About Us

I’m Chris Frappier, a member of the OTSO leadership team, and someone who still believes that being 60 doesn’t mean losing the spirit of being 12, curious, playful, excited to try things, and never afraid to chase the next challenge. Whether it’s lifting, running, creating art, or building a community like OTSO, I’ve always been drawn to things that push me outside my comfort zone and remind me that growth can be fun.

My journey into strength didn’t start with big numbers. At 16, I was a shy, skinny kid looking for confidence, and weightlifting became the tool that helped me find it. Years later, life took me into long-distance running, and I ran 13 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, a dream I chased for years before finally qualifying. Eventually, I returned to lifting, rediscovered my love for strength, and set multiple world records in my late 50s and at 60, including a 560-lb Dinnie Deadlift and Bavarian Deadlift.

Professionally, I spent over 30 years climbing from graphic artist to Eastern Regional Graphics Manager at a global Fortune 200 company. I was lucky to lead teams who believed in learning, improving, and pushing together, values that translate directly into the community we’re building at OTSO.

Outside of lifting, I’m also an artist. I carve stone, create alcohol ink pieces, and enjoy exploring anything that blends creativity with patience and challenge. Art, like strength, teaches you to slow down, focus, and enjoy the process.

OTSO gives me a chance to bring all of this, the fun, the creativity, the challenge, and the love of community, to athletes of every age and background. As the organizer of the True North True Strength Open here in Fergus, I want to create experiences where people can try something bold, surprise themselves, and walk away knowing they have more strength, inside and out, than they ever realized.

That’s why I’m here. That’s why OTSO exists. And I can’t wait to welcome more people to the platform and watch them discover what they’re capable of.

The second and third photos are credit to ALCO Visuals by AJ Coghill

A strong day to everyone!

My journey into strength didn’t begin with world records or heavy stones—it started in high school during the COVID-19 lockdowns, just looking for something productive to fill the time. What began as a simple routine quickly grew into a passion, and by the start of university I found myself fully committed to lifting and improving every day.

Everything changed when I went to support my dad, Chris Frappier, at a competition. The atmosphere—the cheering, the challenge, the community—pulled me in instantly. I knew right away that I wanted to be part of this world.

Growing up, I spent eight years competing in karate, which taught me discipline, focus, and how to push past my limits. Today, I channel those same values into all-round weightlifting. Some of my favourite lifts are the Bavarian Deadlift, the Dinnie Deadlift, and the Zercher Deadlift—lifts that demand grit, technique, and a willingness to test yourself against something heavy and stubborn.

Professionally, I work in sales, supplying equipment and materials to wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries across the food and beverage industry. I’m working toward becoming a project manager and love roles that combine problem-solving, planning, and supporting others. Outside the lifting platform, I’ve served as a social media director, helped grow True North True Strength events here in Canada, and worked to highlight lifters and competitions through thoughtful storytelling and digital strategy.

As a member of the OTSO leadership team, my role is to help build the vision and direction of the organization—and then turn that vision into something real. I want OTSO to be the place where new and younger lifters feel welcomed, supported, and excited to try something different. Social media, community building, and a fun atmosphere are all part of that mission. Strength sports should feel bold, rewarding, and enjoyable, no matter where someone starts.

What I love most about strength training is that you may stand on a platform beside others, but the real battle is always with yourself. Every lift is a chance to improve, to learn, and to discover what you’re capable of when you commit fully.

When I’m not lifting, you’ll probably find me fishing, watching UFC, or catching a football game. I try to bring a fun, positive energy wherever I go—whether that’s a gym, a competition, or my work with OTSO.

I’m excited for what we’re building, and I can’t wait to meet more lifters as this community continues to grow. If you see me at a meet, please come say hi—the strength world is better when we build it together.

A mighty day of strength to you!!

I have been involved in—and competing in—the sport of powerlifting since 1999, beginning at the USA Powerlifting Bench Press Nationals. Over the past 25 years, I have competed in Strongman, Weightlifting, Highland Games, Bodybuilding, Old-Time Strongman, and Powerlifting.

I have not only competed but have also been deeply involved in the sport as a certified official, an event organizer for dozens of competitions, and an event emcee and/or commentator. I love watching others succeed on the platform and celebrating their accomplishments.

I have been honored to be a member of Team USA 14 times in Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, and Old-Time Strongman. For over 25 years, I have been a member of the Omega Force Strength Team, and in 2013 we were featured on America’s Got Talent. Lifting heavy weights has been a tremendous blessing to me, and I’m very thankful for every opportunity.

I also enjoy the Dinnie Stones lift. I had a pair of stones—combined weight 489 pounds—made with replica Dinnie Stone handles so anyone interested could try the lift. I named them the Buffville Stones. To date, about twenty-five people have lifted them, and everyone who does receives a free T-shirt to commemorate their successful Buffville Stones lift.

Now, as a member of the OTSO leadership team, I’m thrilled to be part of a movement and organization designed to support lifters and make strength sports FUN!!

I look forward to meeting every member at a meet. Please feel free to come up and introduce yourself as part of the OLD TIME STRONGMAN ORGANIZATION!