We are joined by Panagiotis “Pana” Tarinidis, the now two-time 66kg IPF unequipped World Champion fresh off his win at the 2023 world championships in Malta. His story is one of redemption, as despite winning Worlds in 2021, he placed 5th at Worlds last year, and bombed out of the European Championship in November. But more importantly, we learn what fuels Pana, his connection with his father, what this win meant to him and his family, and how important community is for a growing sport like powerlifting. Take notice that France tied the US women’s team and placed second to the men’s team at worlds, something no one predicted just a few years ago. France is definitely on the rise and a key aspect of that growth is the sense of and commitment to community among French powerlifters, that Pana embodies.

00:00 Introducing Pana and his cinematic arc

13:32 Pana’s difficult 2022

31:52 Eric’s analysis on Pana’s potential as a natural bodybuilder

34:45 The growth of Powerlifting in France and the importance of community

1:03:21 The America apology tour and increasing the popularity of Powerlifting

1:11:42 What’s next for Pana

1:17:40 Pana’s weight and water cuts to make the 66kg weight class

1:26:10 One final question for Pana and closing out

Where to find Pana:

Instagram @thepanash https://www.instagram.com/thepanash/?hl=en

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB1ZlR9h035btvu0t6qFWYg 

The Panash Training App https://thepanash.app/