Austin: Off Season Begins

It’s been a while since my last update, but it’s my off season now and these past couple months have had some pretty good highlights.

In March, I competed in a Powerlifting Meet for the first time. My goal was to break the RPS World Record for squat in my weight class (75 Kg). The record was 515 lbs and my personal record is 500 lbs. I’d say the goal was within reach. However, at the meet, my quads locked up on me and I felt like I was about to pull a muscle, so I called it and decided it would be better to walk away from the meet somewhat (but not really) disappointed and HEALTHY, than to walk away limping because I’m injured. The other two lifts, bench press and deadlift went extremely well. Took away PRs in both lifts and set records for my gym, Austin Simply Fit. Overall, the meet was fun, but it was very drawn out—a lot of sitting around. I’d do it again, but probably next year.

April, so far, has been pretty good to me. It’s my birth month and my gym donated it’s opening anniversary towards my Olympic Dream and held a Crawfish Boil Fundraiser with me at the pot. We ended up raising just over $2000 which helped me purchase a pretty good Skeleton sled. Now, all I need to do is find a helmet that meets the requirements of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation. That is a herculean task, because they’re aren’t exactly the easiest to find. Adding to the list of goals for this off season and summer are to: gain strength, generate more explosiveness, gain weight (currently 165, trying to gain 20-30 lbs) and save enough money to support traveling for next season.

I have received so much love throughout this entire journey and I know God has so much more in store for me. If you’re wondering how to contribute to my success through prayer, praying for mental and emotional stability as I progress and learn the sport (it’s easy to get lost and look at how someone else is progressing compared to you), for strength in times when I feel like training isn’t going anywhere and for The Lord to continue to bless me with the finances as he has been up to this point.

Y’all are the best. Thank You!