Strength. Discipline. Perseverance. Three words that define powerlifting – a sport where athletes challenge themselves in three fundamental lifts: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. But behind these numbers and kilograms lies something more – it’s not just a test of physical strength but also a battle of the mind and an unstoppable drive to become better every single day.
Today, BNN sits down with one of Latvia’s strongest athletes – multiple-time Latvian champion and countless Latvian Cup event winner, Armants Šjade. He shares his journey to success, reveals what motivates him to break new records, and talks about the challenges that come with competing at the highest level. Moreover, this spring, he will represent Latvia on the international stage at the World Championship in Norway. How is he preparing for it? What does it take to be an elite athlete, and what are his ambitions? Find out in this exclusive interview.
You are a multiple-time Latvian champion in your sport. Tell us more – what exactly is powerlifting, and why did you choose this discipline?
Yes, I am a multiple-time Latvian champion in both classic and equipped bench press, as well as a multiple Latvian Cup event winner.
Powerlifting is a strength sport in which athletes compete in three main lifts: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. Right now, I am fully focused on bench pressing because a knee injury limits my participation in the other disciplines.
My choice of powerlifting was not random. Most of my life, I played team sports, but over time, I realized that I wanted full responsibility for my achievements. In powerlifting, every attempt is the result of my own work and dedication – you can’t rely on teammates for success. Everything is in my own hands. What was your journey to success like? Do you remember the moment you realized you wanted to take this sport seriously? My path to success wasn’t easy – it was long and tough. I have sacrificed time and health, and I’ve experienced moments when it felt like I had reached my physical limits. But these challenges shaped me. Every difficult moment built my resilience, and every failure made me rise again and push forward.
I still remember the first time I stepped into a gym. I saw experienced athletes lifting enormous weights while I could barely lift 40 kg. At that moment, I had one thought: I want to be stronger. A fire ignited in me – a relentless desire to prove to myself that I could achieve more. That was the turning point when I realized that this wouldn’t just be a hobby but a journey toward something greater.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in training and competitions?
The biggest challenges are always related to discipline—a strict training regime, precise diet, and constant attention to every detail. High-level powerlifting isn’t just about lifting heavy weights; it’s about systematic work where nothing can be left to chance. Every small detail can affect the outcome, and that requires immense dedication.
However, I believe the toughest challenge is staying motivated. It’s like a roller-coaster – some days I feel unstoppable, while on others, it seems like I have no strength or inspiration at all. But in those tough moments, discipline beats motivation. I’ve learned that success isn’t determined by the willingness to train only when you feel inspired – it’s about the ability to put in the work every single day, no matter how you feel.
What does your typical training schedule look like? How many hours a day do you dedicate to training?
My training schedule depends on the preparation phase and how close I am to competitions. A few months ago, while preparing for a competition, I was training 4 to 6 times a week, sometimes even twice a day as the competition approached. It was an extremely intense routine that required not only physical endurance but also strong mental commitment.
However, I have now adjusted my approach as I prepare for my biggest competition. Currently, I train four times a week, with each session lasting up to three hours. My focus has shifted—quality is more important than quantity. I concentrate on technique, strength development, and optimal recovery so that I am in peak condition on competition day. Great achievements don’t come just from high training volume but from smart and strategic training that balances the body and mind.
Do you follow a special diet to maintain peak physical condition?
Absolutely! Training is only part of the success formula – without proper sleep and nutrition, you can’t expect high performance. Nutrition for an athlete is as important as fuel for a car – if you don’t put in the right nutrients, your body won’t function at its best.
I follow a precisely balanced diet tailored to my training schedule and competition preparation phase. That means closely monitoring my intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to ensure I have the energy for training and efficient muscle recovery. Supplements also play a role – they help replenish vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients essential for maximum performance.
However, I’m not a robot – I believe in balance. Sometimes, I allow myself to enjoy an “unhealthy” meal because it helps maintain mental balance and prevents excessive restrictions.
Is powerlifting dangerous? What key skills are needed to succeed?
Yes, powerlifting is one of the most physically demanding and potentially dangerous sports. When you have 200 kg or more on the bar and need to press it off your chest, any mistake can have serious consequences. I’ve personally experienced moments when the bar slipped from my hands and crashed down – fortunately, it was “only” 100 kg, but even that was a harsh reminder of how important it is to stay focused, maintain proper technique, and always follow safety precautions.
To succeed in this sport, three things are essential: discipline, proper technique, an unstoppable desire to improve.
What is the biggest mistake you’ve made in your career, and what did you learn from it?
The biggest mistake in my career was gaining more than 30 kg too quickly to compete in the super heavyweight category, thinking it would make me stronger. At one point, I reached my best strength level, lifting 230 kg, but then disaster struck – I tore my pectoral muscle. It was a devastating injury that made me rethink my entire approach.
The injury was just part of the consequences – serious health problems due to excessive weight gain followed. When I realized that I couldn’t continue like this, I started cutting back to a healthier weight. Initially, it felt like a setback, and I even feared it could mean the end of my career.
However, after dropping to the -93 kg weight category, I realized I could still perform at a high level. This experience taught me a crucial lesson: bigger body weight doesn’t always mean better performance. Sometimes, it creates more problems than benefits – both for health and long-term athletic success.
Now, I focus much more on my body composition, training smarter rather than just harder, and understanding that an optimal weight category is key to long-term success.
How do you see the future of powerlifting? Are there any changes you’d like to see?
I believe powerlifting has huge potential to become even more popular and professionally structured.
One of the biggest challenges is the fragmentation of federations. Right now, there are multiple federations with different rules, which makes it difficult for athletes to compete fairly and for the sport to develop as a whole. A more unified system with standard rules would help powerlifting grow and attract more recognition.
Another crucial aspect is clean sport. Powerlifting’s future lies in strict anti-doping measures. While my federation follows these principles, some others allow performance-enhancing drugs, creating unequal competition on the international stage. I hope that more federations will enforce strict drug testing to promote fair competition.
One of the biggest changes I would love to see is powerlifting becoming an Olympic sport. This would be a game-changer—bringing prestige, visibility, and attracting more young athletes to the sport.
What are your upcoming competition plans? Where will you compete, and how are you preparing?
My main goal is the World Championship in Norway in May, where I plan to give my absolute best performance. After that, I’ll compete at the European Championship in Malta in September and finish the year at the Latvian Championship, aiming for a new national record in the -93 kg category.
Preparation is intense and focused – every training session and every choice brings me closer to success.