Teen powerlifting champ qualifies for nationals
WOODSTOCK, Ga. -- A Woodstock teenager recently became a national powerlifting champion.
Hunter Pooser lifted 1,317.2 raw pounds during a USA Powerlifting meet in Dalton on Nov. 5. This total, which is also an American Teen record, qualified the 17-year-old to compete at the National High School Championship meet in Wisconsin next March.
"Raw" pounds are lifted without the usual support devices that powerlifting athletes use, such as a special bench press shirt or a full-body "deadlift suit," according to Pooser.
"When I compete in Wisconsin this March, I will be competing 'equipped,'" he said, meaning that he will bring certain items to aid him in his lifting. "I compare [the deadlift suit] to the full suits that you see Olympic swimmers wear to get better times in competition."