Powerlifters compete at nationals

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Powerlifting competition is an individual sport that’s performed in single repetition over numerous sets of the squats, bench presses, and dead-lifts. The winner has the highest combined weight in their category. A Columbus (Miss.) Air Force Base duo – 2nd Lt. Brett Albertson and Staff Sgt. Thomas Buena - had been training for the 2019 USA Powerlifting Military Nationals in Texas. The nationals took place March 16. With more than 75 competitors, Buena finished runner up in his category, tying the winner with a combined weight of 1,593 pounds, but lost the tiebreaker. Albertson was on track to place first in class, however none of his squats counted. He was disappointed, but had a great learning experience. It was both men’s first competition. Buena serves as the 14th Contracting Squadron’s NCO in charge of Base Operating, Support and Services. Albertson is the 14th Civil Engineer Squadron’s chief of project management. Both athletes will continue their fitness journeys. Albertson wants to continue powerlifting-style training in addition to intense cardio workouts. Buena said his goal is to work towards a lower weight class and keep the same strength in each of the three major lifts. (Source: 14th Flying Training Wing 03/22/19)