The war in Ukraine has brought a world champion to St. Albert – a champion who has had to overcome adversity multiple times.
Oleksandr Chernobai, who now chooses to go by Alex, immigrated to Canada from the Ukraine with his family 17 months ago. Before Alex decided to move his family here, he was a powerlifter who would compete in events held by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA).
Alex wasn't born with the visual impairment he has today. Back in the Ukraine, Alex was the victim of a mugging. Two men had approached Alex one night, asking for money, but before he could respond they attacked him. He was left with a broken nose, which would require surgery to repair, and a concussion. During the surgery their were complications, resulting in Alex losing 97 per cent of his sight. This loss of sight only allows Alex to see faint silhouettes of people when looking at them.
Instead of allowing his visual impairment to dictate his life, Alex decided to embrace it. He made the decision to compete in powerlifting events hosted by the IBSA, placing first in the under-90kg class at the IBSA Bench Press and Powerlifting Championships in Giza, Egypt in 2019 and again in Bakuriani, Georgia in 2021.
Powerlifting consists of three lifts, bench press, squats, and deadlifts. During these events Alex set numerous IBSA world records in the 90 kg weight class. He currently holds the world record for bench press with 183 kg (403.4 lbs), for squatting with 243 kg (535.7 lbs), and total weight of all three lifts with 685 kg (1510.1 lbs).
Then in February of 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, Alex knew his family needed a change of scenery. After a year of waiting he was finally able to emigrate his family to Canada in February 2023, eventually settling in St. Albert.
"I chose St. Albert because it's a safe and open city" said Alex. "It doesn't have a big population, which I like. I really like it here."
Once Alex arrived he knew he wanted to help people. Having already achieved the qualifications necessary to be a personal trainer while still living in the Ukraine, Alex decided the best way for him to help was to continue training people.
He started by training people at a GoodLife Fitness when he first arrived. However, over the last eight months, Alex found a better fit, training people at a gym named "The Vault". Alex has three different options for training at "The Vault". Their are one on one training sessions for those who need more help. Two person groups for people who are similar in strength and want to train together. For people who enjoy training in groups there is a group option of three to four people. Alex is also available to train in other locations if needed, stating that he wants to help as many people as possible.
"I want to help people take that first step" explains Alex. "If some people are scared to take the first step, don't be. I want to help others, share my story, and even help people who also have disabilities. People who take that first step are more happy and healthy."
Alex also expressed that the enjoyment he has talking with new people and different social groups is what makes personal training so great. He even went as far to explain that he is more focused on helping others then competing in powerlifting in the future. Sharing that the people in St. Albert has motivated him.
"I want to be useful here," says Alex. "It doesn't feel like a job, I'm thankful for meeting all the people I have. I want to give back to them."
