Art Castillo sets up for a deadlift attempt with Coach Roman Reyes in the background during the USA Powerlifting West Coast Regional Championships held over the weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.
ART Castillo, an NMI-born athlete, placed second in the USA Powerlifting West Coast Regional Championships held over the weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 21-year-old recorded his best performance yet as he nearly perfected all lift attempts in the junior 90kg weight class.
In the squat portion, he lifted 203kg, 237.5kg, and 245kg with only his first attempt flagged.
In the bench portion, he successfully lifted 140kg, 147.5kg, and 155kg. He then ended the deadlift portion with a lift of 237.5kg and 252.5kg.
During Castillo’s final attempt, he aimed to lift 272.5kg, which would have put him in first place, but he failed and had to settle for second place.
“Honestly, I did not know what I was deadlifting for my last attempt as Roman Reyes, my coach, was handling my attempts throughout my meet. After missing the lift, it was all love to me. I smiled right after because, though I did miss the lift, I was happy with my overall performance,” Castillo said.
It was his second time competing in a powerlifting event for the junior 90 kg weight class.
“This meet was by far the best meet I’ve competed in…because of all the excitement and energy that was there. The toughest challenge I faced in the competition was myself. I recently bounced back from a lower back injury, as well as…elbow/shoulders pain. However, I was able to prove myself wrong,” Castillo said.
“Overall, what’s done is done. I did what I came to do, and though I did not win first, I still placed and achieved higher numbers than my previous meet,” he added.
“I would like to thank two people that supported me throughout my meet prep: Coach Roman Reyes and Jenny Nguyen, my gym partner. Without them, I don’t think I would have done as well.”
After receiving his associate degree in criminal justice from Northern Marianas College, Castillo left Saipan to further his education in Washington where most of his family members reside. This year, he received his bachelor’s degree in justice and law.
