GAYLORD – David and Zakiya Bragg, two brothers from Gaylord with Down syndrome, recently won first-place titles at a U.S. Powerlifting Association competition. Despite only taking up the sport recently, the brothers secured top finishes in their respective weight classes. David Bragg totaled more than 590 pounds to win his division, while Bragg totaled more than 430 pounds to win his.
The brothers are known for their high activity levels, ranging from youth sports to manual labor on their family farm. Their transition into powerlifting has resulted in significant physical growth, with their father noting that David has already surpassed him in strength. “Really exciting to see them grow,” said Rod Bragg, the father of David and Zakiya. “And David is actually stronger than me now. After the competition, I just gave up on being stronger than him.”
Bragg, 19, won the 18 to 19-year-old 165-pound weight class. He lifted a combined total of more than 590 pounds across the bench press, squat and deadlift to secure his victory. Bragg, 17, took first place in the 16 to 17-year-old 149-pound weight class with a total of more than 430 pounds.The brothers follow a disciplined daily schedule that begins early in the morning. Their father, Bragg, described how the family balances faith and fitness. “We get up at 6 a.m. in the morning, go to mass and then come lift weights,” Bragg said.
Beyond their personal gains, the brothers have found a supportive environment at their local gym. “There’s a community of guys that just take them in and they just, you know, one of the guys said, they just make my day when I see them,” Bragg said. “So it’s really cool.”The Bragg family includes 10 children, with David and Zakiya being the seventh and eighth siblings. The brothers have remained close throughout their lives, a bond Bragg noted was evident since their childhood.
“They’ve always been close,” Bragg said.
Bragg emphasized that he views his sons’ achievements as a way to challenge public perceptions of their diagnosis. “Hopefully, what they do, people see that Down syndrome isn’t a handicap,” Bragg said. “I don’t see them as being handicapped. And, they just are who they are. And hopefully it inspires other people to do the same.”
The Braggs are currently searching for their next powerlifting competition.
