Kawkawa-born powerlifter Joseph Whittaker has his gaze firmly set on being world number one. Photo/ Michael Cunningham
Kawkawa-born powerlifter Joseph Whittaker has his gaze firmly set on being world number one. Photo/ Michael Cunningham
Ask New Zealand powerlifting champion Joseph Whittaker what his least favorite food is and he'll give you an earnest reply.
"I hate chicken," he says with a humorous hint of distaste.
Although his lack of fondness toward protein-rich poultry might seem staunch, his devotion toward downing the clean, lean meatin excess brings clarity to his cause.
That's because life for Whittaker is dedicated toward one thing; a podium finish at the IPF RAW/Classic World Powerlifting Championships in Texas next June.
"World champ, that's the long-term goal. Over one thousand kilograms in the total is what I'm chasing toward," the 29-year-old says.
Lifting a combined total of 880.5kg across the bench, squat and deadlift disciplines at this year's NZ Raw Championships in Auckland, Whittaker earned himself the NZ Raw total crown for the best open male and best overall male at the event.
With nothing stopping him in his tracks, Whittaker is now determined to chase down the behemoth 1000.5kg total set by United States' Ray Williams, the reigning world champion.
"The way things are going at the moment, I've put about 100kg on my total every year, so I've only got a couple of hundred to go," Whittaker says.
At the lighter end of the scale in his 120-plus class, Whittaker doesn't need to fret about cutting weight.
In fact, the freedom to eat what he wants allows him to indulge in fast food guilt-free; a juxtaposition to his heavyweight counterparts in the 120-plus weight division.
"I compete with guys that are anywhere from 140-170kg -- just absolute monsters of men," the 129kg Whittaker says.
"When I was first starting and met some of the big guys, I didn't know what to think really because some of them were seven foot giants," he laughs.
Lifting his way to the top, Whittaker wasn't always involved in powerlifting.
Playing New Zealand schoolboys rugby in his youth, as well as getting sponsored for skating, powerlifting was far from Whittaker's radar at the best of times.
A burly front-rower on the footy pitch, Whittaker was forced to quit rugby . "I had to give up rugby because I kept blowing out my calf muscle. I absolutely love rugby, I'd probably still play if I could, but it was either I play and wreck myself or work on something else."
Despite his calf giving him issues in his rugby days, his past injury niggles haven't given him any grief in his newfound passion.
"It doesn't hurt it at all which freaks me out," he says.
"I have no idea why it doesn't. After a big comp I'm pretty tight and sore but it's fine. Powerlifting's good, I enjoy it. It's good for the body and it keeps you nice and strong."
New Zealand Raw 120+ total champion Joseph Whittaker doing what he does best. Photo/ Supplied
Whittaker says he'll be focusing on consistency at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Vancouver, Canada -- November 30-December 6 this year.
No stranger to the pressures competition can inflict on a powerlifter, he says the build up to next year's world championships will be crucial, both mentally and physically.
"If your head's not in the space place then good luck lifting. I found that out in Melbourne at the Oceania's last year. I didn't feel as explosive as I normally do and couldn't get the normal foods I eat.
"You learn more from a bad comp then you do from a comp where you get nine-from-nine. The end goal is your total so consistency is key at the end really."
* Anyone wishing to support Whittaker can visit his give-a-little page: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/josephwhittaker
