Amanda Bishop
NCR Editor & Publisher
Ten-year-old Blayze Mattox reigns as state champion for weightlifters age 13 and younger in the 39 kilogram division.
Mattox competed among the state’s best at the USA Weightlifting Florida State Championship in Lake Wales Saturday.
In the snatch competition, he lifted three times, with the first at 20 kilograms, or 44 pounds. The second was 22 kilograms (48.5 pounds) and then on his third try, he set a new personal record at 26 kilograms (57.32 pounds).
In the clean and jerk, he lifted 29 kilograms (63.93 pounds), then 31 kilograms (68.34 pounds). He knew that in order to win, he needed to set a new personal record and lift 33 kilograms (72.75 pounds). He was determined and did just that.
Parents Brandon and Tabatha Mattox are proud of their son. Dad Brandon Mattox shared, “With Blayze’s performance on Saturday, he ranks eighth in the nation, with first through seventh being 11, 12, and 13 years old.”
The younger Mattox works out four to five days per week on top of playing basketball and football. He also trains with JACT Athletics.
“Blayze is a strong athlete, but what really sets him apart from others is his work ethic and mindset,” Brandon Mattox said. “Through failure and adversity, Blayze finds a way to respond the right way.”
The Callahan Intermediate School third-grader qualified for the state competition during an event at the University of Florida. Mattox won that meet with a 20 kilogram snatch lift and a 31 kilogram clean and jerk.
editor@nassaucountyrecord.com