An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Photo Information

Status of Forces Agreement members and Japanese off-base residents competed in the 2016 Deadlift Competition at the IronWorks Gymnasium at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 14, 2016. Broken up by gender and weight class, this competition gave participants a chance to showcase their physical strength, dedication to fitness, drive to win, and gave more incentive for service members to push their physical capabilities in a positive, competitive atmosphere. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Jessica Quezada

Deadlift contenders raise the bar pound by pound

16 May 2016 | Sgt. Jessica Quezada Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

Status of Forces Agreement members and Japanese off-base residents competed in the 2016 Deadlift Competition at the IronWorks Gymnasium here Saturday.

Broken up by gender and weight class, this competition gave participants a chance to showcase their physical strength, dedication to fitness and drive to win.

“Powerlifting is an area that helps with my bodybuilding competitions,” said Daawud Horne, telephone and computer repairman with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “I figured I would give the contest a shot, and I was surprised and happy with my lifts today!”

This is one of several fitness competitions held throughout the year here, and Keith Carr, event coordinator and assistant athletics director with Marine Corps Community Services, invites more individuals to test their abilities in future events.

“The 1st Annual Deadlift Competition is not only an opportunity to build camaraderie within units and among members from different military branches aboard the MCAS Iwakuni installation, but an opportunity for individuals to show case their talent and strength,” said Carr. “The objective is to assist competitors with preparing for the . . . October 2016 Far East Power Lifting Competition. “

The Open Bench Press, Deadlift and Summer Slam Bench Press will assist competitors in tracking their progress toward the year ending Far East Power Lifting Competition which is open to off-base residents as well.

“These types of lifting events help create opportunities to bridge the friendship between the U.S. and Japanese.” said Carr. “The sharing of lifting styles and techniques is a definite opportunity for all competitors to enhance their weight lifting knowledge and a chance to practice speaking each other's language.”

The top three contenders of their class are shown below. These winners received a medal, a GNC gift bag and more importantly, the ultimate deadlift title.

Women
Weight: 123lb – Kotono Ikagawa
Weight: 132lb – Sayaka Takabayashi
Weight: 148lb – Olivia Osher
Weight: 165lb – Ashley Romaniello

Men
Weight: 148lb – Carlos Leon
Weight: 165lb – Noritada Inada, Manuel Vega
Weight: 181lb – Daawud Horne, Leandre Hinton, Phipps Joseph
Weight: 198lb – Jeffrey Carsley, Daniel Pineda, John Ltinger
Weight: 275lb – Robert Latham
Weight: SHW – Gabe Aldrete

Carr said the MCCS Semper Fit Athletics program will continue to encourage and provide weight lifting events to all military members, SOFA status members, JMSDF and members of the Japanese community.

“I've never been one that says good is good enough,” said Horne. “Being a Marine gives me many opportunities to test my mettle as far as physical fitness is concerned.”

For more information on upcoming fitness competitions, visit https://www.facebook.com/MCCSIwakuniSemperFit/



More Media