Stumbling Into Strength

     Like many powerlifters, including our own, Azeez Akindele found powerlifting almost by chance. He describes the sport as niche, and before college, he had never even heard of it. What he did know, was athletics. Since high school, Azeez had always been active and comfortable in the weight room. His original motivation for lifting was a simple goal. He wanted to look like Ronnie Coleman. While the aesthetics came along, something was lacking. And despite consistent training, he noticed the strength aspect was not progressing. Hitting that wall led him to seek advice from the CU Denver’s previous powerlifting president. After learning tips on form and technique, Azeez was invited to join the team. His response was “If I could get as strong as you, sign me up.” After finally stacking the plates, he began competing in meets, testing his newfound strength against other lifters. It did not take long for him to fall in love with the sport.

     As an officer, Azeez’s role is welcoming and developing new recruits. He assists lifters with their technique while also helping grow the team. Recruiting is his favorite part of the role because it allows him to help build a diverse environment filled with people from different backgrounds. For Azeez, powerlifting is about more than weight on the bar. He wants to show people that they often do not realize their true potential until they push themselves beyond their perceived limits. One principle he stands by is accessibility. He makes it clear to new recruits that knowledge is free. By creating that open environment, Azeez wants every lifter to know they have support and guidance whenever they need it. His goal is to expose as many people as possible to powerlifting and weightlifting as a whole, sharing something that has benefited him both mentally and physically.

     Outside the weightroom, Azeez is driven by a strong sense of purpose. Currently a CNA, he plans to pursue his MD and a future in medicine. Helping others has always been something that resonates with him. He envisions himself working in a hospital within the low-income community, serving individuals who look like him and come from similar backgrounds. Through his experiences in hospital, he has seen how often those groups are misunderstood, and his long-term goal is to bridge that gap and help create safe, supportive spaces for patients who would otherwise be overlooked.

     Azeez quoted the phrase, “Iron sharpens iron.” He believes that wherever you want to go in life, you should surround yourself with people who will support you and push you forward. The same applies in the gym. If you want to be strong, train with people who want to be strong. That mindset defines his approach to leadership, training, and life. We wish him the best of look and are excited to share more!