Holly Lasante

IPF Master Classic World Championship
2023 - 63kg - Gold
2022 - 63kg - Gold
2019 - 63kg - 4th
2018 - 63kg - 5th
2017 - 63kg - 7th

CPU Master Classic National Championship
2023 - 69kg - Gold
2022 - 69kg - Gold
2019 - 63kg - Silver
2018 - 63kg - Gold
2017 - 63kg - Gold

Best Lifts
Classic Squat - 141kg
Classic Bench Press - 70kg
Classic Deadlift - 169kg
Classic Total - 377.5kg

Biography
I have been powerlifting since 2016. I started lifting seriously as a way to deal with serious depression. I would go to the gym and be able to focus on the present and eventually began setting and achieving goals. This began helping to improve my self confidence and my sense of "self" which helped me to learn to better control my depression and anxiety.

As an athlete, I have won 2 IPF World Championships, 2023 and 2022 and several Canadian National Championships. I train primarily in my home gym. We set it up during COVID and it is my little safe-haven. My coach has been Austyn Ryan for the last 5 years.

I am from Sault Ste Marie, Ontario where I work as an HR manager for an Engineering Firm. Outside of training, I love spending time with my family and my dogs. I love hiking, snowshoeing,... anything outside to be honest.

What is your favourite lifting memory?
My favourite memory was winning a gold medal for the deadlift in Sweden at IPF Worlds in 2019. It was my first IPF World medal and it is a memory that will stick with me forever.

What is one piece of advice you have for up and coming athletes getting into strength training or strength sport?
Put the work in. Powerlifting is a sport that reflects what effort you put in. No one is going to do the work for you so if you want it, set the goal and make it happen.

What is your favourite lift or event?
Squats.  When I started lifting, I had a hard time feeling strong / comfortable with them.  I have had to work hard to feel comfortable with them and now they’re my favourite lift. 

What is your favourite product and why?
Powerlifting Knee Sleeves
SBD knee sleeves are basically magic for me. When I put them on, I literally feel like I can do anything.

What 3 other items are your go to and why?
13mm Belt
Flexible Medium Wrist Wraps
Singlet
Wearing my SBD gear for me means that it is "game time". I immediately feel more powerful and able to take on any challenge.

What colourway is your favourite and why?
Phantom
I love the look of black on black. It makes me feel strong.

Why do you believe SBD is the gear all athletes should use?
The quality of SBD gear is the best. It is always consistent - I know that what i order is what i will receive, that the size is going to be perfect, that there will never be issues with stitching, etc. If I am going to invest my hard earned money into a product I want to be certain that it is going to do what it is supposed to do and that it is going to LAST! The customer service is also unsurpassed.

Why do you believe in working with SBD Canada as a Sponsored Athlete?
SBD has always felt like the ultimate in Powerlifting equipment, work ethic, etc. Aside from being able to train and compete in the best equipment, to be able to represent SBD Canada as one of their Sponsored Athletes is an even bigger honour for me. I feel like being able to represent SBD Canada is like saying "I did it. I am among the best powerlifters in this field". It's a little unreal.

Photo Credits: Profile Picture-White Lights Media; Squat - White Lights Media; Bench Press - Nyshe Media