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Shinnosuke Watanabe, a Japanese exchange student who joined the UO powerlifting club. He is very passionate about sports, and He played American football in college in Japan but switched to powerlifting when he came to the U.S. and has been breaking his own personal records ever since. He is about to accomplish a tremendous feat in this short period of study abroad.
Watanabe’s training always starts with the consumption of protein, listening to his favorite music, and chalking his hands. He always takes care of his hands as well as his body, but the rigors of his training are beyond extreme.
Watanabe pushes his limits every day to exceed his own record of 535lbs in the deadlift. He was the proud winner of the powerlifting competition at the University of Oregon last winter. His challenge to outperform other Americans in the deadlift is not over for the remainder of his study abroad period.
Since Watanabe started playing football, he has wanted to become stronger than anyone else and has never stopped evolving himself. No matter how much strain is placed on his body, he is moving forward without neglecting to take care of himself daily. “For me, playing sports is the greatest joy and the reason why I am who I am. Even if the sport changes, I will always be me,” Watanabe says.
