Ready, Set, Lift: Exercise Science Student's Journey to Team USA Powerlifting and a First-place Finish

Growing up, Joshua Joachim, B.S. ‘24, a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion student, loved football. He played throughout his childhood and became a running back in high school. When he was off the field, he was watching football and admiring the talents of running backs like Ricky Williams and Frank Gore from the Miami Dolphins. 

Joachim decided to pursue a career in exercise science after he was reintroduced to training in 2021. Once he graduated from high school, he had stopped working out since he was no longer playing sports.  

“Around that time my dad got me a gym membership, which brought out my interest in fitness,” recalled Joachim. “I was originally going to major in health science, but I was not sure what I wanted to do other than something related to sports. As I looked at different science-based majors, exercise science stood out to me since it best aligned with my interests, so I made the switch.” 

As an undergraduate at Florida Atlantic, Joachim worked in the lab of his faculty mentor, Michael Zourdos, Ph.D., chair and professor of the Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Schmidt College of Science. He soon discovered a new passion in the sporting world: powerlifting. 

“I first became involved in powerlifting through my work in Dr. Zourdos’s lab, where I started as a participant and later became a research assistant and graduate assistant,” shared Joachim. “While working in the lab, I learned a lot by observing and assisting with research, and I found out that some of the Ph.D. students were also powerlifting coaches. I thought I might be good at it, so I decided to give it a try. I ended up really enjoying it, and I found that I was pretty good at it, too.” 

In September 2024, Joachim began dedicated training in his new sport. Shortly thereafter, in February 2025, Joachim competed in his first powerlifting competitions where he was met with great success. At two local meets, he placed first in his weight class, in addition to a best lifter award.  

Building on that momentum, Joachim went on to national meets. At open nationals in April, he finished seventh in his weight class (105 kg). At age division nationals in June, he captured second place and set a junior national record of 340.5 kg for the squat lift. Based on his remarkable achievements, Joachim has been invited to compete with Team USA at the 22nd annual North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) North American Regional Powerlifting Championships on July 31 in the Cayman Islands. He powered his way to a first-place win in the men’s junior category, lifting 878 kg total.

“It feels awesome to win!” exclaimed Joachim. “I won on the very last deadlift, so it was close the whole time. Overall, I thought it was great experience.” 

Currently, Joachim is working to complete his Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion degree. His goal is to become an online coach and work with individuals who are already motivated but want guidance to reach their next level.  

“I am especially passionate about helping people like me—those who are driven and just need the right structure and support to maximize their potential,” stated Joachim. “I also plan to continue my education as I grow in this field and eventually become a sports medicine physician.”