Most people know Craig Tokarski as a powerlifter. He is remembered as "that guy" that's been powerlifting since the late 80's. In 1992, he set the World Record in the benchpress with a bench of 703lbs in the 275lb weight class, and later benched 733 in the 308lb weight class, setting a World Record in the 308lb weight class as well. He's also part of "The top 5" that have benched 700 or more pounds. In 1988 he was part of the first USA powerlifting team to compete in Russia.
Now let me tell you a few things you may not know about Craig. He has continued to train over the years but had a life changing experience in February 2014. On a Tuesday, he deadlifted 575 x 3, he was training for an upcoming meet. Later that night he began experiencing shortness of breath. By the next morning he couldn't walk from one room to the next without gasping for air. Being the stubborn person he is, he shrugged it off when I suggested he go to the doctor. As the day went on, the heavy breathing progressed.


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