2023 World Jr Powerlifting Competition

Hi there!

I’m Kian Terrado, a 21 year old Filipino-Canadian living in Toronto. I am a competitive powerlifter hoping to perform on the world stage. This past February 2023, I traveled to Vancouver B.C. to compete in a National powerlifting competition where I placed first, earning a squat and total record in my age and weight category. As a result of this victory, I have been given the opportunity to compete on an international scale this August in Romania, where the best of the best junior (aged 19-23) powerlifting athletes will be gathered to see who comes out on top.

If you aren't familiar with powerlifting, it’s a sport that involves lifting the heaviest weight possible in the categories: squat, bench and deadlift. I first got into weightlifting when I was 17 years old, I used the gym as an escape. A place where I could go free from judgement to work on bettering not only my strength but also my mental health. I joined the gym as a step towards my long term career goal in becoming a firefighter, something I aim to pursue once this chapter of my life has closed. I want to become a firefighter to be able to give back to a community that accepted me with open arms when I came to Canada in 2012.

I have been focused on strictly powerlifting within my training for the past 2 years, I am self taught and remain to this day self coached. In my last nationals competition I outranked everyone in my weight class, no matter the age. I believe I have found success in powerlifting because of the lessons it has taught me. To be present even on the days when I want to give up, to self reflect and identify my shortcomings and to ask for help from the friends I have made within this community. I continue to learn more about this sport and more about myself with every competition. I consider it a privilege to be a part of a community where we lift eachother up and celebrate everyone's accomplishments, even if they are the opponent.

I am going to Romania to compete in the Junior Worlds competition to fulfill a dream, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity where I know I have the chance to succeed. Unfortunately, as the sport is not as widely known as others, there is no funding for international athletes. I would appreciate any support for helping to fund this dream and I hope to make you all and Canada proud on the international stage soon.

Thank you,

Kian