Local athletes break records in powerlifting debuts

Two local athletes – 9-year-old Pierce Kietzmann and 44-year-old Alex Moor – both smashed Delaware state records in their first USA Powerlifting competitions.

Pierce trained three mornings a week at Rehoboth Beach Barbell Club before school in preparation for his meet in Fredericksburg, Va. Competing in squat, bench and deadlift, he went 9-for-9, hit personal records on every lift, and totaled 253 lbs., more than four times his body weight. His 132-lb. deadlift more than doubled his 63-lb. frame. He not only won first place in his division, but also broke six state records.

Meanwhile, Moor delivered an equally impressive debut. He hit PRs in all three lifts, also breaking state records in squat, bench and deadlift. Despite narrowly missing a 352-lb. bench press, Moor won his age category and placed third in the open division. Defying typical strength-loss trends during weight cuts, he achieved these results after losing over 30 pounds.

Their results show that with dedication, focus and discipline, greatness has no age limit.