Joe, a resident at Gabriel Homes, won first place in the push-pull event during the Powerlifting Winter Wrecker tournament held in December.
His gold medal came thanks to his combined weight in the bench press and deadlift categories.
The Winter Wrecker tournament joined athletes of all abilities for two days of squat, bench press, and deadlift competition. Special Olympics athletes competed alongside lifters of various experience and division levels.
A new record!
Another highlight came from Sean, who achieved his personal best by deadlifting over 275 pounds. Having competed in Special Olympics for over a decade, Sean was proud to mark new milestones in his athletic career.
A new record!
Powerlifting residents faced the fiercest competition to date against fellow powerlifters. To medal, lifters had to complete lifts in every category. Some, like Joe, entered the push-pull division, while others went with the full powerlifting set of squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. As the rules go, miss one lift, and you’re out of medal contention.
While other residents may be disappointed not to walk away with medals, they see the results as motivation to outdo themselves for the next tournament.
Looking ahead, residents and coaches are already gearing up for their next meet. Everyone has the same goals in mind at every training session: lift heavier, hit new personal bests, and bring home more medals.
“I’m proud of everyone who competed for giving the tournament their all,” said Coach Bill Whiteside. “Our powerlifters embraced the Special Olympics oath: Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave at the attempt.”