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Stephen Jesso no longer needs to prove to anyone that he can accomplish a great deal without his eyes.
The Scarborough resident, who likes to joke around with people and has a great personality, even likes to take a few jabs at those who simply can't match his success in power lifting.
Born with sight in one eye, Jesso lost his complete vision at the age of 13 after being hit in the face during a pick-up game of basketball. Surgery could not fix the damage caused to his retina.
The six-foot Jesso, who weighs almost 400 pounds, decided not to bathe in sympathy, but instead get on with his life.
Having given up wrestling and other sports when he was a youngster, Jesso has done very well for himself over the past 20 years and, in many cases, accomplished more than those who show up to marvel at the phenomenal performance of excellence he puts on as Canada's top power lifter.
Just back from winning a gold medal at the national championship in St. John's, Nfld., in the 300 kilogram class where he also set records in the squat, bench press, deadlift and overall categories, Jesso is enamoured at his ability to beat able-bodied challengers for the title.
Forget the celebrations, as Jesso explains in his full-time job of training and performing, the win was just another step in his desire to become the No. 1 guy in his sport in the world.
He already owns the world power lifting records for blind athletes, but Jesso, feisty and determined, said that was not good enough. Up next, Jesso - who lives in the Danforth and Birchmount Park area and uses Variety Village sometimes for training, has big dreams to turn in to reality.
A carded athlete, that means he receives government funding because of his excellence in sport, Jesso likes to compete in what is called raw lifting and is planning to be in Stockholm for the world championships in June. A raw lift means competitors cannot wear any weightlifting apparel, whereas a suited lift means they can wear supportive equipment such as a spandex suit, which can help lift more weight.
Jesso wants to be the first blind gold medalist at the Open World championship.
"People can believe what they want," said Jesso, who trains almost three hours every day. "I am a gifted athlete and what I do is something that requires excellence in skill and technicality. My plan is to be the sleeper in Sweden, leave everyone guessing about who is this guy in Canada and while they are still thinking, win the big prize. I still have lots to show that others really don't know about me."
Jesso, with a training plan set for the next 30 weeks, doesn't take too lightly that his body weight is seen by others as one of epic proportions.
"I go through periods of bulking, eat eight eggs for breakfast, then all you can eat Sushi at lunch," said Jesso, admitting his weight size is considered unhealthy by some.
"But, I am no walking time bomb. I wear 5XL pants and you won't see me buying the fashionable Versace clothes. Look, there's a perception that if you're not a trimmed dude, you're frowned upon. A guy my size burns 100 calories just by getting off a couch."
Not everyone can do what Jesso does with bars and heavy weights that shake the ground when dropped. He even has a formula for trimming down starches, eating lots of protein, fruits and vegetables a few weeks prior to a big meet.
"I have spent so many years being who I am, super cautious, very picky and never show-boating my strength," said Jesso.
"When I am done in Sweden, there will be just a bit of a breathing time and then it'll be time to focus on the 2015 Pan Am Games when I can go after gold right here in Toronto," he said.
