ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. (WENY) — Powerlifters gathered in Elmira Heights on Saturday, Jan. 24, for Sanctuary Barbell’s sixth annual powerlifting competition. Lifters took part in squat, bench, and deadlift as part of the day.
Each person lifted a different weight, with organizers saying some people were lifting close to 1,000 pounds. This is the sixth year of the Winter Warzone competition, and gym owners said they’re excited to be back.
Bobbejo Kohler, co-owner of Sanctuary Barbell, said there aren’t a lot of opportunities like Saturday’s competition for powerlifters in the area. She said people travel the county for events like this one, but there’s something special about having one nearby.
“We’ve been to Texas several times, Corpus Christi, Texas, Austin, Texas. We go to North Carolina,” Kohler said. “So we travel to help run other meets, but then of course it’s always nice when you can keep it close to home.”
Organizers said this event is on the smaller side, with only about fifteen participants. But, Kholer said she enjoys having it right in her own gym, so they don’t have to transport all the heavy equipment.
