Sophomore Blake Turner recently set state records at the USA Powerlifting Competition after participating in his third meet on Saturday, February 24, in Cartersville, Georgia.
He competed in the men’s open age category, placing 16th out of 40 competitors ranging from as young as 15 to as old as 60.
Turner set state records for squat, bench press, and deadlift. He competed in the Teen 1 age category consisting of 14-15 years old and the 82.5 kg (181.88 lbs) and under weight class.
“You get three attempts to do as good as you can, and then whatever weight you lift, it’s your total in the meet,” Turner said. “I squatted 408 pounds, benched 292 pounds, and lifted 403 pounds.”
In order to improve himself as he got closer to the meet, Turner participated in a six-week pyramid training program, where he started out lifting lighter weights and then gradually lifted more weight with fewer reps.
Because Starr’s Mill does not have a powerlifting team, it is an individual sport for Turner. He initially started weightlifting from being on the varsity football team. He decided to get into it competitively after hearing about the USA Powerlifting Competitions from social media.
Turner plans to continue competing in powerlifting meets. Although at the moment he does not have any planned until next year, he works out everyday so that he can gradually improve himself over time.
“There is a military [meet] next March,” Turner said. “My dad and mom are in the military, so I might go to that one.”
Outside of school and weightlifting, Turner enjoys fishing and has recently started a mobile car detailing business with his friend.