Shawn McDonald
I am 34 years old. I started bench pressing seeking 500 pounds. That came quick- I hit 410 at a bodyweight of
195 at my first meet, then hit 500 not too long after that. Chris Confessore was at this meet in North Attleboro,
Massachusetts. Chris, who I find inspirational, due to his reputation and performances, was invited to give a
guest appearance and judge. I went to Russ Barlowe meets in maine and hit 545.5 at 249 bodyweight.
Then I got injured going heavier. I sought advice and moved to Columbus. My first meet after being there over
one year and after one surgery totalled elite- I went nine for nine at York meet-first place in the 242s at 231.
I remember best the 705 deadlift, although choosing numbers is what i can do well yet needed a little push to
stay off being too conservative.
Time came to go on my own again-no partners. I reduced weight. I really have been set on deadlifting to fulfill
a dream. I really desire 800 in the deadlift at any weight. Lately I have been just learning a lot of what type
of lifts I need to do to get to where i want to be, which is mostly just barbell work.
I plan on doing this anywhere, really. The big meets are great yet weights are weights and I like to compete in
life. Three months in the car business and I'm going to be salesman of the month. I try to be well liked while
I go after goals yet that is hard. Of course I enjoy making a living yet need the weights to stay connected to
what I have been into for years... strength. I actually collect anything to do with muscle on trips like a post
card i saw in a restaurant in York that started my collection. I have had it tough in weights. Sometimes it is
easier to hang around with regular nonlifters, yet I don't think this rule is set. There have been some great
personalities in the lifting game. I respect anyone trying to do their best and do not believe in excluding people
from anywhere at any time due to their level. I would rather lift with a person lifting three hundred trying hard
than a gifted lifter doing 700 pounds that was lacking human respect and not able to handle the fame. Sometimes
the three hundred pound lifter can be the one with the wrong attitude and the seven hundred pound lifter a champ.
Sorry this so long-I have a place in the sport and am very vocal. I have had the chance to lift in several challenging
environments. I think my best days in the sport are yet to come even though York meant a lot ot me.
Email Shawn