Wyatt Douda, 17, is a Senior at Bishop Union High School. On April 1st, Douda traveled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to lift in the USA High Schools Nationals Power Lifting Competition. We met up with him a couple weeks later to get his thoughts on the meet.

Q: What does the competition entail?

A: “Power lifting is a sport judged based off three lifts and three attempts each: Squats, Bench, and Deadlift. Your total is all lifts combined. You need to hit a certain body weight and age to qualify.”

Q: What’d you have to do to prepare for the meet?

A: “I had to bulk for the comp. Which is basically gaining weight on a consistent basis. I competed in the 183 pound weight class. I qualified at the 165 pound weight class, but ended up lifting in the 183 pound class. So, I had to bulk up for the meet.”

Q: What were your thoughts and feelings going into it?

A: “Really nervous, pretty much not looking forward to it. After squats I was a bit relieved and knew where my day was gonna go.”

Q: What did you keep telling yourself throughout the meet?

A: “I just had a plan set by my Coach and was committed to execute. I had these things to do and I’m just gonna do them.”

Q: Who is your motivation, inspiration?

A: “Honestly, Berserk Manga. And Professional Powerlifter Russ Orhii, who’s coached by my Coach’s brother.”

Q: What were your final weights? Final standing?

A: “473 Squat, 330 Bench, and 545 Deadlift. I placed 5th in the standings.”

Q: What were your feelings after the competition?

A: “Really happy, I didn’t think I was even going to place. There’s a lot of lifters, it’s nationals. I was really happy knowing I had more in the tank by the end.”

Q: Anybody you’d like to thank?

A: “Richard Miears for introducing me to the sport. I was in the weight room one day and was like, ‘I wish I could do this as a sport’ and Miears responded ‘Well, actually, there is’. I’d like to thank Arnie Palu for being very supportive of it. And my parents for getting me out there.”

Q: Final question, Reeses or Cocoa Puffs?

A: “Cocoa Puffs, always.”