#378 "Powerlifting Saved Me From Cocaine Addiction & Foster Care" | Eugene Bazemore

Eugene "Big Gene" Bazemore is a 32-year-old Army veteran-turned-super-heavyweight powerlifter who clawed his way from orphan shelters in Hampton Roads, VA to a 2,050-lb raw total and an XPC Arnold Worlds title in barely three seasons on the platform. After military service left a competitive void, Eugene discovered powerlifting through Westside vs The World , self-coached his first meet in 2022, and has been stacking 2K-plus totals—and life lessons—ever since. In this conversation with Dave, Gene breaks down the realities of untested lifting, balancing an elite training schedule with day-to-day life in Marietta, nutrition that fuels 800-lb deadlifts, and why the barbell became the lifeline that kept him out of prison. Connect with Gene: LinkInstagram https://www.instagram.com/not_big_gene/ Instagram Alt. IG (legacy handle) https://www.instagram.com/halfnattygene/ Instagram Facebook https://www.facebook.com/eugene.bazemore.9 facebook.com Meet results https://openpowerlifting.org/u/eugenebazemore Open Powerlifting Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate's Table Talk: FULL Crew Access: https://www.elitefts.com/join-the-crew Limited Edition Apparel - https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel... Programs & More - https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-ta... TYAO Application - https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-... Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-we... Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-g... Sponsors: Get an extra 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/ Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors: http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/ Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/ Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review (CODE ELITEFTS20): https://massresearchreview.com/ Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app