Connell Sets Four State Records at USA Powerlifting Meet

DES MOINES – Local student-athlete, Tommy Connell competed at the USAPL powerlifting meet in Des Moines last weekend, setting state records in his division.
Connell, just 15 years old, set four state records in the “Teen 145 pound” division, including squatting 330 lbs, a 181 lb bench press, and an astounding 429 lb deadlift. Connell’s lifts totaled 940 lbs – another record in his division. All four new records crushed the previous record by 50 to 100 pounds. Connell also attempted a 457 lb deadlift, the teen American record, but did not complete that lift. “He was very close to getting it,” said coach Devin Nielsen.
“Tommy has been training for a little over three months for this specific meet,” said Nielsen. “We have been working together for over a year, and our goal is for him to win two world championships by the time he is 18.”
Connell was slated to compete at Nationals in Orlando, Florida; however, that meet was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. Connell’s next meet is in Kansas City in November.