Pictured above – Tennessee Tech student Justin Schlenkert is pictured at a June 2024 competition in Knoxville, Tennessee
Schlenkert shattered the state record for squats
A junior in Tennessee Tech University’s College of Business has turned a passion for fitness into a record-breaking success. Competing in his first national Powerlifting United event in St. Louis, Missouri recently, Justin Schlenkert set three state and three national records in the 165-pound weight class for his age group.
“It’s a big achievement, but it’s probably more of a relief to me,” said the South Pittsburg, Tennessee native. “I’ve been chasing these records for a long time. To finally reach them feels incredible.”
At the meet, Schlenkert broke national records for his age and weight class with a 330-pound bench press and 525-pound deadlift. He also achieved a 475-pound squat, which gave him a combined total of 1,330 pounds, exceeding the previous national record by 30 pounds.
Schlenkert shattered the state record for squats, reset his own state bench press record and broke the state total record. Schlenkert said the competition marked a significant milestone in both his athletic and spiritual journeys.
“These achievements are just one way God has worked in my life and shown me how quickly things can change with effort and faith,” he added.
While Schlenkert worked out for years before entering his first meet, his journey into competitive powerlifting began just over a year ago.
The high school he attended had one of the state’s most successful football programs, and its coaches introduced him to weightlifting, encouraging him to develop his strength. Schlenkert said he’s still grateful for the support of those coaches.
Starting out in high school, Schlenkert described himself as one of the “smallest and weakest kids.”
“Most people thought it wouldn’t have been possible for me to achieve something like this,” he explained. “It’s a testament to God’s power and how God has worked in me over time.”
He began powerlifting competitively after friends noticed his exceptional strength and dedication and encouraged him, he said.
At that first competition, his lifts totaled 1,170 pounds – a far cry from the national records he recently broke. Schlenkert is an active member with the University Christian Student Center (UCSC) campus ministry. In addition to his faith, he said he draws strength from discipline and an analytical mindset that ties into his studies.
A business major with minors in management and logistics, he said he’s particularly interested in cost accounting and data analysis.
“Breaking things into smaller steps – whether it’s in academics or lifting – helps me stay focused and detect patterns. If something isn’t working, I’m able to figure out the problem and adjust quickly,” he said.
He trains up to six days a week at Tech’s state-of-the-art Marc L. Burnett Student Recreation and Fitness Center, often with encouragement and partnership from fellow students and staff. Schlenkert recently helped start a powerlifting club on campus and already has approximately 20 active members.
“Powerlifting has made me feel like a different person – and the support of my family, friends and the Tech community has been incredible,” he said.
He’s already setting his sights on future competitions, continuing to push the limits of what he has previously achieved.
“I have some specific goals I’m working to achieve. I hope to continue breaking state and national records, but at any rate, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next,” Schlenkert concluded.
Photo courtesy of Tech.
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