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John Bolinger, 28, Winston, was overall top power-lifter during the 2011 Iowa Regional Championship held Oct. 8, at the Des Moines Strength Institute. John is a member of NASA (Natural Athletes Strength Association) Power-lifting.
Competitors received three attempts per lift at a weight of their choosing during the match. The heaviest successful attempt from each separate lift is then taken and added for a total, which determines the winner of the competition.
Weighing in at 205 pounds, John lifted in Deadlift at 639 pounds/290 kg (he beat his own American record in Police/Fire Division); Squat at 639 pounds/290 kg; and Bench Press at 435 pounds/197.50 kg, for a total of 1,713 pounds/777.5 kg.
He took first place in his weight class, as well as the overall top lifter award.
"My performance at the meet was a personal let down, because I took attempts that were 30 to 40 pounds under what I should have done," he said. "Lifts were too easy. But there will be more meets to compete in."
A Cameron native, John has lived at Winston for about two years. He is married to Julie Sheppard and he has a stepdaughter, Stephanie, 18. He works as a corrections officer for the Missouri Department of Corrections. He lifts in the Police and Fire Division, Military Police and Fire Division; and the Intermediate Division.
The Natural Athletes Strength Association is drug-free power-lifting. NASA doesn’t allow its competitors to use any type of strength-inducing drugs.
John started power-lifting in high school but an injury forced him to quit. He picked the sport up again about three years ago. He trains at Cameron YMCA. He competes regularly, about once every 12 weeks.
"I’ve been doing it for some time injury free," he said. "Injuries are my biggest fight."
John said he’s been using a Russian type training that is working extremely well for him. His numbers are going up faster than they ever have.
"I would encourage any young athletes to train and compete in the sport of power-lifting," John said. "It is very competitive and gives individuals of all ages and genders an area to focus energy, as well as develop great discipline."