Jack Bartlett
Anchorage’s Jack Bartlett rewrote the record book at the Drug Tested U.S. Powerlifting Association National Championships in Palm Springs, California.
The 275-pound 17-year-old set six world records for his weight class and age group in his first taste of national competition on a big stage.
“To walk away with world records is pretty special,” Bartlett said.
He finished with a personal best total weight of 1,587 pounds in the squat, bench and deadlift. His previous career high was 1,532 set earlier this year in Oregon.
Bartlett squatted 639.9 pounds, benched 347.2 pounds and deadlifted 600.8 pounds.
“As a first experience at a big meet like this, there was a lot to learn,” he said. “Once I got past the nerves, my training kicked in and we were able to get some great lifts in.”
Four of his records were in the tested category but he also set untested records in the squad and total weight. Tested athletes can set untested records, but untested athletes cannot set tested records.
“It was exciting to be competing at nationals,” Bartlett said. “My coach, Kyle Young, had me very well prepared.”
Last November, he set national powerlifting records for his age and weight as a 16-year-old.
Bartlett has already made major improvements since then, improving his squat total by 61 pounds, his bench press by 33 pounds and his deadlift by 12 pounds.
He’s actually squatted 650 pounds in a previous competition but international judges are required to be on hand for it to be considered a world record.
The high school senior only recently got into competitive powerlifting with motivation from his football coach.
Up next is the Drug Tested USPA World Championships, where Bartlett will aim to make even greater strides.
“I’m looking to improve my totals there,” he said.
