Powerlifting airman wins gold at World Games 2009 - Off Duty, Military Health and Fitness - Air Force Times

Powerlifting airman wins gold at World Games 2009

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — It’s no exaggeration that Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Tuchscherer is a heavyweight when it comes to powerlifting. He can lift a ton and then some, making him the strongest man on earth.

Tuchscherer, 24, took the gold medal in powerlifting July 26 at the World Games 2009 with a total weight of 2,330 pounds — 903 in squat, 600 in bench and 826 in dead lift. He weighs in at 267 pounds, about 11½ percent of his total lift. Ukrainians placed second and third, with totals of 2,309 and 2,188.

“Being able to win on powerlifting’s highest stage has been a truly great experience,” said Tuchscherer, who is in space and missile operations at Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

Tuchscherer burst onto the scene by setting five U.S. records at the 2008 Quest American Invitational — part of the Arnold Classic Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio — where he also placed first in his weight class.

From Corydon, Ind., Tuchscherer began strength training in high school and ramped it up while training for his school’s football team, where he played both offensive and defensive lineman. He continued his powerlifting as a cadet at the Air Force Academy, from which he graduated in 2007.

The Air Force has been supportive of Tuchscherer, giving him leave to compete in the World Games. Now, as the best in the world, the officer hopes to encourage his fellow airmen to pursue an all-natural strength-training program.

“My goal is to help others to get as strong as they can be,” Tuchscherer said.