Smith breaks three world records in the sport of powerlifting

Wesley Smith, a 52-year-old Howe, Texas resident and Choctaw tribal member, recently broke three world records in powerlifting.

In 2010, he was introduced to powerlifting by a man he met at his local gym, which changed his life forever. Little did he know that 12 years later, he would set three world records in the sport.

Smith began lifting at age 14 after his parents bought him a small weight set. He always had the desire to get bigger and stronger. Smith remained active and continued to work out during his teen years. Between the ages of 19 and 21, he competed in the AAU Bodybuilding Contest. Smith’s love for competing and fitness grew, but as he started a family, he had to take a break from his passion.

Smith is happily married and the father of three girls. He graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Smith served as a Probation and Correctional Officer for 25 years before joining the Choctaw Nation in September 2021 as a Juvenile Coordinator.

He worked two jobs to support his family and did not have a gym membership during this time. Smith wanted to remain in shape, so he worked on his relative’s farm, lifting anything he could find. He used makeshift weights, like concrete slabs and trailers, to help him maintain his strength. Smith eventually rejoined a gym and was introduced to powerlifting at age 40.

Smith researched the sport for two years before his first competition at age 42. He won his division in the 2012 Dallas Fair Park Meet, and there was no turning back.

“I was just kinda hooked,” said Smith.

He began competing in meets across the United States. In October 2019, Smith competed in the WPA World Cup in Bremerton, Wash. He was up against many countries and countless competitors but won the 45-49 Master’s Division, deadlifting 622.81 lbs. July 9, 2022, Smith competed in Clash of the Iron Warriors in Blue Springs, Missouri. He set three world records in the 50-54 super heavyweight division. He broke the original squat record of 600 lbs., squatting 628.32 lbs. The second record Smith set was the deadlift category, originally 600 lbs., lifting 644.85 lbs. The final record Smith set was a total weight lifted, originally 1540 lbs., surpassing that with a total of 1670 lbs. lifted. When asked where his strength comes from, Smith says it comes from his Native American roots.

Smith shared that this is not an easy lifestyle. “You have to devote your life to it,” he said.

According to Smith, you must be highly dedicated to compete at this level.

When he is training, there are no vacations because you cannot miss a workout. Smith is in the gym at least three days a week for two-and-a-half hours each session. He follows a strict diet when he is not in the gym, eating rice, potatoes, chicken, beef or pork six times a day. Occasionally, he would wake up in the middle of the night to make a protein shake to reach his daily goal. Smith says it is crucial to get plenty of sleep and allow your body time to heal after lifting this kind of weight, giving yourself one to two days rest after each session.

When asked how he stays motivated and disciplined, Smith said, “You just become addicted.”

He sets goals and surrounds himself with people who are also working towards a goal. He looks at the world records and focuses solely on breaking them. Smith lifts heavy four to five days before his competition, then gives himself two to three days to rest and mentally prepare for the meet. He admits he does get nervous, but once he is at the competition surrounded by people who are ready to give it their all, he locks in.

“You have to block everything out, any kind of stress or distraction,” said Smith.

According to Smith, one of the most important things to remember when competing is to stay positive.

“Your mind is stronger than your body, so once you start doubting yourself, it mentally affects your ability to do it,” Smith said.

Smith shared that one of the most common misconceptions about getting into this sport is that you must be at a particular strength level to compete. However, he said just getting out there and competing is so beneficial, as it serves as not only an experience but an educational opportunity.

“Don’t doubt yourself. Everybody starts somewhere. Find a local meet and just compete. You are going to find out that you are a lot stronger than you think you are,” said Smith.

You can find more about Wesley Smith’s powerlifting journey and training history on his YouTube channel, Yetti Strength.