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Teddy Roosevelt is revered for his quotation about power-“Walk softly and carry a big stick.”

Early in his life, Tom Ekenberg modified this quotation and applied it to the passion in his life-powerlifting. But instead of carrying a big stick, Tom’s goal was to lift the stick . . . with as many weights as possible and set records in the process. And set records he has.

Since Tom began powerlifting in 1973, he has dominated every weight class in which he has competed: 19 world records; 45 state recordst; 20 national records; 8 world championship titles. These records are the result of Tom’s commitment to training, nutrition, preparation, and steadfast focus on competitive execution. Put simply, Tom sets goals and then achieves them. Once a goal has been achieved, Tom resets his expectations and pushes the limits higher and higher. He knows that he is making progress when the records that he breaks are his own.

His powerlifting success has not come without penalties. During the nearly five decades of competition, Tom has bounced back from a hip replacement, knee reconstructions, shoulder surgeries, a variety of sprains and strains, and a potentially life-threatening heart surgery. Being a competitive person, Tom never looks back at these injuries or the months of physical therapy that consumed hours of his life following surgery. Instead, he concentrates on the present so that he can prepare for the next meet . . . and the next record.

With his optimistic attitude and his commitment to training and preparation, Tom exemplifies the “best of the best” in the powerlifting community.

Tom would probably not tell you that he frequently serves as a judge at competitive events, that he helps his fellow powerlifters as a mentor, and that he is committed to doing whatever he can to bring credit and recognition to the sport he loves.