By Ron Marvel
Star Correspondent
Last weekend Star Fitness in Elizabethton hosted the International Power Lifting Association event called the Tri-Cities Bash. The event will be remembered as a World Record was set in the bench press as Jimmy Kolb, Manassas, Va., lifted an incredible 1401 lbs. The weight serves as the heaviest single lift in powerlifting history. Kolb is the first athlete to break the 1200 lb barrier, the 1300 lb barrier and now the 1400 lb barrier in the bench press. After the event, Kolb shared his thoughts. “1400 lbs, we did it. Tthe number of people I have in my corner that are genuinely good humbles me and this wouldn’t have happened without them. Thank you all,” Kolb stated.

Three local products did well at the IPA event as David Fields took first place in his weight class in the Men’s Division Push/Pull, lifting a combined 584 lbs, while Brayden Christman from Roan Mountain took first overall in the event in the Men’s Amateur Junior Division Push/Pull, lifting an eye-popping 705.5 lbs. In addition, another IPA record fell as 58-year-old Paul Walls hoisted up 661 lbs in the Dead Lift. Johnson City resident Trey Ingle took first in the Pro-Open Push/Pull, recording a lift of 848.8 lbs and took home the title of “Best Male Lifter.”

Meet Director and Elizabethton resident Kyle Chapman spoke about the success of the event and wanted to give thanks to those in attendance and the vendors that helped with the event. “Considering this was my first time to host an event, I thought it went smoothly; I’m looking forward to hosting one next year and bringing quality power-lifting competitions back to this area.” If you would like to know more about future IPA events or would like to get involved in powerlifting, you can contact Kyle at (423) 297-0285 or email him at Kylechapman96@yahoo.com