Kyle Alexander had a good feeling of what was to come in the United States Powerlifting Association National Championships this past weekend at Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.
“In training I just really fine-tuned everything,” the 2013 Sierra High graduate said. “I was healthy and injury-free, and that made a huge difference — not just physically but with my mental confidence. Going into the meet I felt really prepared. I made weight easily and didn’t have to cut. From there, everything just built on itself.”
He reached all of his goals and then some, taking first place in the 20-23-year-old Junior 242-pound division and second overall with a personal-best 1,802 pounds of total lifts.
Alexander, who has worked through shoulder and hip injuries, set a new California state record with a 688.9-pound squat and set personal records in the bench press (374) and dead lift (738), doing it all with three clean lifts in each event.
“It was my best meet so far, Alexander said. “I’m super happy with what I did. I wanted to go 9 for 9 on all my lifts and added about 100 pounds to my (previous-best) total. My goal was to hit 1,800 and I did that.”
Alexander will next compete in the San Diego Fit Expo on Oct. 28, looking to add onto his growing resumé of accomplishments that includes multiple International Powerlifting World Championship titles.
Alexander is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in physical therapy at Stanislaus State, where he holds a 3.9 grade point average. A certified personal trainer, he is also coaching 12 athletes with his Mr. Squat A Pony Powerlifting Team. Anyone interested in joining the team can reach him at mrsquatapony@gmail.com.