Melissa Suchoplas

CPU Open Classic National Championship
2022 - 69kg - Gold

Best Lifts
Classic Squat - 182.0kg
Classic Bench Press - 92.5kg
Classic Deadlift - 190.5kg
Classic Total - 459.5kg

Biography
My passion for physical activity and mental health led me to being a personal trainer and managing a corporate gym for years. In 2017 I was checking out a local box gym in Calgary and a few powerlifters noticed me deadlifting and started talking to me about powerlifting and the rest is history! With my all in attitude I decided to give powerlifting a real shot. So I hired one of the best coaches in the game, Chris Fudge. I had a quick exposure to the sport competing 5 times in 6 months, I do not recommend! With Fudges tutelage I made great progress and highly increased my numbers in a short time.

I moved back to Manitoba to be with my now husband in 2020 during the height of covid and all the gym closures. I was determined to keep training and converted a very old parts shed into what we now call the Bulk Barn and this is where I have been training ever since.

My biggest accomplishment would be seeking mental health help as an athlete, bettering myself as an improvement for my family and the lifting community. I have always struggled with doubting myself, but after having getting help, I walked into Manitoba and smashed all the records for my weight class and won 2022 Nationals in St Johns. Winning gold in Bench only, Gold in 69kg Classic open, and breaking the Canadian squat record.

Shortly after winning Nationals, we found out I was expecting and although I was no longer hitting the platform I was able to train right through to my due date! Juggling being an athlete and a new mom definitely has it's challenges but my goal is to be a role model for my son and continue to prioritize myself so I be the best version of me for him.

What is your favourite lifting memory?
My favorite powerlifting memory was a battle with a friend breaking the National squat record and handing it back and forth with each attempt until I walked away with it when I won Nationals in 2022.

What is one piece of advice you have for up and coming athletes getting into strength training or strength sport?
Your biggest competition is you. Don't worry or compare yourself to anyone else.

What is your favourite lift or event?
Deadlift on a good day.

What is your favourite product and why?
13mm Belt
It's the Rolls-Royce of belts and took my training to a new level.

What 3 other items are your go to and why?
Powerlifting Knee Sleeves
Stiff Medium Wrist Wraps
Singlet
These are the essential combination for confidence and safety in my lifts.

What colourway is your favourite and why?
Momentum
I love the simple color's but yet the sleek design.

Why do you believe SBD is the gear all athletes should use?
SBD gear is simply head and shoulders above the rest, and continue to take athlete feed back to evolve and stay the best.

Why do you believe in working with SBD Canada as a Sponsored Athlete?
To be the best you must be equipped with the best, and SBD is and does that. SBD truly gets behind their athletes to push them to the next level. SBD strives for absolute perfection and does it every time.

Photo Credits: Profile Picture-White Lights Media; Deadlift-White Lights Media; Squat-White Lights Media