Pierre Baillargeon is a former professor at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR) who has never stopped training. Then at retirement age, he advocated powerlifting over walking or cycling.
“I was a professor at UQTR and I trained here, at the Center for Physical and Sports Activity (CAPS). I was not training to compete, but to keep in shape. Then I went to a specialized gym to energize my training and correct my technique. At that gym, he participated in competitions so it was perfect. I then went to another gym that also offered powerlifting. Then I signed up for the Fédération québécoise de dynamophilie (2019), which is affiliated with the Canadian Powerlifting Union, which is affiliated with the International Powerlifting Federation,” he explains.
“Before 65, I didn’t even know it existed,” he laughs. But from the age of 10 to 30, I practiced judo and was a member of the national judo team. I was training for the 1976 Olympics. Then I had to choose between three more years of training or going to an apartment and working. I chose to leave the sport. I have always had a sporting background, discipline, rigor and technical perfection. »
Five years later, the Trifluvien has just joined the Master 4 class (70 years and over). Then at his first Canadian championship in his new category, he decided to break two Canadian records, no less.
“Our first try is meant to be a try that we know how to do easily indoors. Our second try allows us to force a little more and on the third try, we try something that we don’t always succeed in the gym. In Squat (bent knees with shoulder bar), I achieved 185 kg (405 lb) and the Canadian record was 178 kg. Then, I succeeded in the 125 kg at the Bench press (lifting the bar on the bench, lying on the back). I did not manage the 135 kg (the record was 132.5 kg)”, he explains.
“At the Deadlift, I was looking for my second Canadian record trying the 215 kg and 230 kg. I did not attempt the 235 kg which would have been the world record because I had stretched a hamstring muscle a few days before leaving so I did not take any chances, “says the one who was at his 4th appearance at the Canadian Championships.
“With my results, I am now part of the Canadian team and I have my place at the World Championship, on October 8, in Kuala Lumpur, Mongolia. I will continue my program prepared by Michaël Bournival (former professional hockey player) who became my coach last year. I was training upstairs (at CAPS) and as I was taking loads of crazy, I passed for a bibitte circus so I asked to go down to the gymnasium in the basement (laughs). That’s where I was introduced to Michaël. He is very competent and very orderly in the preparation. He knows that! »
fight yourself
Although he is proud of his results and his brand new records, Pierre Baillargeon remains humble and will not deviate from his philosophy. For him, the primary goal will never be to defeat the other athletes.
“I’m never going to see the results of the first competitors. The goal is always to beat myself. If I manage to fight, and I have a podium or a record, it’s a bonus. When you’re younger, you watch it more because the spirit of competition is much more there. What do I want myself? Fight myself to maintain a good quality of life, ”he says.
“It’s not always easy though. The process of getting to a competition is really fun. The day of the competition, it’s really not fun. But the fact of having this deadline forces me to be rigorous in my training to achieve my goals. (…) I will continue, no doubt. I love it and it keeps me in shape. You know, if a tree falls at the chalet, I don’t need to call anyone,” he concludes with a hint of humour.
At his first Canadian championship in his new category, Pierre Baillargeon decided to break two Canadian records, nothing less. (Photo courtesy – Loaded Bar Collective)
