Savannah native Ethan Cohen takes 2nd place overall at World Powerlifting Championships

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – A Savannah native is making powerful waves on the world stage.

Eighteen-year-old Ethan Cohen recently traveled to South Africa to represent the United States at the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Sub-Junior World Powerlifting Championships, bringing home the overall world silver medal.

Cohen powered through a grueling 24-hour travel day and a six-hour time difference to post a massive total of over 1,600 pounds (747.5 kilograms) lifted.

In addition to his second-place finish overall, Cohen secured an individual world gold medal in the bench press with a powerhouse lift of 420 pounds.

Cohen says training right here at home in Savannah prepared him for the high-stakes moment, and he was proud to put the Hostess City on the map.

“Representing the Coastal Empire on the international stage is an incredible blessing as far as just being able to really represent where I’m from,” Cohen said. “I’ve been in Savannah all my life and I’m born and raised here. So just being able to display my hometown on the world stage is an incredible experience and an incredible opportunity.”

As Cohen prepares to transition to the Junior division to face older lifters, his sights are already set on returning to the world platform next year to claim the overall gold.