Features, Sports

Tech student breaks three national powerlifting records at St. Louis meet

Justin Schlenkert preps for a bench press rep at his June 2024 powerlifting competition in Knoxville, TN. Photo by Tracey Hackett. Provided by Jonathan Frank.

Tennessee Tech’s very own Justin Schlenkert recently competed in a national powerlifting meet in St. Louis, Missouri. The event lasted from Oct. 25 to Oct. 27, 2024.

Schlenkert broke three national records in the bench, deadlift and total weight categories. Schlenkert, a member of the 165-pound weight class, put up an impressive 330-pound bench, 525-pound deadlift and a 475-pound squat, leading to a record breaking total of 1,330 pounds.

Schlenkert described how it felt when he realized he had broken the records, saying “It was a big relief to finally accomplish something I have talked about for years. I competed with some injuries, so I was happy to get through and do well.”

Schlenkert’s decision to compete in powerlifting came from outside influences such as fellow gym members.

“Many people in the gym saw how strong I was for my age and size and encouraged me to compete. I searched up the records and found I really exceeded them.”

He credits his success to two very important factors: God and his relentless work ethic.

“I would have to credit some of my success to God and some of my success to my work ethic. Always getting back up and kept going.”

Just like many other successful athletes at their respective sports, Schlenkert is proud of his accomplishments, but is still striving to be better. In regards to his future goals and plans in powerlifting, Schlenkert is far from satisfied. 

“I have a big meet in March. I did not think I was going to be able to stay in the same weight class. But I have a chance to reset all national and state records. If I do well enough, I could become top 25-50 all time for my age and size.”

Schlenkert is eager for this competition in March and wants to achieve these goals he has set for himself.

“I may finally break the goals I’ve been reaching for. Lots of lingering injuries have held me back at my nationals meet. It’s about time I overcome them.”

The task ahead for Schlenkert is his next big meet in March, but he will have another opportunity to showcase his ability just a few months later.

“I also have a meet in June where I will try to compete underweight in a higher weight class and attempt to set the records.”

Regardless of how Schlenkert performs in these next two meets, his accomplishments and records he set back in October will not soon be forgotten or unrecognized.