Teen Breaks World Powerlifting Record
A teen lifter just set a new world record in powerlifting, putting a spotlight on the rising standard in youth strength sports. The achievement is being celebrated within the lifting community and underscores how the next generation is pushing boundaries in competitive strength athletics.
Salisbury teen Tyler "Ty" Gardner, 16, set a new world record with a 501.5-pound squat on January 10, 2026. This was Gardner's first-ever full powerlifting competition. The record was achieved on his second attempt at the 365 Strong World Powerlifting Federation event held in Salisbury. A student at Jesse C. Carson High School, Gardner also recorded a 220.5-pound bench press and a 402.3-pound deadlift at the same competition. His total for the three lifts was 1124.3 pounds. This performance made him number one in the world for his division and weight class. Gardner's journey in weightlifting began at age nine, learning proper form and technique from his trainer, Rijk Zwaan. His mother, Rayna Gardner, is the general manager at The Forum in Salisbury, where he was first introduced to the gym environment. His trainer emphasized a slow and steady approach, focusing on technique without heavy loads until Gardner reached adolescence. This foundation was credited for his rapid and successful entry into competitive powerlifting.
