Mikayla Dolina of McLean shows her muscles at the United States Powerlifting Association Ultra Nationals in Anaheim, California. She broke three International Powerlifting League Junior world records.
The Dolina siblings of McLean represent a generation of strength and athleticism. On May 26, 19-year-old Mikayla Dolina won the Junior 67.5-kilogram division by 50.5 kilograms at the United States Powerlifting Association Ultra Nationals in Anaheim, California. She broke three International Powerlifting League Junior world records with a 423-kilogram total, beating the 2021 record by 23 kilograms. Her lifts included a 158-kilogram squat and a state record 92.5-kilogram bench press. On a fourth attempt, she deadlifted 181.5 kilograms (400 pounds), the first junior in her class to hit that milestone.
“I like to think of myself as a bit of an ambassador for the sport of powerlifting at my school and hope that when other women see me lifting heavy weights at the gym, it makes them more comfortable in the gym environment,” Mikayla said. A JMU student, she plans to establish a collegiate powerlifting team there.
Brother Sawyer, 17, placed fourth in the Men’s Junior 90-kilogram class in his national debut with a 180-kilogram squat, 227.5-kilogram deadlift, and 130-kilogram bench press.
“I have met athletes ranging from 12 years old to over 80 years old, competitors with physical handicaps, a blind competitor, and even a competitor with one prosthetic leg who squatted over 300 pounds. Everyone is very supportive of each other, and it inspires me to do my best,” Sawyer said
While brother Charlie did not compete in Anaheim, he said, “I started training and competing in powerlifting while I was a wrestler, and could see the benefits of strength training. I am now more focused on volleyball, but will continue training in powerlifting as the benefits translate to all sports.”