NORWICH – The Norwich Family YMCA hosted its annual Fall Power Meet Saturday, Nov. 8. This event provides a competitive forum for weight lifters of all ages, weight classes, and experience levels to attempt their best performances. “This year we saw some truly incredible feats of strength and courage,” said Shannon Gawronski, meet coordinator.

Michelle Carlsen of Hamden bench-pressed 210 pounds and Donna Hadley of Delhi bench-pressed 165 pounds. “We just don’t see many women who can bench press that kind of weight,” Gawronski said.

The highlight of the competition was the 725-pound bench press lifted by Richard “Moose” Putnam of Fonda Right behind Putnam was Rusty Lewis of Johnstown with near 500-pound lift. “These guys represent a caliber of lifter we rarely see in our non-sanctioned meets,” Gawronski said.

Two other men lifted over 400 pounds, Chris Byrnes of Sidney, who set an unofficial American record for the 140 – 144 pound weight class lifting 405 pounds, and Alex Yvars of Fonda, who benched an impressive 450 pounds. Medals were awarded according to the age of the participant. and the Schwartz formula, which takes into account the lifter’s body weight proportional to the weight lifted.