‘Got to make mom proud’: Saanich powerlifter gears up for World Championships
Published 4:30 pm Monday, August 17, 2026
Tate Commandeur already knows what it takes to get to the world stage. This time, the Saanich powerlifter wants to leave South Africa with a national record.
The 19-year-old Camosun College student is preparing for his third World Junior Powerlifting Championships, travelling to Sun City, South Africa, for the Aug. 18 to 29 event.
Commandeur will compete on Aug. 29 in the 105-kilogram weight class.
He earned his spot at worlds by winning that weight class at the Canadian championships in March, putting up a combined 820 kilograms across his three lifts.
That total came from a 305-kilogram squat, a 202.5-kilogram bench press and a 312.5-kilogram deadlift.
His target in South Africa is considerably higher.
“I’d really like to break the national record total,” Commandeur said.
The national record currently sits at 845 kilograms, meaning Commandeur needs to total at least 847.5 kilograms to set a new mark.
He has spent the past several months training four days a week at Victoria Barbell Club with coach Jeremy Klaus. The overall approach has not changed dramatically from his preparation for nationals, but Commandeur has made some adjustments to his deadlift and grip.
“A little more focus on patience with deadlifts to kind of keep better positioning,” he said. “So, you know, I can hopefully pull that deadlift that I failed at nationals, and then definitely a lot more focused on my grip to help keep my thumbs attached.”
The squat has been the biggest challenge in his preparation, but Commandeur said it has started to come around in recent weeks. His bench press has also been improving, while he feels good about his deadlift heading into the competition.
“Last week’s training was really good,” he said. “I definitely think I should be good for a personal best day.”
Commandeur previously competed at the world championships in Malta in 2024 and Costa Rica in 2025. He will make the trip to South Africa alone, although his mom will meet him there.
Having his mom in the crowd is particularly meaningful for Commandeur after the work she has put in to support him.
“It means everything, like, just having my mom in the crowd and doing it for my family,” he said. “It’s a really nice feeling.”
“Got to make mom proud with all the work she’s put in for me.”
Once in South Africa, Commandeur plans to finish his final heavy training sessions before tapering into lighter work ahead of competition. He also hopes to watch and support the other Canadian athletes competing at the championships.
The trip from Saanich will take him through Vancouver, New York and Johannesburg, followed by a roughly three-hour bus ride to Sun City.
