Avi Silverberg is a well-known name in the powerlifting world. He is recognized not only for his impressive coaching career and athletic achievements but also for his role in advocating for fair competition in sports. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to powerlifting through coaching, competition, and education, making a lasting impact on the strength training community.
Born in Canada, Avi Silverberg developed a passion for strength training at a young age. His early exposure to weightlifting set the foundation for his future career in powerlifting. Unlike many athletes who enter the sport casually, Avi pursued both theoretical and practical knowledge to master the discipline.
His academic background played a crucial role in his development. He earned a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. His research focused on powerlifting training methodologies, allowing him to integrate scientific principles with real-world applications in strength sports.
Avi’s coaching career began with a strong focus on athlete development. In 2012, he became the Head Coach of Team Canada Powerlifting. During his seven-year tenure, he transformed the team into a global powerhouse. Under his leadership, Canada improved its ranking from 30th place to 3rd in the world.
His coaching expertise extends beyond national teams. Avi has overseen more than 4,500 attempts in international competitions, providing him with deep insights into competition strategy, technical performance, and psychological preparation. His commitment to athlete success has earned him respect in the powerlifting community.
While coaching remains a significant part of his career, Avi has also excelled as a competitor. His personal records showcase his strength and dedication:
His experience as an athlete provides him with a unique perspective on coaching, allowing him to understand the challenges lifters face in training and competition.
Beyond competing and coaching, Avi is committed to education and knowledge-sharing. In 2019, he launched PowerliftingTechnique.com, a website dedicated to powerlifting education. The platform provides in-depth training guides, technique breakdowns, and expert insights from top-level coaches and athletes. His goal is to make strength training knowledge accessible to lifters of all levels.
He also founded FeastGood.com, a website focused on nutrition and fitness. With over 400 published articles and 800,000 monthly visitors, the platform serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to improve their diet and overall health.
In 2023, Avi gained widespread attention for his stance on gender self-identification policies in sports. At the Heroes Classic Powerlifting Meet in Alberta, Canada, he self-identified as a woman to compete in the women’s category. This was intended as a protest against policies that allow athletes to compete based on gender identity without medical or legal requirements.
During the event, Avi unofficially broke the Alberta women’s bench press record for the 84+ kg category, which was previously held by a transgender athlete. His actions ignited debates about fairness in competitive sports, particularly in strength-based events where biological differences can play a significant role.
Some viewed his participation as a necessary demonstration of policy loopholes, while others criticized it as a political statement. Regardless of perspective, Avi’s protest brought attention to the broader discussion on inclusion, competition integrity, and athletic fairness.
Avi Silverberg’s career is defined by dedication to strength sports, commitment to athlete development, and a willingness to engage in critical discussions about the future of competition. His contributions to powerlifting extend beyond lifting weights—he has built a platform for education, coached elite athletes, and sparked conversations about the ethics of sports policies.
Through his coaching, writings, and advocacy, Avi continues to leave a lasting impact on powerlifting and the broader strength training community. His work ensures that both current and future generations of athletes have access to knowledge, fair competition, and opportunities to excel in their sport.
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