Justin Legere '15 has made waves in the world of Strongman competitions. Recently placing fourth in the 2023 America's Strongest Man event held in Orlando, Florida, Justin has come a long way from his quiet, reserved days at Xavier. Despite being a relatively lesser-known competitor, Justin has proven to be a force to be reckoned with and is quickly rising through the ranks of the Strongman world.
Justin's journey to Strongman competitions began around his sophomore year of high school. At that time, he weighed 300 pounds and found himself out of breath after walking up a flight of stairs. He decided to start going to the gym and quickly discovered that he was strong. He began with powerlifting and eventually found his way into the world of Strongman competitions, after finding his coach at the age of 19.
Looking back on his time at Xavier, Justin fondly remembers the core values of personal accountability and hard work that were instilled in him. These values have helped him tremendously in every pursuit, including his weightlifting journey. He also credits his small but tight-knit group of friends at Xavier for helping him develop meaningful relationships that have carried on into adulthood.
Justin's current job as a glazier in construction is physically demanding which is why he trains three days a week. He takes his training seriously and is very particular about his life choices, so that he can push his body to its limits. When asked about his aspirations, Justin shared that he would like to one day make it to the World's Strongest Man competition and see how he handles up against the best in the world. However, he also acknowledges that the sport is incredibly taxing, and he can only do as much as his body allows.
Justin's success in Strongman competitions is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the values he learned at Xavier. His story serves as an inspiration to current and future Xavier students, showing that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. Justin’s journey is proof of the impact that Xavier's core values can have on a student's life. As Justin continues to train and compete, we can only imagine what he will achieve in the future.
Xavier, Be Something More!