(Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly reported Oswald as a high school sophomore, not a junior. We regret the error.)
Iola High School junior Lainey Oswald faced many challenges at last month’s KSHSAA Powerlifting Championship, but she credits her coaches, family and close friends for being in her corner while taking second.
Following her successful finish at state, Iola Register readers voted Oswald as the March Allen County Area Athlete of the Month.
Giving up more than 60 pounds to some competitors while participating in the heavyweight portion of the competition, Oswald credits her circle for keeping her focused and confident while challenging herself with each lift.
“That support group really does help because you have people who know what they’re doing,” Oswald said. “They can critique you and help you. In powerlifting, you really knock yourself down, but having them by your side is a really good feeling.”
Oswald said she did not intend to compete as a heavyweight, but before the meet, tournament officials combined the last two weight classes. While seemingly the odd one out, Oswald had one advantage working for her — her weight.
“It was really scary and at moments I felt defeated because of how much of a difference there was,” Oswald said.
But Oswald knew if she could keep up with the other heavyweights, her ratio of body weight to weight lifted could land her on the podium.
Oswald finished second in the clean at
175 lbs.; fourth in the squat at 280 lbs. and second in bench at 155 lbs.
She had highest lift-to-bodyweight ratio with 610 pounds lifted, or nearly three times her body weight.
Although a niche sport, especially in rural Kansas, Oswald was surprised how many locals noticed her accomplishment in Beloit.
“It was really weird to realize how recognized I was. It was definitely an honor,” Oswald said. “It was nice, especially given how rough state was. But I got through it and it was fun.”
