Ronald Tarvin
Birthday: May 31, 1989
Hometown: Mobile, AL
Current Residence: Millbrook, AL
What is your Alabama Connection?
Born and raised in Alabama.
Current pursuits in life & powerlifting:
I’m continuing to build my gym and coaching businesses to be the best they can be.
Lifting History:
When did you start weightlifting and what inspired you to start weightlifting?
I started lifting weights in 6th grade. I was a very small kid and was bullied/picked on for being small and smart. So I started with a pair of 8lb dumbbells as a means of getting strong enough to defend myself against the older kids that would occasionally try to beat me up at school.
When did you get involved with powerlifting and what got you interested in the sport?
I started powerlifting in 2014. I was a competitive crossfitter for a couple years prior. I had an injury that caused me to only be able to do lower body training for a while. I started squatting 4x per week and quickly learned I was on a bit of a different strength trajectory from the average crossfitter at the time. I came across youtube videos of Dan Green and Pete Rubish. The intensity from Rubish and the physique from Dan are what made me want to learn more about powerlifting and to give it a shot.
What weight class(es) did you compete in? 165, 181, 198, 205, 220, 231
What are your best lifts in each category in each weight class?
Best Lifts @ 165 lb. Weight Class
He broke the All Time World Record Drug Tested RAW Squat @ 165 lbs. on January 7, 2017 @ the USPA American Cup los Angeles Fit Expo
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
BENCH PRESS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
1592.8
622.8
391.3
RAW
578.7 ATWR
1543.2
WRAPS
573.2
611.7
363.7
Best Lifts @ 181 lb. Weight Class
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
BENCH PRESS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
892.7 (405KG)
523.6 (237.5KG)
369.2 (167.5KG)
RAW
1703
RAW
639.3
655.8
418.8
Best Lifts @ 198 lb. Weight Class
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
BENCH PRESS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
892.7 (405KG)
523.6 (237.5KG)
369.2 (167.5KG)
RAW
1730.6
RAW
672.4
661.4
429.9
Best Lifts @ 205 lb. Weight Class
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
BENCH PRESS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
892.7 (405KG)
523.6 (237.5KG)
369.2 (167.5KG)
RAW
1796.7
RAW
672.4
672.4
451.9
Best Lifts @ 220 lb. Weight Class
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
BENCH PRESS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
892.7 (405KG)
523.6 (237.5KG)
369.2 (167.5KG)
RAW
1846.3
RAW
715.5
705.4
457.4
Best Lifts @ 231 lb. Weight Class
DEADLIFT
TOTAL
BENCH PRESS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
892.7 (405KG)
523.6 (237.5KG)
369.2 (167.5KG)
RAW
1769.2
RAW
655.8
666.9
446.4
How many years did you compete? I’m in year 12, still going strong
Between what year and what year did you compete? 2014-present
What is the approximate total number of meets you competed in? Roughly 35 so far
List your favorite meets you competed in.
-
Pro Raw 8 In Australia may be my favorite meet of all time. March 2016
-
Boss of Bosses 3 in 2016, I got to compete with Dan Green in his meet, at his gym.
-
The Showdown in 2021 In Kansas City.
-
USAPL Olympia International Qualifier in 2023
-
Powerlifting America Nationals in 2025
What’s the highest classification you achieved? International Elite in all 6 weight classes
What’s the highest score you achieved? 523.29 DOTS
What are some of your powerlifting accomplishments?
-
Drug Tested ATWR squat at 165 in 2017 (578lbs)
-
State records in all weight classes in Alabama when I kept track of them (notably USPA)
-
Multiple USPA Open national records
Who are some of the most memorable lifters/people for you in your career?
Dan Green stands out most, as the lifter I initially wanted to be like. Competing in his meet, in his gym, on the same platform he also competed on was special. Getting to talk to and hangout with he and the crew afterward was a big influence on me as a 27 year old at the time.
With your name as part of the history of powerlifting in Alabama, what would you like to be most remembered for?
I’d love to be known for being available. I’m pretty open and willing to answering questions. Also, I’d like to be known as someone who has genuine passion for the sport. I don’t have an allegiance to any single federation. I want the sport to thrive as a whole… all federations… tested and untested.
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to future powerlifters?
VOLUNTEER. Spot and load EARLY. This gives you appreciation for what it takes to really run a well organized meet. Get to as many meets as you can to watch. Go see how the best lifters and coaches conduct themselves.. On their best days and their worst.
What are some of your contributions to sport of powerlifting in Alabama?
State Chair, Meet Director and pertinent meets, Judge & level & Feds, ways you contributed to other meets (announcer, score table, spot/loader, expediter)
I’ve spotted/loaded lots of meets in my years. I also host yearly meets as gym owner, with recent years hosting multiple meets in different federations. I’m at lots of meets, even if I’m not competing or actually coaching anyone. I’ll buy a coaches pass and just float around the warm-up room, helping out the occasional misguided lifter, or just helping the warm-up room run smoothly and efficiently.