 | Rothwell-Osnabruck School Grade 10 student Luke Roach was recently named the new Canadian Drug-Free Champion in the under 16/165-pound division of the 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation in Johnson City, New York. “It feels good being one of the strongest kids in Canada,” Roach said.
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Ingleside - Aug. 7, 2011 - Rothwell-Osnabruck School Grade 10 student Luke Roach was recently named the new Canadian Drug-Free Champion in the under 16/165-pound division of the 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation in Johnson City, New York.
With less than three months of semi-specialized training, Roach beat out two former Canadian records in the deadlift and bench press categories, and came within an inch of beating the world bench press record. Roach benched 238 pounds, and deadlifted between 450-455 pounds.
“It feels good being one of the strongest kids in Canada,” Roach said. “I was really happy to have been able to go.”
Roach said he decided to compete in his first-ever international competition after speaking with his dad, Shawn, who was aware of the current records and his son’s potential. Shawn, an English and physical education teacher at T.R. Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education in Cornwall, used to compete in various strength sports and helped Luke with training and nutrition.
Roach weight trained three times a week and was very careful with his diet.
“I was not allowed any junk food,” he said. “I had to eat three servings of spinach and lots of steak each day.”
However, Roach didn’t mind the diet or intense training. He stayed focused and kept his goal in mind.
“I was determined to go for a record,” he said.
Roach is so determined that he competed again on June 25 at a competition in Ottawa. At this event, Roach once again beat his own Canadian record in the bench press category.
“I would like to beat a world record,” he said. “I plan on competing a lot more, getting stronger and preventing injuries too. I just like lifting weights.”
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