Lifting records shattered during Luke competition

  • Published
  • By KEVIN BRUAW
  • 56th Force Support Squadron Fitness Center
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Weights flew as the Luke Air Force Base Fitness Center held the May Fitness Month power lifting competition. 

Three Luke records fell as nine male and female competitors took on the bench press, deadlift and squat and lifted a combined 17,550 pounds. 

In the female class, heavyweight bracket competitor Lucy Keith set a new fitness center record in the squat category, powering up 215 pounds. She also took home the title of Luke's strongest woman, lifting a combined weight of 925 pounds. 

Light heavyweight male competitor, Michael Conger, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron, threw the big weights around in an attempt to claim the title of Luke's strongest male. Conger lifted a total of 3,180 lbs, including 430 pounds in the deadlift, a personal best. 

Despite his best effort, the competition belonged to Ben O'Brien, 56th Maintenance Operations Squadron. O'Brien is a regular competitor in Luke powerlifting competitions. 

He dazzled the crowd and judges, setting two personal bests along the way. He topped out at 460 pounds in the bench press and 660 pounds in the deadlift. 

O'Brien once again claimed the title of Luke's strongest male, lifting a combined weight of 4,595 pounds. 

For those interested in competing in the next Luke Fitness Center power lifting competition, it is set for Oct. 24. 

For more information, call (623) 856-6241.