The Special Olympics powerlifting season wrapped up a memorable season with a historic finale at the Virginia state-level competition.
Special Olympics powerlifters from Gabriel Homes who competed placed first in at least one category, with some sweeping all three.
The Journey
Powerlifters competed in bench presses, deadlifts, and combinations; the latter combines the total weight lifted from the former two. Every Tuesday evening, the powerlifting team met at IMP Fitness, where coaches worked with athletes on increasing weights for lifts and improving form.
“I’m stronger now than ever thanks to powerlifting! We all cheer each other on when we’re lifting or if we win medals. Powerlifting friends are the best!”
The residents’ results at the state games were as follows:
- Chris: 1st place bench press
- Joe: 1st place deadlift; 2nd place bench press and combination
- John: 1st place bench press, deadlift, and combination
- Patrick: 1st place deadlift; 3rd place bench press and combination
- Sam: 1st place deadlift and combination; 3rd place bench press
- Sean: 1st place bench press, deadlift, and combination
Remembering Coach Bill Whiteside
During the tournament, one powerlifter memorialized his father, Coach Bill Whiteside (third from right), who passed away in early 2026. Coach Bill led the team as a people-first coach and joyful motivator. Athletes pushed thesmelves to do their best under Coach Bill, who embodied the Special Olympics oath: Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
“Coach Bill is no longer with us, but he’s still a part of the team. Every week we trained at the gym was fun because Bill was there. He would tell us how we could get better at lifting, and he gave big high fives when we set personal records. My gold medal this year is in honor of Coach Bill.”