Dylan Faucher set the new world bench press record in the 13-15 age group at 181 pounds and under at the World Powerlifting Association World Powerlifting Championships held over Labor Day weekend in Oakville, Connecticut. It was only the second competition for the 15-year-old native of Saint-Joseph-de-Coleraine.

He managed to lift 265 pounds, beating American Seth Strickland’s record of 264.6 pounds, set on November 9, 2013. Dylan also set two Canadian records at the same competition. He squatted 360 pounds, three more than the previous mark. With a 400-pound deadlift, he lifted a total of 1025 pounds across all three events, beating the old record of 912 pounds. Thanks to his performance, he was voted the best male lifter in competition among the athletes tested on anabolic steroids.

In an interview with Courrier Frontenac, powerlifting team member Gaulois de la Polyvalente de Disraeli said he was proud of his achievement. “I’m really happy with what I’ve done. I managed to achieve what I wanted,” he said, citing the support of his family and coach André Garon.

For the latter, the performance of the young athlete is “without a doubt one of the highest sporting facts of the Polyvalente de Disraeli and the region”.

A NATURAL TALENT

Dylan Faucher’s adventure began while training at school with friends last year. “We trained just for fun, to test ourselves. Andrew [Garon] came to me and he told me that I would be good if I competed and that I could break records. That really motivated me. I started and haven’t stopped since,” said the one who is also part of the circus program.

His trainer describes him as a natural talent and gifted athlete. “He has very impressive raw power. With training, he quickly achieved excellent results. »

The Colerainois claim to have developed a real passion for the sport. He trains at least an hour a day, seven days a week, at school, at Disraeli’s gym or at home. “I love it because it builds my strength and physical activity is good for everyone. »

Although he describes him as a very disciplined athlete, his coach sometimes has to slow down to keep his balance.

“He is determined and serious. He has confidence, wants to be successful and does what it takes to get there, argued André Garon. He had demonstrated it at his first competition in May. »

On that occasion, Dylan had set three Canadian records in the 13-15 year old category at 165 pounds and under.

His next competition will be in Magog in November. His goal will then be to match the world deadlift record and improve his own bench press mark. His long-term hopes are to bench 405 pounds, continue breaking records, and compete in as many events as possible.

VERSATILE SUPPORT

Dylan Faucher’s results are attracting more and more young people to the Polyvalente de Disraeli training room, said André Garon. The coach also wanted to highlight the help the school provides to its athletes like Dylan through its after-school budget.

“During the November competition, there will be seven or eight young Gauls. Registration in powerlifting is quite high, say $185 for Oakville, compared to track and field where it ranges from $25 to $40. The school also provides assistance with transport and accommodation if required. The principal sent a nice message through the establishment last week to congratulate Dylan. There is a lot of support from everyone,” concluded André Garon.