Russel Orhii - The Champion Mindset
In the world of powerlifting, few names resonate as strongly as Russel Orhii.
Russel Orhii: The Champion Mindset
How the two-time world champion is changing powerlifting
PHOTOS BY:
TREY FREEMAN
LOCATION:
AUSTIN, TX
POSTED ON:
9/6/24
His name will go down as one of the greatest powerlifters of all time and as a trailblazer in the sport. Orhii is not just lifting heavy weights; he’s lifting the profile of powerlifting itself, pushing it to get the recognition it deserves. His approach to the sport and life is reshaping the landscape of powerlifting, making it more accessible, respected, and inspiring to a broader audience.
Elevating Powerlifting to the Mainstream
Russ’s ambitions stretch far beyond the lifting platform. He envisions a future where powerlifting enjoys the same level of recognition and respect as other sports like bodybuilding and running. His goal is for powerlifting to be seen as a viable sport by major brands such as Nike and Under Armour. This is a significant leap, considering that powerlifting has often been overshadowed by its more popular counterparts. Orhii believes that the sport’s image needs a makeover—from being perceived as a niche activity to being recognized as a disciplined, energy-driven sport that requires serious athleticism and commitment.
Simplifying for Success
One pivotal decision in Orhii’s career was to simplify his life and focus purely on his lifting. By closing his gym, Corrupted Strength, and putting a pause on his brand, Better Today, Orhii found that his creativity and purpose became clearer. This approach of simplification has allowed him to channel all his energy into what he does best—powerlifting. He’s discovered that when he concentrates on his core passion, his performance, mindset, and overall well-being improve significantly.
The Champion Mentality
Orhii’s approach to powerlifting is characterized by what we know as the"Mamba mentality." This term, inspired by the late Kobe Bryant, symbolizes an unwavering commitment to excellence. Orhii brings a focused, almost relentless energy to every training session. For him, every lift is a commitment, every session a step closer to greatness. This mindset not only sets him apart from others in the sport but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring lifters.
Building a Tribe, Not Just a Community
While Orhii values the concept of community, he prefers to think of his circle as a "tribe"—a group of people with shared beliefs, values, and an unshakable commitment to their craft. In the powerlifting world, Orhii is more than just a participant; he’s a leader who is setting new standards for how the sport is perceived and practiced. His influence is evident not just in his own performances but also in how others in the sport are starting to approach their training with similar seriousness and intent.
Balancing Business and Sport
Early in his career, Orhii found himself distracted by the allure of entrepreneurship, launching businesses that, while successful, took his focus away from his true passion—powerlifting. However, he soon realized that to achieve greatness in one area, he needed to narrow his focus. By stepping back from his business ventures, Orhii has been able to pour his energy into lifting, which has not only enhanced his performance but also solidified his position as a leader in the sport.
Leading from the Front
Russ is lifting the sport of powerlifting to new heights. Through his disciplined approach, clear sense of purpose, and commitment to excellence, Orhii is showing the world what it means to be a true champion. As powerlifting continues to grow in popularity, much of its success will be owed to pioneers like Orhii, who are not just participating in the sport but revolutionizing it.
In a world where athletes are often judged by their public personas and business ventures, Orhii reminds us that true greatness comes from an unrelenting focus on one’s craft. By simplifying his life, embracing a champion mentality, and leading with purpose, Russ is setting a new standard for what it means to be a powerlifter. And in doing so, he’s paving the way for the sport he loves to finally get the recognition it deserves.
Russ Orhii is a 2-time IPF World Champion and 6-time National Champion - and he isn’t finished.
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