Lifting three times your weight is challenging for most 15-year-olds, but for sophomore Larry Fulgencio, it’s light work. 

Fulgencio started his journey in 2020 when he was inspired by his siblings’ accomplishments and his own desire to encapsulate the appearance of a Dragon Ball character. 

“The main goal at first was to look like Gohan and then Baki,” Fulgencio said. “After that, I just found more animes, and that made me strive to look like and be as strong as them. I don’t really get that much spotlight, since  both my siblings are dancers, so it feels good to be in the spotlight for a little bit [when I powerlift].” 

Fulgencio recently competed in the USPA Drug Tested Smash Iron Fitness Open, in Las Vegas, NV. He competed in the 13-15 age division and won first place. 

“I got first with my three combined lifts,” Fulgencio said. “I lifted 375 squat, 198 bench, [and] 421 deadlift for a total of 986 pounds. I broke state records with these lifts making me number one in the state for squat, bench, and total weight.” 

In this time of accomplishment, Fulgencio reflected on how it felt in the victorious moment. 

“[When I was lifting] there were a lot of people screaming and shouting and cheering me on,” Fulgencio said. “It’s a weird feeling, but I felt accomplished after. It felt good to be in the spotlight for a little bit and everyone was just watching me.” 

With his immense strength and commitment to his sport, Fulgencio hopes to one day achieve something greater than just a state record.

“I want to reach nationals—like I want to [reach] Olympic status in powerlifting,” Fulgencio said. “I’ll forever implement [this goal] into my everyday life.”