NORWICH — The United States Powerlifting Association was back in the local area this past weekend as the Norwich YMCA held its third sanctioned event. Even though participation numbers declined, seeing just 23 competitors, there were records still broken and everyone enjoyed the event — from spectators to lifters to organizers.

“It was just poor timing,” event organizer and fellow powerlifter Dan Conant said. “There were a couple local meets recently a little further west and north, and Eastern Regionals is in four days, so people were dispersed to different meets. Because of that, attendance was low. However, the USPA plans to come back on May 3 of next year. They really love the community and the spacious facility at the Y.”

Conant, Taylor Moore, and several others broke records during the meet. Conant himself squatted 601 pounds for the first time ever in a tournament standard. He also broke the bench press state record with a 441-pound bench and was happy for the win on the day. Other locals, such as Jim Richette, broke the deadlift state record of 584 pounds, Conant stated, marking another successful event.

Taylor Moore broke the female state bench press record at 110 pounds, the state squat record at 198 pounds, and the state deadlift record at 265 pounds. Moore is 23 years old, part of the Juniors 20–23 age group, so she has beaten the Classic Raw Juniors, Women’s Full Power 67.5 KG, and weight class records.
She is soon to turn 24, which will put her in the Classic Raw Women’s Open division, where any age can compete, and she plans to stay at the 67.5 KG weight class.
Moore, who recently won the Deadlift Only event at the 2025 USPA Tested Nationals last July, is looking forward to qualifying for another nationals as well.

“While it was nice and much less intense of a meet locally than in Vegas, I am not competing in any other meets currently, but am still training,” Moore said. “I will have to compete in a qualifying meet after I turn 24 in order to qualify for Nationals again, which is the goal.”

Both Conant and Moore continue to be strong influences in the local powerlifting scene and encourage others to give the sport a try.

“My best advice for anyone interested in powerlifting is to not be too concerned with how well you do,” Conant said. “Just sign yourself up and dip your toe in the water to see how you like it. The community is inviting and accepting of beginners, and until someone tries it, they won’t know. Often, beginners I’ve come across overthink it beforehand, but after they actually compete, they usually fall in love with the sport or some aspect of it.”

Conant continues to be a great influence on the local powerlifters and will continue doing his part by leading an example for powerlifting and the fitness community.

Great job to all the powerlifters and best of luck to those that do come out to the proposed event next May.