Milton powerlifters earn top medals

PENSACOLA — Nine Bar Strength & Conditioning members attended a powerlifting meet July 14, the Pensacola Fitness Showdown at Pensacola Fitness.

Multiple members earned first-place medals and three broke records.

In powerlifting competitions, athletes attempt lifts in a set sequence with a maximum weight three times to contribute to the overall score. The three lifts competitors perform are the squat, bench press and deadlift. 

• Dan Belanger, first place medal in the 198-pound weight class, masters single ply, bench only 363.8 pounds, a national record. 
• Elizabeth Shipley, first place medal in the 181-pound weight class, bench only, 137.8 pounds, a masters Florida record. 
• Paul Wallis, first place medal in the 220-pound weight class, master single ply, 501 pounds in squat, 308 pounds in bench press, 573 pounds in deadlift, a national record. 
• Derek Hered, first place medal in the 198-pound weight class, open, 507 pounds in squat, 347 pounds in bench press, 620 pounds in deadlift. 
• Bar owner Bryan May, first place medal in the 220-pound weight class, single ply open push/pull, 534 pounds in bench press, 705 pounds in deadlift. 
• Patt Porter, first place medal in the 275-pound weight class, open classic raw masters, 600 pounds in squat, 451 pounds in bench press, 705 pounds in deadlift. 
• Jasmin Benzant, first place medal in the 165-pound weight class, 336 pounds in squat, 209 pounds in bench press, 353 pounds in deadlift. 

Bar member Josh Davis was a spotter at the event. Gary Brewer, another Bar member, participated as one of the official judges.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton powerlifters earn top medals