Teen Powerlifter Breaks World Record
A teenage athlete shattered the world record in powerlifting this week, showcasing the elite level of talent and preparation among the sport's next generation. The achievement underscores the technical evolution happening in competitive strength sports. Meanwhile, fitness experts are emphasizing strength training's role in increasing balance and reducing fall risks as we age.
Sixteen-year-old Ty Gardner of Salisbury set the world record in his division at his very first powerlifting competition on January 10, 2026. The record-breaking lift was a 501.5-pound squat, which he achieved on his second attempt at the 365 Strong World Powerlifting Federation event. Gardner has been training in weightlifting form and technique since he was nine years old. His trainer, Rijk Zwaan, emphasized the importance of mastering the proper forms for squat, deadlift, and bench press without heavy loads during his early years to avoid stunting his growth. At the record-setting competition, Gardner also bench-pressed 220.5 pounds and deadlifted 402.3 pounds. His total for the three lifts was 1124.3 pounds, making him number one in the world for his age and weight class. The teenager's introduction to the sport was a natural one, as his mother is the general manager of a gym. He reportedly started with just the bar and 10 pounds on each side to learn technique, catching the powerlifting bug early.
