Johan Sanon made an impression. Champion of the -73 kg category at the FNSL Northeast, he dominated his weight class with composure and determination. Backed by solid lifts and precise preparation, he looks back on the title and how he felt on competition day.
Introduce yourself in 10 seconds – name, weight category.
Johan, 23, -73 kg.
Program or coaching?
Find your ideal format
Answer 4 questions and receive a personalized recommendation based on your level and goals.
Tailored result
Free
How did you discover streetlifting?
I discovered it through social media, because I got into weighted training almost by accident – out of laziness, really. I didn’t like doing lots of reps. I figured if I added weight I’d do fewer reps. Then on social media I saw other people doing the same thing. I thought, okay, I’m not alone in this, let’s go.
Why did you decide to compete at FNSL Northeast?
Well, I’m from Bordeaux – there’s no FNSL Southwest, so I had some freedom in choosing which event to target. I did my very first streetlifting competition at Luc’s place, here in Besancon in 2023, and I thought it would mean a lot symbolically to come back to the same place and see people I’d already met.
The weighted muscle ups – were they easy or mission impossible?
Honestly, pleasantly surprised. I was aiming for a weighted muscle up at 35 kg, only if I was in incredible shape – and in the end I think I even had a little room to spare. I preferred to lock it in and I was really happy about that.
Did you hit your target weights on weighted pull-ups or did you leave wanting more?
I played it a bit safe on the 90, I think. It’s a confidence issue – I’ve told myself for a long time that I was bad at pulling movements. So I end up anticipating. I know I have a knee kip even though I don’t actually need it if I brace better and get my chin over the bar instead of just touching it. So that’s it – we’ll do better next time.
And on the weighted dips?
Great, pleasantly surprised by my form on the day, because I did a big cut. I went from 77-78 kg the week before and I was worried it would really affect my push. 155 kg went up very smoothly, and then I attempted 161 kg trying to chase Obin, which cost me because I lost my technique, panicked and made a mess of it – it happens – but I’m confident going into the CNSL. Don’t sleep on it guys, I’m coming in strong.
And with all that accumulated fatigue, how did you feel on the squats?
The squats were a complete disaster in terms of how I felt just before the first attempts. Huge headaches – it was all mental. I tried to get through the squats quickly by putting in my second attempt at 210 kg but the bar rolled, so I wasn’t even bracing to save energy – I ended up hitting it on the third attempt, tough but done.
If you had to sum up your competition in one word?
I had a total in mind. It’s validated, now it’s straight ahead. We fix the small issues – and the mental side too. And bring on June.
What do you have planned next?
Next up is Nationals in June – I assume I’ll be qualified, it’s not too risky a bet – and then we’ll see what happens in June. I’ve got a title to reclaim apparently. And Worlds has been catching my eye, so – thank you for everything, and cheers.
Follow Johan on Instagram: @jojo_bizarre_athlete
