MEET THE TEAM

VINH NGUYEN

DIRECTOR AND HEAD COACH

Vinh is the Director and Head Coach of Ascension Strength, with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and a Master's in Strength & Conditioning. He has six years of experience in the health and fitness industry. As an athlete, Vinh has competed in four National level competitions, one Invitational, and numerous local meets. As a coach, he has coached athletes to the National level.

Vinh's coaching philosophy centres on data-driven decision-making and individualised programming based on each athlete's unique responses and circumstances.

He founded Ascension Strength not only to help lifters achieve their goals but also to mentor and support the growth of aspiring coaches.

ABOUT VINH

What got you into powerlifting?

I've always been a gym junkie, drawn to self-improvement and performance.
Powerlifting gave me a measurable way to pursue progress and push my limits.
Over time, it evolved into more than just a sport—it became a platform for
helping others grow, which led me to start Ascension Strength.

What's your pre-lift ritual?

I keep my setup very intentional. I have taught myself to flip a switch, where I
lock in for a lift, and execute autonomously. I also tell myself, “I don’t care
if I get injured right now, this is going up”.

What is your favourite lift?

My favourite lift tends to alternate for me, depending on which lift currently moves
best in training. However, if I had to choose, it would probably be the bench
press.

What's a fun fact about you?

Huge anime fan.

DARWIN SUTEERAWANIT

SENIOR POWERLIFTING COACH

Darwin is a seasoned veteran of the sport, with over a decade of competition experience. From going to National Championships at the age of 17 to now competing at the Elite and Pro level, he has established himself as one of the most accomplished powerlifters in Australia. Throughout his career, Darwin has broken multiple Australian records and remains a strong presence in the powerlifting scene.

Darwin has successfully guided multiple athletes of all levels, helping them break personal records and reach National-level competitions. With his vast experience and extensive knowledge, Darwin is ready to take athletes to the next level.

ABOUT DARWIN

What got you into powerlifting?

When I was 17 years old and training at a commercial gym, one of the other gym-goers told me I was strong and dragged me along to compete with him at a powerlifting meet that same weekend. The rest is history.

What's your pre-lift ritual?

I like to absorb the competition atmosphere and be present in the moment. No headphones, no music, just presence.

What is your favourite lift?

Deadlift

What's a fun fact about you?

I have three cats

KEEGAN SMART

POWERLIFTING COACH

Keegan is a passionate coach with experience working with athletes of all levels, from first-time lifters to seasoned competitors. His love for teaching is what first drew him to coaching, and he thrives on sharing his knowledge to support athletes throughout their lifting journey. Keegan is committed to helping athletes build confidence, master technique, and unlock their true strength through smart, consistent progress.

ABOUT KEEGAN

What got you into powerlifting?

I've always been big, so I figured if I was going to be big I may as well get strong. Looked up strength training on YouTube - found a barbell brigade video on powerlifting and that was it, sucked in for life.

What's your pre-lift ritual?

I'm pretty zen when I train - no music, visualise the lift, clear my mind, do my set, yap for 15 mins, repeat.

What is your favourite lift?

Which ever one is moving best at the time hahaha. More often than not that's bench press, but deadlifts have stolen the show recently.

What's a fun fact about you?

I have vast knowledge of curtain making and haberdashery, if you need to freshen up your living room hit me up.

KEESHA ONG

NUTRITIONIST

With a background in competitive powerlifting and a degree in Food Science and Nutrition, Keesha brings both lived experience and evidence-based knowledge to her coaching. She blends research with real-life strategies to support clients in and out of the gym.

Keesha works with clients who want to get strong, improve their relationship with food, and build lasting habits, with no unnecessary restrictions. Her approach is realistic, inclusive, and grounded in helping you make informed choices that go beyond the latest trends.

She believes you don’t need to give up your cultural or heritage foods to be healthy. Good nutrition should enhance your life, not take away from it. Her coaching blends structure and flexibility, empowering you to reach your goals while still enjoying the foods and traditions that matter most.

ABOUT KEESHA

What got you into powerlifting?

I stumbled across a powerlifting meet on YouTube one day and was instantly fascinated. Back then, there weren’t many women in the sport, and I thought it would be so cool to give it a go.

What's your pre-lift ritual?

If I’ve got a big lift coming up, I throw on some music to get hyped and usually just zone out and focus.

What is your favourite lift?

Squats.

What's a fun fact about you?

Back in school, I was an emergency services cadet. I loved it so much that I worked my way up to the highest rank a student could get. So if we ever got lost in the bush, I could probably save us.

BRYAN HUYNH

CREATIVE COORDINATOR

Bryan is a competitive 83kg junior powerlifter and the Creative Coordinator at Ascension Strength. After completing his coaching internship and working with a number of athletes, Bryan transitioned into a creative role where he now leads content creation, merch, and visual direction for the brand.

ABOUT BRYAN

What got you into powerlifting?

Back in high school, me and my friends would go to the gym after school to max out everyday. One of the PTs at the gym suggested we should try out a powerlifting comp. I was the only one that ended up doing it and loved it ever since.

What's your pre-lift ritual?

Get into the zone, practice a bit of visualisation and music pumping full volume.

What is your favourite lift?

Bench press all day.

What's a fun fact about you?

I can do realistic drawings. May be a bit rusty now though.