FORT CAVAZOS, Texas— When U.S. Air Force veterans Chelan Carr and Joseph “Joe” Jordan began working together as air traffic controllers at Robert Gray Army Airfield, they had no idea their shared passion for powerlifting would forge a bond that would take them all over the world.
The two athletes sat down with the crew of the Great Big Podcast to talk about their journey to qualifying for the 2024 International Powerlifting Federation World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships June 15-23 in Druskininkai, Lithuania.
Coming from two drastically different backgrounds, the coworkers found common ground in the grueling sport of powerlifting.
Born and raised in Texas, Jordan was a seasoned powerlifter well before he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
“Growing up in Texas playing sports as a young child, you get thrown into weight rooms pretty early,” he shared. “And so, it definitely had an effect on my love for lifting weights.”
Carr, who was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, took to the sport shortly after entering basic training.
“It was definitely the community and people I met in the military that made me want to lift more,” he said.
Remembering their experience at the 2022 IPF championships in Sun City, South Africa, where Jordan placed an impressive fourth overall and Carr came in at a respectable 19th, both expressed gratitude for the bond they have formed through their mutual love for the sport.
“Very few of my family or friends know what I do with powerlifting or know what it takes in terms of competing and the commitment that it takes,” Jordan explained. “Chelan is my friend, and he knows exactly what I’m going through because he goes through the same thing.”
Carr shared the same sentiments.
“It was kind of life changing for me when I met Joe because this is someone that literally gets it from day one. I met people who would get into powerlifting and then they would get out of powerlifting,” Carr explained. “But Joe, he really stuck with it and really got to the next level that I’m aiming to reach as well.”
Jordan added that the support from his superiors at work is invaluable.
“Our crew supervisor and our managers at the facility always ensure that we’re going to be able to get leave for meets and be able to get there, so they take care of us,” he said.
Though they compete in different weight classes, Carr at 183 lbs., and Jordan at 145 lbs., they match one another’s drive and will to win.
Hours in the gym and years establishing themselves as fierce competitors in the field have qualified 30-year-old Carr and 35-year-old Jordan to compete in this year’s IPF championships.
But due to an injury, Carr will remain stateside while Jordan makes the trip overseas.
“I’m not too upset about it because I know I’ll be there next year and I’ll be a lot healthier and stronger,” Carr said. “But I’m always rooting for Joe. I’m in his corner 100%, so it doesn’t affect me at all. I’m just excited to see him succeed.”
Jordan hopes to surpass his best numbers in the squat, bench and deadlift events during the multi-day competition. And though Carr won’t be there physically to cheer him on, Jordan expressed he is always there as a kindred spirit.
“The reality is what I do, I could not do if I didn’t have Chelan and so many other people around me supporting me,” he said. “It’s one thing to go in the gym and lift weights, but there’s so many things behind the scenes that take place. Family members and friends constantly supporting you and being there in your corner rooting for you every time you lift is a big deal.”
Jordan won’t be traveling to the competition alone as his girlfriend will accompany him on the trip.
Both athletes are using their expertise to pay it forward by mentoring and training other powerlifting hopefuls and they look forward to reuniting at the 2025 IPF championships in Germany.
But for now, Jordan is focused on Lithuania and hopes to make the Great Place and his home state of Texas proud.
Carr will participate in the IPF World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships live athttps://www.youtube.com/@powerliftingtv.
