Back home at CFB Shilo, Major Garrett Ramey conquers the battle with two 60-pounders after winning the CAF Western Regional Power Lifting Championship title on Oct. 7, in Edmonton (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
The 2025 powerlifting title and gold medal for the Canadian Armed Forces Western Regionals was heaved high by Major Garrett Ramey of CFB Shilo when he lifted more than 819 kilograms (1807 pounds) and placed first overall in Edmonton on Oct. 8.
Broken down, Ramey lifted 290.3 kg (640 lb) in the squat, 207.75 kg (458 lb) in the bench press, and 322.5 kg (711 lb) in the deadlift.
“I like to stay fit. Strength-wise, I feel I have a duty to be as strong as I can be for my job, my country, and my family,” he told Shilo Stag News.
The G1 in charge of Personnel Services and Administration at CFB Shilo explained that in powerlifting, there are three attempts to lift the maximum best, in each of the squat, bench press, and deadlift categories.
Out of the 16 contestants from other Western bases or Wings, he was the only one from Shilo to compete this year and was “Team Shilo”, he said.
Major Ramey likes to stay strong all the time. Given just four weeks’ notice of the competition, he said he had to drop some body weight to make it into his 120 kg class, but he is always training.
Excited to compete, it was his first powerlifting contest in a couple of years, as he was off duty on parental leave with the birth of his twin boys. He has lived in Shilo for four and a half years after moving from Gagetown. He said the last time he lifted competitively was the 2024 Ex Strong Contender, a regimental powerlifting meet hosted by 1 RCHA.
“I pushed myself pretty hard on the squat, so my eyes are red, “ he said of the burst blood vessels. “It only happens when you are really exerting yourself.”
Ramey took home a hat and a T-shirt for his efforts. His gold medal is “in the mail” and is being shipped to him.
“I feel like, if I am optimally as strong as I can be, I’m doing the best that I can in being a protector,” Maj. Ramey said.
Major Garrett Ramey battled 16 other contenders and won the title of CAF Western Regional Power Lifting Champion in Edmonton on Oct. 7. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
Major Garrett Ramey battled 15 other contenders and won the title of CAF Western Regional Power Lifting Champion in Edmonton on Oct. 7. (Photo: submitted to Shilo Stag News)
