Friday, November 15, 2013
When is breaking a powerlifting record newsworthy? How about when a 91-year-old man and his 15-year-old great nephew both break world records at the same event.
Sy Perlis broke the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters (WABDL) record in the 90-and-over age division in June 2013.
Around the same time Perlis' 15-year old great nephew Meir Jablon showed a new-found interest in powerlifting. Jablon had missed the entire wrestling season and most of the lacrosse season because of a back injury; however, dead lifting made his back better.
This WW II veteran encouraged his great nephew to enter the WABDA world championship. Jablon had 12 weeks to prepare for the event. Perlis even brought him down from Seattle to Phoenix to work with his coach.
At the WADBL World Competition in Reno in November 2013, Perlis broke his own bench press world record. Jablon--who had never lifted before--broke the dead lift world record in his 12 to 15 age group, lifting triple his body weight.
"My Uncle Tiny is my inspiration, " says Meir Jablon. Meir's mom says, "Looks like powerlifting is a family affair."
Both Perlis and Jablon are grateful for their coaches and their supportive family members.