Stanislau Schastny has become one of the most recognizable Belarusian athletes. In October 2024, he made history by becoming the first Belarusian to win a medal at the prestigious Mr. Olympia tournament in Las Vegas.
More than that, he became the first to win the main title in the Raw Bench Press discipline, securing 1st place in the open age category in the up to 110 kg (242lb) weight class with a lift of 245 kg (540 lb).
In the overall ranking (according to the DOTS formula), Stanislau placed third, surpassing some of the strongest athletes from Poland, the Czech Republic, Moldova, Egypt, America, and other countries.
Olympic lifting: The Beginning of the Journey
Stanislau started his athletic career 19 years ago with Olympic lifting. His dedication and hard work quickly brought him to the international level. Competing for the Belarusian national team, he won international competitions across the CIS, laying the foundation for his future achievements.
“Weightlifting was my school of sport. It taught me to push past my limits, work with heavy weights, and strengthen my character” says Stanislau. His key coaches – Vladimir Sochivko, Alexander Nechay, and Vyacheslav Leshko – played a crucial role in shaping him as an athlete.
Bodybuilding and the Search for a New Challenge
Later, Stanislau ventured into bodybuilding, where he won the Belarusian Cup and became the Champion of the Smolensk region. However, he realized his ambitions went further.
“In bodybuilding, you have to fit a certain aesthetic standard, but I always felt that my true passion was strength. The numbers on the platform are far more objective than judges’ scores” he explains. This realization was a turning point that led him to powerlifting.
Powerlifting: 10 Years of Strength and Records
Stanislau entered the world of powerlifting 11 years ago, setting a Belarusian bench press record of 218 kg (480 lb) – a record that still stands. This achievement marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Over the years, he reached remarkable milestones, earning titles as a European and World Champion and record holder. His rise was rapid, but in 2017, his career was disrupted by a severe injury – a fractured elbow bone during training.
The next two years were spent recovering, including two major surgeries. Stanislau only returned to training in 2019.
In 2020, he competed again at the Belarusian National Championship under the IPF federation. After undergoing doping control, he was selected to participate in the Arnold Classic Europe in Spain, but the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Once the pandemic ended, Stanislau intensified his training. In June 2024, he qualified for Mr. Olympia at a competition in Florida. Before the tournament, in September 2024, he set a new Florida state bench press record. Just a month later, in Las Vegas, he became the first Belarusian to conquer Olympia. His coaches in powerlifting, Vitaly Porimon and Igor Varava, played a crucial role in his success.
“Powerlifting is a battle for kilograms. Every lift is a challenge to yourself, your body, and your mind” he says
Victory in Olympia and Arnold Classic: The Triumph of a Lifetime
The year 2024 was a milestone for Stanislau. His victory at Mr. Olympia (Olympia PRO Powerlifting) in Las Vegas became the pinnacle of his career, proving that perseverance and hard work can lead to the greatest achievements.
“This victory is the result of all the years of effort I’ve put into myself and the sport. Every kilogram on the bar is proof that limits exist only in our minds,” he says.
And just recently, on March 1, 2025, Stanislau secured yet another monumental title —winning the Arnold Sports Festival as part of the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio.
This achievement made him the first Belarusian in history to win the two most prestigious strength sports competitions in the world.
Philosophy and Gratitude
Stanislau firmly believes that sports are not just about competing for medals but about self-improvement.
“Powerlifting teaches us that nothing is impossible if you stay disciplined and never settle for less” he says.
He also emphasizes that the support of loved ones made his journey much easier. “I am grateful to my family and friends for always being there, supporting me, and believing in me,” he shares. Among those who played a significant role in his success, he also acknowledges people who inspired him throughout different stages of his life: “Sometimes, even those who are no longer by your side leave a lasting impact on your motivation and drive to be better.”
Key Facts
- Years in sports: 19 (weightlifting, bodybuilding, powerlifting).
- Achievements: European and World champion and record holder in bench press, Mr. Olympia 2024 winner, Arnold Classic 2025 winner.
- Contribution to the sport: Co-founder of WRPF Belarus, organizer of the European Cup and numerous national tournaments.
- Philosophy: “Every kilogram is a step toward the dream.”
The story of Stanislau Schastny is not just one of great achievements—it is an inspiration for anyone striving to reach their own heights.
RELATED ARTICLES
