Special Olympics Southeast Meet
As you may have previously read in my log, CJ, has many challenges in life. He suffered a stroke before he was born, which resulted in a severe speech and language impairment, decreased control of the right side of his body, and lack of motor-planning ability. He was also left with decreased knowledge of where his body was in space, as well as a seizure disorder. I’ve been working with CJ for over two years and gained respect for the challenges that others face, as well as a new-found appreciation for my seemingly simple life. Little things don’t bother me as much as they once may have, as I realize they’re trivial compared to what others deal with. I’m also gaining a greater awareness for the fact that happiness is determined more by state of mind, rather than the situation we’re in.
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CJ seems to get sick often and rapidly loses strength. This meet was one of the first when he hasn’t been ill through the whole training cycle. Due to his health issues, he’s not quite at his best where he was years ago, but still finds contentment in competition. His goal is always to go 9 for 9, so I make sure to take this into account, as well as to do my best to make improvements from his last meet.
The Southeast Meet was held in Marietta, Georgia. There were 90 lifters, but it was very well-ran. The hosts did an excellent job of keeping everything running efficiently on two platforms all day long.
The Meet
Squats
Warm-ups
- 135 x 5
- 185 x 2
- 225 x 2
First Attempt
- 270 pounds – good!
Second Attempt
- 286.5 pounds – good!
Third Attempt
- 303 pounds – good!
Bench
Warm-ups
- 95 x 5
- 135 x 3
- 155 x 2
First Attempt
- 181.7 pounds – good!
Second Attempt
- 187.2 pounds – good!
Third Attempt
- 209 pounds – good!
Deadlift
Warm-ups
- 135 x 3
- 185 x 2
- 225 x 1
First Attempt
- 275.5 pounds – good!
Second Attempt
- 303 pounds – good!
Third Attempt
- 325 pounds – good!
CJ went 9 for 9 winning gold medals in the squat, bench, and overall, as well as a silver in the deadlift. He never gets very excited, but said that along with the Magic and FSU winning, it was a perfect weekend.
The Special Olympians all have varying levels of intellectual disabilities, but often have physical disabilities as well. Many of the competitors at the Southeast meet attend a school for the deaf and blind. One of the most amazing things I witnessed was the deaf athletes leading the blind around. I think we all have something we can learn from them.
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Brian has the all time highest total of 1930 lbs in the 148 lb. class and is a WPO champion in the lightweight division. His total for the 148 lb class was ranked number one on Powerlifting USA's top 100 list for 8 consecutive years. He won the 148lbs. class in the first Bench America contest and is recognized as one of the most consistent powerlifters in the world. Brian competes equipped as well as raw (his raw total was ranked #2 in the nation in the 148 lb class in 2009 with lifts of a 501 lb squat, 325 lb bench, a 550 deadlift, and a 1377 lb total). Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences from the University of Florida and is a CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) with the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). He owns and operates Orlando Barbell (www.orlandobarbell.com)--a 24 hour card access gym that is powerlifter friendly. His best lifts in the 148 lb. class are a 765 pound squat (five times bodyweight), the highest 148 pound class full meet bench of 565 pounds, a 606 pound deadlift and the all time highest total of 1,930 pounds. He has now moved up to the 165 pound class where his best lifts include an 825 lb squat, a 622 lb bench (the 3rd highest of all time), a 628 pound deadlift, and a 2045 lb pound total (the 3rd highest total of all time in the 165 lb class).
View Brian’s Training Log 
Very cool, Brian. Sounds like you’re getting back as much, if not more than you are putting in. This was a great read.
Congrats Brian & CJ. Much respect to both of you. Thanks for sharing.
This was a great read sir! One of my favorite things about the whole EliteFTS family is when you guys give back and help others with special needs. Its amazing to hear of powerlifters as great as you whose hearts are bigger than their totals. John Bunyan said “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone that cannot pay you back.”
Thats such a great way to contribute. Awesome that theres an outlet for iron brothers with special needs! Congrats to CJ!
C.J. is an inspiration. Great lifts!
Fantastic. What an inspiring, motivating story. GREAT job, CJ!!
You will never be up set with yourself for helping CJ. I have been helping with a team of blind rowers for 2 years now and make it the first thing on my list of things to do. It truly makes my day seeing them do good and having fun. It is great of you to be helping CJ
Great Article, with all that is going on today it’s great to see day in and day out that the community here at EliteFTS really cares for others, keep up the great work…and a Congrads to CJ, that is really awsome.
Literally read this first thing in the morning, and teared up. Amazing person. Makes my issues in life seem like a joke. Really puts things in perspective thanks for this
Awesome! Very inspiring.
Great read, Brian. Thank you for posting! And congrats to CJ!!!! Awesome!
Good job C.J ! Thank you Brian for sticking with C.J.
This inspires me and gives me hope for my 4 year old son. He has cortical vision impairment and partial complex seizure disorder with secondary generation and has developmental delays. I hope to someday connect with him in the gym to give him a little more control/awareness of his body as well as build his confidence. I know I’ll end up learning more from him than he will from me. But what do you expect from a blind kid that teaches you how to really see things…