MM - Scot thanks for sitting down to an interview for Monster Muscle's readers. This last year you went from being a great lifter to top dog. You won WPC Worlds in Africa in Nov 2001, won the massive WPO finals at the Arnold Classic in February 2002 and then benching an awesome 766 in competition just a couple weeks ago. You are truly on your game. How does it feel to be on top of the world right now?
Scot - I have always thought I could be the strongest man in the world. I have sacrificed everything in my normal life (my wife, 2 kids, friends, social life) to make this happen. I am not happy about that.
I now know that to be the best, takes 1,000,000 percent. Answering your question, I feel hungry & the fire is just starting to roar. I WANT 800LBS AND I WILL HAVE IT. Not only SHORTLY, but FIRST .
MM - For those that have not heard of you, tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living? Family? How long have you been powerlifting?
Scot - I am 35 years old and I live in Valley Glen, California. I am married to my beautiful wife Maricelle and we have three unbelievable children, Jade - 5 yrs & Troy 3yrs old and Jasmine 9monthÍs. They are my support system. Without them I would not be where I am today. I you all are my entire world!! Thank you for being there for me and putting up with my crap. I only hope I can one day come even close to doing what you have done for me!
My wife and I own a private fitness studio on our property called,
"Fitness Individualized Training "(F.I.T.).
MM - Over your years of training, who and what motivates you and/or keeps you motivated?
Scot- I must say that Arnold Schwarzenegger has always motivated me. I wanted to be just like him but my waist was too big! So much for bodybuilding. It is always an honor to compete at his show & an even bigger honor to meet the legend. Thank you Arnold!!! Now my motivation is to hit 950 lbs. My wife's smacks. Most of all, it is to be the strongest undisputed bencher in the world.
MM - What obstacles have you had to overcome in your powerlifting career?
Scot - There were many obstacles I had to overcome in powerlifting. One was the strength. Not just the physical strength, I had to have the mental capacity to be disciplined enough to dedicate my soul to the sport. I had to show up for every work-out no matter what the circumstances were. I had to listen to my coach and trust that what he said was right and not to let my mind wander off focus from what we came to accomplish. A real recent obstacle I had to overcome to get my 766 bench in Canada was a horribly torn quad. I had to have it wrapped and injected with Lidacane. I was in EMMENCE pain. If it was not for that I would have hammered 800 that day.
MM - When you are stepping up to the bench for a MONSTER lift, what are you thinking? What is your mindset?
Scot- When I step up onto the platform to bench, I already know that the lift is done. I never look at the weight or the crowd. I just stare at the bar and attack it. I never allow the weight of the bar intimidate me, because I truly know and without a doubt, that it is mine!
MM - If you could say one thing to the new lifters out there, what would it be?
Scot - The one thing I could say to all of the new comers is that dreams can become a reality, ONLY if you are willing to work hard enough. Nothing in this world comes easy except failure. You bust your butt and pour out your blood, sweat, and tears into what you are doing. If you challenge yourself and allow yourself to be challenged, there is only one payback, YOU WILL GET PAID! Oh, and of course, timing. Perfect timing is always of the essence. You got to make sure it is your time to WIN! As it is mine, at this moment, the best bencher that there ever will be.
MM - OK. I know it takes a team of supporters to get to the level you are at. Who would you like to give an official "thank you" to?
Scot - First of all I want to thank GOD for giving me this talent & opportunity, my family, Joe my coach, my sponsors and clients. Doug & Linda Cronin , Gary Avnet, Roman & Shari Celusta, Forza strength systems, & Pinnacle products. I would also like to give John Inzer a big thank you for his support and help. Inzer bench shirts are the best. THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING.
MM - What is in the future for Scot Mendelson?
Scot - The future of Scot Mendelson is to be the greatest bench presser the world has ever seen. I would like to be a living legacy, a powerful force to be reckoned with in the institution of powerlifting, and for my children to say that my Daddy really is stronger than your daddy and for that person(s) to know it!
MM - What is your training cycle like?
Scot - Well, I train the bench press twice a week. Although I train hardcore all year, I really buckle down to my training cycle 3 months out from my event. I start training with my Inzer bench shirt about 3 weeks out.
I train smart to prevent injuries and get plenty of rest. I also eat a very high calorie diet. My normal body weight is about 280-295 and I lift in the 308 class so between my high calorie diet and a steady flow of Pinnacle supplements I am in an ideal state to build strength. As far as the specifics on my training routine you will need to check out my video. I plan on it coming out this year.
MM - If you could say one thing to the new lifters out there, what would it be?
