I need to preface this by saying I LOVE powerlifting, and I absolutely care about the sport, my participation, and the performances of my friends. What I am writing this to remind you of, is that nobody outside of the sport truly cares like we do. That’s a good thing! Also, if my girlfriend or her family happen to stumble upon this; I love you all and mean no ill will by the story I’m about to recount.
In June of 2023, I competed at the F8 Strength Spectacular in York, PA. It was a well run meet, and I was excited. However, I bombed on bench. The only other training partner I had competing that day bombed on squat from some rib issues he was having. Given this, it was an early end to the day.
In the evening I went to a dinner with my girlfriend’s family. By this time, we had been dating for 3+ years, and her family had been to multiple meets of mine. While I try my best to not bore non-lifters with powerlifting conversations, safe to say by now they had asked quite a few questions about why I came over to pick up their daughter with blown out eyes. Upon arriving, they of course asked how I did; I told them I bombed, and they looked me dead in the face and said “Well congratulations, you should be proud of yourself.”
I say this all not to mock them- but to illustrate a point. These people legitimately care about me, ask about my lifting frequently, and come to my meets to support me. I explain to them that I failed in the most damning way at a meet, and they congratulate me. Normal people do not understand this sport, you have to give quite a shit about it to learn and remember what is and isn’t good or impressive.
So why did I say this? I see a lot of lifters put this immense pressure on themselves and immediately crumble under it. They then feel the need to incessantly apologize for their every misstep and mistake. My friends, not one single person cares. Hell, bomb or break a record; by the weekend after the meet at most only your training partners will remember it. The only pressure in this sport is that which you impose upon yourself, and the entire rest of the world outside of the sport is a safe haven from powerlifting if you really feel a need for one.