patient. The numbers will come with time.

What are your short term goals now as a lifter?

- To make the Junior World Team in 2015 and to win Collegiate Nationals in 2015.

What are some long term goals you would like to achieve?

- To win a world championship.

Who is your favorite powerlifter of all time?

- George Herring for sure! He is the one I looked up to in my beginning years in this sport. If I had to choose another lifter to be my favorite it would have to be Ian Bell. His work ethic and dedication amazes me.

Can you describe your training philosophy and/or a typical training session?

-Out work your competition every day.

What is your favorite lift, squat or bench press or deadlift or all three and why?

- My favorite lift is a tie between squat and deadlift. Getting to hold that much weight across your back is so exhilarating and deadlift is the real test of pure strength! I just love it!

Who is the most impressive lifter you have competed against?

- I honestly haven’t had the opportunity to compete against anybody that really stands out to me, but the kid I competed against at the State meet this past March really shocked me with his strength and being new to the sport of powerlifting.

Do you have any rivals in powerlifting?

- I am my own rival. I compete against myself to get better each and everyday in the gym and on the platform. I am the only one who holds me back from achieving anything.

If we're sitting here a year from now celebrating what a great year it's been for you, what would be the reason?

- Overcoming the fact that I think too much about each lift. If I can just walk out on the platform and perform each lift as if it’s at the gym then I’ll have reached my goal.

Anything else you’d like to add?

- I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my family! They've been there for me through it all, from the long travels, hotels, gear and meet expenses. I am so very thankful for my Mom, Dad and Brother. Also to George Herring and Matt Christie. They have trained me to be what I have become today, I couldn't be more thankful for their time and dedication to me.

View the Archives Monthly Lifter Spotlight Application