Tyler Johnson, a sophomore at Bentley, has quickly transformed from a weight-room novice into one of the most formidable young athletes in Michigan high school powerlifting. This year, Johnson secured first place in the state for his weight class during the Junior Varsity (JV) competition. Competing in the 275-pound weight class, he achieved a massive total lift of 1,250 pounds, which represents the combined weight of his best successful attempts in the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
Johnson’s ascent in the sport is particularly impressive given his short tenure in the weight room. He only began powerlifting in November of his freshman year, marking the very first time he had ever touched weights. In just over a year of training, his strength has exploded; for instance, his bench press has climbed from an initial 160 pounds to a staggering 300 pounds.
Beyond the raw numbers, Johnson is recognized by his coaches as a "gentle giant" who balances immense physical power with a respectful and humble demeanor. His history teacher and coach, John Horton, describes him as a dedicated student in AP World History and a leader among his peers in the weight room. Because Johnson is a technically proficient lifter, Coach Horton often pairs him with newcomers so they can observe and learn proper lifting form.
The environment of the weight room at Bentley is one of mutual support, a quality Johnson embodies. Coach Annie Olar recalls a "sweet" moment where Johnson assisted a teammate, Hannah Rock, by placing large plates under her feet so she could reach the ground and stabilize herself during a bench press attempt. This willingness to help others highlights the team-oriented nature of what is often viewed as an individual sport. At competitions, Johnson remains focused on his own growth, frequently seen practicing and strategizing alongside his father to refine his performance.
Johnson’s mindset is a key factor in his success. He approaches the sport with a high degree of self-accountability and a philosophy that "you train hard to get big rewards". This dedication is evident in his response to failure; if a lift proves too difficult or is unsuccessful, Johnson does not get discouraged. Instead, he uses the experience to understand his current progress and identify exactly what he needs to work on next.
The competitive atmosphere of the Michigan High School Powerlifting Association (MHSPLA) is rigorous, requiring athletes to adhere to "raw" lifting rules, which limit equipment to items like a non-velcro belt and high socks for deadlifting. Even in this strict environment, Johnson’s abilities have left onlookers in disbelief. At one meet, his opening weight for a lift was reportedly 300 pounds heavier than a fellow competitor’s personal record. Coach Olar noted that Johnson’s "crazy deadlift" left coaches and spectators in a state of awe as he pushed himself to not just win, but to challenge state records.
To celebrate his remarkable achievement, Principal Justin Dickerson recently held a special "belt" ceremony in the school gymnasium. Inviting all staff and students to attend, Principal Dickerson presented Tyler with a commemorative gold belt recognizing his big win at the state JV meet. Tyler's family joined the school community for the presentation, reflecting Dickerson’s belief that students who work hard to win big should be publicly recognized.
In addition to his coaches, Tyler also credits his growth to several mentors at Bentley, including Coach Stabile, who pushes him on the football field, and Mr. Carmody, who challenges him in the classroom. He appreciates the small, supportive community at his school and encourages other students to "just stay focused" on their goals. With a state title already under his belt as a sophomore, Johnson’s journey in powerlifting appears to be just beginning.