Rehoboth youngster sets regional powerlifting records
After making the 7-hour trip to compete, 9-year-old Pierce Kietzmann of Rehoboth Beach delivered a record-breaking performance at the Connecticut State Championship March 21, setting four Regional USA Powerlifting records.
Coached by Jacob Latta-Morissette at Rehoboth Beach Barbell Club, Pierce achieved personal records across all three lifts while competing against top youth athletes.
Pierce squatted 48 kilograms, breaking the regional record by 5.5 kilograms and the state record by 0.5 kilograms. He followed with a 25.5-kilogram bench press, surpassing both regional and state records by 0.5 kilograms, and a 70.5-kilogram deadlift, adding another state record by 0.5 kilograms. His total of 144 kilograms shattered the regional record by 23 kilograms and exceeded the state record by 1.5 kilograms, marking an impressive all-around performance.
With the result, Pierce is now ranked fifth all-time nationally for his age and weight class. His performance highlights the growth of youth strength training in the area and reflects the impact of dedicated coaching, discipline, and support from his family and training community.
