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Leo heading to world competition
by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
September 10, 2012 6:53 PM
If you lose count of the amount of weight Jona Leo is benching, there's one sure way to tell. The grunts that sounds anything but human at times.
Fresh from a national title Leo will represent the United States at the International Power Lifting Federation championships in Lithuania in May of 2013.
”When you come together its amazing; the feel of being an American,” said Leo when talking about competing on the 8 man American team.
In his first week back at the gym after lifting 689 pounds over his body at the national tournament in Palm Springs, Leo begins a rigorous routine.
“Ultimately you're trying to make the body adapt. When it adapts, you become stronger,” said Leo.
Every rep is planned months in advanced, leading up to the world championships.
“I'll have a couple meets in between now and worlds. But, the ultimate goals is going to be that particular meet,” said Leo.
With a spotter over head, the some 400 plus pounds would be a feet for most dedicated gym goers.
“I've done 730 and I've missed close at 750,” said Leo with a smile on his face.
With hopes power lifting one day becomes an Olympic event; Leo still goes under the bar day after day with the same mindset.
“It's automatic. It's tough to describe. There's a primal instinct of intensity in which I'm going to get it,” described Leo.
“You’ve got to believe you are going to get it or else you're going to fail.”
A lifter pushing the bar trying to be crowned best in the world.
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