Shen Senior Sets National Record

Liam Anderson, a resident of Halfmoon and a senior at Shenendehowa High School, set a national bench press record on Sept. 5, 2026. Anderson set the American record with a lift of 180 kilograms, equating to more than 396 pounds on his second attempt and then broke that record with a lift of 182.5 kilograms, equating to more than 402 pounds, on this third attempt. The previous record of 177.5 kilograms, approximately 391 pounds, was set in 2018.

Anderson set both records at the 2026 USA Powerlifting Southwest Regional Championships in Grapevine, Texas. The record is for the 16–17 year old age group and up to 82.5 kilograms body weight, approximately 182 pounds. 

Anderson started lifting in 2025 and set the New York State record for his age group and weight in November 2025, and has since broken that record several times since. He has been working to set the national record before his 18th birthday later this month.

While Anderson did not break the American record in July 2026 at Bench Nationals he competed well enough that he earned a place on the USA Powerlifting National Bench Press Team and was invited to represent the US at the 2026 International Drug Free Powerlifting Association World Championships in Hjalteyri, Iceland in October. He had to decline the invitation as the travel would conflict with school. 

USA Powerlifting, established in 1981 as the American Drug Free Powerlifting Association, Inc, is the leading drug-tested powerlifting organization in the United States. Distinct from weightlifting, a sport made up of two lifts: the Snatch and the Clean-and-Jerk, where the weight is lifted above the head, powerlifting comprises three lifts: the Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift. Powerlifting competitions may be comprised of one, two or all three of the lifting disciplines.

Both of Anderson’s record setting lifts were live-streamed on YouTube. The first record was set at 3:19 and the second record at 3:28.