Powerlifting may focus on individual strength...
but Gabriel Homes residents show what’s possible when you combine forces.
Reaching the Stars
At the 2026 Dulles Plane Pull, residents who compete in Special Olympics powerlifting worked as a team to pull a 90 thousand-pound 737 plane.
Reaching the Stars
The challenge was nothing new for the residents, who have successfully pulled planes at Dulles Day for years. But this plane pull felt different. After each athlete won at least one gold medal at the statewide powerlifting competition this summer, they were motivated to show their success was no accident.
Powerlifters who love chatting with their friends grew silent when the team was called to the tarmac. Even residents who felt they had something to prove were nervous that their confidence was misguided. Athletes and coaches lined the rope on opposite sides like a tug of war. Then the blanks fired.
Next thing out of the coaches’ mouths: “1-2-pull!”
And the plane started rolling.
A sigh of relief carried over the residents once the plane moved, and the residents’ earned confidence was justified. The coaches cheered loudly and led high-fives for the team, and the athletes’ tension disappeared.
Now the powerlifters can focus on defending their titles.
“I’m excited that we’re training again. Tuesdays are my favorite nights of the week because it means I can get stronger. The first tournament can’t come soon enough!”