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Meet The New Guy – IPL Pro Patrick Curtis

“It was absolutely amazing and refreshing…the support the league gives to the athletes is extraordinary. I was very impressed.”

IPL APEX VII Masters Athletic Pro Card Winner, Patrick Curtis! AND Patrick hopped onto the Pro stage to make his Pro Debut right after earning the PQ, placing 2nd.
Images from Patrick’s photo shoot November 2023 IPL APEX VII Weekend in Phoenix, Arizona.

INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN YOSEF

"IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND REFRESHING...THE SUPPORT THE LEAGUE GIVES TO THE ATHLETES IS EXTRAORDINARY. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED."

BEN YOSEF: Man, so much has happened since you first came on the IPL scene! Congratulations on all of your success! All in such a short time within this organization! Your introduction to the IPL was in a coaching capacity, supporting IPL newcomer Sierra Scharping. I first met you at athlete check-in the night before that contest this past spring. What was it like working with Sierra leading into that contest and what was your experience and impression like, let’s just say first stepping into the community at the host hotel the night before the spring show?

PATRICK CURTIS: Well, First, Sierra did all the work. I was there to support backstage to make sure there was no stress. Her abilities and her skills got her where she is. She has amazing talent and dedication to IPL and the sport. I was actually very shocked to see a team and athletes coming together with such a bond and unity. It was absolutely amazing and refreshing. I realize that this is a competition, but the IPL community was a breath of fresh air. The support the league gives to the athletes is extraordinary. I was very impressed.

BY: Love that. And very happy to hear your first impression was so positive and had such a great impact on you. And yes, Sierra is a rockstar! At that contest she would go on to earn her IPL Figure Pro Card in convincing fashion. Well deserved! What was your take on everything after the dust settled at Sierra’s show? And at that point did you decide that you were next? Or did it take a while for you to decide you would bring your package to the PL stage?

"I THINK I WAS OFFICIALLY ON THAT AT THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY 2023. I WAS CONVINCED THAT BEING WITH THE IPL WOULD BE A BETTER PATH FOR ME AND MY CAREER."

PC: Well, after the show it was just a wonderful time. Everyone in the back was so happy and excited for one another. We had some good food that was brought and just felt relaxed and comfortable.

     The show itself was just as comfortable and relaxed. This gave athletes the opportunity to have fun and enjoy the entire process. It didn’t take me actually long to make the decision. I think I was officially on that at the beginning of January 2023. I was convinced that being with the IPL would be a better path for me and my career.

BY: Your next IPL appearance would be at the Southwest Grand Prix contest a few months later in August of 2023. At that contest you would serve as our expeditor. Thank you so much for your help with that show by the way! What was that experience like for you wearing the expeditor hat at the Grand Prix?

PC: You are welcome! I had a wonderful experience! It was truly a privilege to have the opportunity to work behind the scenes with the athletes. Assisting the IPL athletes in their preparations for the stage was an absolute pleasure. I took great pride in ensuring that everything was well-organized and prepared. This role was particularly rewarding as I am also an athlete myself. Having someone who understands the pressure of performing on stage made the entire process much smoother and alleviated stress.

BY: All these IPL experiences combined with your previous competition outings within other organizations culminated in your IPL debut at APEX VII in November. When the dust settled on APEX you would walk away with a Pro Qualification in Men’s Athletic Masters, and you made your Pro Masters Debut, taking 2nd place. What was that experience like for you actually taking to the stage, and having the success you did? Also, how would you describe your IPL competition experience compared with your experience prior in other organizations?

"COMPARED TO OTHER SHOWS, THE IPL UNDOUBTEDLY OFFERS A REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE, AS THE LEAGUE GENUINELY PRIORITIZES THE WELL-BEING OF THE ATHLETES."

PC: The day of competition proceeded in a remarkably calm manner. It was absent of any stress, as we were all well-informed and well aware of the predetermined schedule. The execution of the event flowed seamlessly. Personally, I had prior experience preparing for shows, so my focus was solely on relaxing and maintaining concentration throughout the day. It appeared that all the athletes shared the same mindset. As an athlete, I possess a strong competitive nature, especially in the realm of Bodybuilding, where the battle primarily takes place within one’s own mind. It’s a relentless struggle of “you vs. you”.

     When we step onto the stage, we lay everything on the line. To truly excel, we must have confidence in our training, nutrition, and overall fitness. So, when participating in a competition environment, particularly one organized by the IPL, the level of competition is heightened, resulting in a more thrilling experience. Compared to other shows, the IPL undoubtedly offers a remarkable experience, as the league genuinely prioritizes the well-being of the athletes.

BEN: Wonderful. And once again, I am honored to have you in the league and pleased that you have had such a great experience thus far. Next up for you was your Pro Debut in Men’s Athletic Masters. When you were given the opportunity to make that debut, basically asked on the spot, were you hesitant at all to step up your game at that contest? And what was it like hitting the stage against Rob Tenerowicz?

“I HAD NO HESITATIONS WHATSOEVER. ON THE CONTRARY, I WAS FULLY PREPARED TO CARRY OUT THE TASK I HAD BEEN DILIGENTLY PREPARING FOR.”

PC: I had no hesitations whatsoever. On the contrary, I was fully prepared to carry out the task I had been diligently preparing for. I approach everything in my life with confidence, so this experience did not intimidate me in the least. Being on stage with a seasoned professional like Rob was an absolute delight. It was truly an honor to stand alongside him on the IPL Pro stage.

BY: Champion mindset. Love it. In the end you would place 2nd in your Pro Debut. How did you feel about that placement? 

PC: Every athlete aspires to reach the pinnacle of their sport. While many may perceive the goal as simply attaining 1st place and earning a medal, the truth is quite the opposite. It transcends the materialistic value of the medal or trophy. It’s about pouring every ounce of oneself onto the stage, leaving nothing behind. Personally, I believe I have much more to offer than what I have already showcased. This particular performance marked my return to the stage after a substantial hiatus. Consequently, it reignited my drive and determination to accomplish even more. Therefore, to address your query, securing 2nd place only further fuels my motivation and propels me to strive harder.

BY: Following the contest, you would land on the cover of INSPIRE Magazine, where you shared part of your compelling story and journey. Thank you for sharing. What has it been like being the cover guy for INSPIRE and offering that level of vulnerability and openness?

“…INCREDIBLY HUMBLING AND FULFILLING. MY ASPIRATION IS FOR IT TO CONTINUE INSPIRING OTHERS. COUNTLESS ATHLETES POSSESS EXTRAORDINARY AND INSPIRING STORIES…”

PC: Being featured on the cover of INSPIRE was an unexpected honor. The overwhelming support and encouragement I have received from those who have read it has been incredibly humbling and fulfilling. My aspiration is for it to continue inspiring others. Countless athletes possess extraordinary and inspiring stories that deserve to be shared with anyone willing to listen. These stories serve as a source of inspiration, instilling hope, and encouraging individuals to never abandon their dreams. We are all equals, and it is through our collective efforts that we can make a meaningful impact on this world, regardless of the path we choose.

BY: Finally, any final thoughts for ATHLETIC Magazine? And when will we see you back in the IPL stage?

PC: To all who may come across this message, strive to transcend the limitations of your past. Embrace the person that God has destined you to become, exceeding the boundaries of what others perceive as impossible. Regarding my return to the stage, mark your calendars for April! Additionally, stay tuned for the upcoming “The Real IPL” reality show in 2024. ATHLETIC

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