Raf Korkowski began weightlifting at age 8. Under the guidance of his father and coach Mirek Korkowski, he focused on the development of basic fundamentals and developed a true passion for the sport, which eventually led him to his first competition at age 11.
As an athlete, Raf has competed at over 100 club, provincial, regional, national and international Olympic Weightlifting competitions. From 2002-2005 he was a member of the Canadian National team where he represented at the 2003 World University Championships in Italy, 2003 World Championships in Vancouver, Pan American Championships (2004-Columbia, 2005-USA), 2004 Titan Games in USA, and was an alternate for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. He was the Manitoba Weightlifting Association Male Lifter of the Year from 1997 through to 2005, holds multiple Manitoba provincial records, Canada Games records, and titles as Western Canadian and National champion. Raf, a multi-sport athlete, was also a member of the University of Manitoba Bison Men’s Volleyball team from 1998-2002, winning 2 National Junior Championships and 2 CIS National Championships.
Raf began coaching in 2002 with the Hercules Weightlifting Club in Winnipeg, as an assistant to Mirek Korkowski, and expanded the club to Vancouver Island in 2004. The new club was initially focused on high performance cross training programs for elite level individuals and sports teams. Raf implemented Olympic Weightlifting based strength training for the Vancouver Island University volleyball and basketball programs, Nanaimo Track & Field club, Vancouver Canucks and numerous individuals looking for “next level” training. Hercules has evolved into one of BC’s largest and most successful clubs. New relationships/partnerships have created a “platform” for the coaching of both competitive Olympic Weightlifters and other sports groups.
Raf is a highly professional and well organized coach who emphasizes the development of proper technique and mechanics, over a quick result.
