Both Richard and David Moquin are powerlifters, but consider themselves bench-press specialists. They have broken Canadian records previously while competing in a different organization’s event.

In the 242 lb weight class, Richard hoisted 170 kg (374.7 lbs), setting a national record for the Masters 4 (55-59 age category), and the Open class. David set national Open and Junior (under 24) records for the 148 lb weight class, benching 130 kgs (286.6 lbs).

Both said that they were proud of how they performed, and enjoyed the atmosphere of the RPS event.

“RPS is very family-friendly, they want to run clean, family-friendly events,” Richard said. “It’s very positive.”

Richard said that he started lifting in his late 30s when he met his coach, Curd Hos, and David started training in his teens. Both got into competitions relatively quickly, and Richard said that his son’s strength for his size is extraordinary.

“David really is an elite lifter for his body weight,” he said. “His nickname in the gym is pound-for-pound, because pound-for-pound there’s really no one around that can out bench-press him.”

David said he prefers bench-press to the deadlift and squat because he considers it a more technical lift.

“It’s a very technical lift, a bit more technical than the deadlift or the squat,” he said. “With the bench press you really have to be focused on everything from hand placement, width of your hands, your breathing, you have to be focused on your feet placement . . . There’s a lot going on while you’re doing the lift ”

As far as future goals, Richard said he hopes to break the 400 lb mark in competition this coming spring, a feat he has accomplished in practice.

David said that he aims to work towards a world record, and said he plans to go up a weight class for his next competition in the spring.

“My plan is to do some more competitions with RPS, we’ll see, just kind of playing it by ear,” he said. “My real goal, I want to set some world records. But that’s going to be a little bit later, [they’re] a little higher in the 300s. So, doable, but it’s a little bit of a difference in training. That’s what I’m going to be training up to.”

Both David and Richard stressed that powerlifting can be beneficial for anyone.

“Powerlifting might get a bad rap, but actually sensibly done, it’s an extremely healthy sport that strengthens ligaments, tendons,” Richard said. “With proper form, proper technique, and healthy eating habits, anybody would benefit from powerlifting.”

David Moquin, pictured with coach Curd Hos.

Register or subscribe to read this content

Thanks for stopping by! This article is available to readers who have created a free account or who subscribe to The Equity.

When you register for free with your email, you get access to a limited number of stories at no cost. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access to everything we publish—and directly support quality local journalism here in the Pontiac.

Register or Subscribe Today!