McConnell Airman sets nation's record

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Colby L. Hardin
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  After weighing in at 148 pounds, Airman 1st Class Benny Le, 22nd Security Forces Squadron entry controller, laced his shoes and waited to be called to the platform to perform his first lift in the event, the parallel squat.

"This is one of the biggest meets in my powerlifting career," said Le. "I will not forget this day."

With more than two years of training, Benny finally saw the results that he worked so hard for.

Le had his best performance during the competition, setting both in state and American records. His family came to support him and witness him make powerlifting history.

"They didn't have to come since it was six hours away," added Le. "But they wanted to come. I'm glad that I have a family like this."

Although Le was the smallest competitor, he did not let that stop him from setting the national bench pressing record in his weight class, completing a press of 297 pounds.

Other lifts, such as the parallel squat and deadlift were not only personal records for him but they were also good enough to set records for the state of Kansas.

"I knew that I was setting records," said Le. "So whenever I completed a rep I was like, 'cool lets go up in weight'."

Much of Le's motivation came from seeing his family there, he said. He also received plenty of support from the other competitors and the people in the crowd who came to watch the competition.

"Random people I didn't even know were screaming and cheering," said Le. "It's one of the best things I could've asked for."