We’re happy to announce that Charlotte Giant Richard Wieber is Gentle Giant’s Athlete of the Month for September!
Last weekend, Richard competed in his first powerlifting meet alongside fellow Giant Joe Guns. Richard lifted a total of 577.5 kg (1,273 lbs) across the competition, earning second place in the 82.5 kg weight class.
Richard joined Gentle Giant in January 2023 after completing five years of service in the Marine Corps. Growing up in Queens, he played soccer and baseball, but didn’t have many role models who made physical fitness a serious priority into adulthood. His decision to continue challenging himself physically has largely been self-directed, with support from like-minded people along the way.
During his time in the military, Richard enjoyed being surrounded by people who pushed themselves physically, with regular fitness tests that carried real implications for career opportunities. When he first interviewed with Bob Farnum at Gentle Giant, he remembers hearing about the culture of strength and fitness among the Charlotte Giants. As time has gone on, Richard has been happy to find that Bob wasn’t exaggerating.
The idea for Richard and Joe to enter a powerlifting meet together came about naturally. The two often discuss weightlifting on the job, and in the months leading up to the competition, they regularly checked in with each other about their training and progress.
We’re happy to celebrate Richard’s impressive debut in competitive powerlifting and to see two Giants supporting and pushing each other in their pursuit of strength.
Congratulations, Richard!