2023 Steel Mill Iron Showdown Results

I competed in my second ever full powerlifting meet on March 18, 2023 at Steel Mill Fleming Island in Florida. It was a USPA drug tested competition run by USPA South Carolina.

I ended up coming away with Florida state records in my age and weight class for the squat, bench press, and deadlift. (110kg, age 45-49)

Squats: Opened with 408, which qualified for the record. I then failed two consecutive attempts at 435. That was pretty frustrating because I’ve done that weight and more many times in the gym. The first failure was due to up and down movement. I am not really sure why I failed the second time. It may have been because of slight knee movement prior to racking the weight. It looked like a good rep to me on video. Shrug. 

Bench: I was good on all three attempts: 254, 270, & 276. Nailing that 276 in competition was pretty exciting and it represents an 11 pound meet PR. 

Deadlift: Also successful in all three: 485, 513, 546. 485 flew and 513 was also fast. Based on that, I decided to wing it and try an all time PR @ 546. Three white lights and a 22 pound meet PR resulted.

State Records:

Squat: 408

Bench: 276

Deadlift: 546

Special thanks to my wife for supporting me and for driving up and back to be my handler and to take videos. Another special shout-out to our babysitter for helping us out big time!

I’d also like to mention the various folks I’ve met in Florida that have encouraged me to give this sport a try. There is no way I would have ever done this if I never walked in to Power Strength Gym in Orlando some 5 years ago.