MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – Powerlifting at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games ran June 22 to 25 at Northrop, on the University of Minnesota campus, inside a Games that brought roughly 3,000 athletes from all 50 states to the Twin Cities between June 20 and 26. Special Olympics North America has shared its account of the competition, and Powerlifting America is publishing it here in full.
Powerlifting has been a part of Special Olympics competition since its introduction at the 1983 Special Olympics World Games in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Over the past four decades, the sport has continued to grow, with more than 5,000 athletes and Unified partners participating in powerlifting training and competition across the North America Region each year. Since 2005, the number of Special Olympics powerlifting athletes has more than doubled, representing a 113% increase and reflecting the continued growth of opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and achieve their goals.
That growth was on full display at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, where 80 powerlifters competed across 22 divisions in three events: bench press, deadlift, and squat, earning placements in the double combination (bench press and deadlift), and/or triple combination (bench press, deadlift, and squat). Across 84 medal events (252 medal opportunities), athletes showcased remarkable strength, determination, and sportsmanship.
Christopher “Tank” Gonzalez Powers to Three Gold Medals
Special Olympics Texas athlete Christopher Gonzalez delivered a dominant performance, earning three gold medals highlighted by an incredible 485-pound deadlift. Christopher has competed across a range of sports over the years, including athletics (shot put), bowling, Topgolf, swimming, and powerlifting. His accomplishments extend beyond sport as he also proudly holds a culinary certification with honors.
Maddie Sharpe Brings Powerlifting Strength
At just 17 years old, Kelly Walsh High School sophomore and Special Olympics Wyoming athlete Maddie Sharpe was one of the youngest athletes competing in powerlifting at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Maddie only made her powerlifting debut in 2025 and quickly emerged as a rising talent in the sport. She took home four medals and claimed first place in both the 45 kg bench press and 60 kg squat.
Growing Powerlifting Opportunities Nationwide
Powerlifting is about more than lifting weights. The sport builds confidence and resilience, and every competition becomes a place where athletes challenge themselves and celebrate one another’s achievements. The continued growth of Special Olympics powerlifting reflects a shared commitment among athletes and sport partners to create meaningful opportunities for participation and achievement.
To support the continued growth of powerlifting nationwide, Special Olympics North America (SONA) is working to connect its U.S. Programs with Powerlifting America contacts in their states to help develop local training, competition, and growth opportunities. SONA is also investing in expanded access by using grant funding this year to cover a one-year Powerlifting America membership fee for female powerlifting athletes and coaches, helping strengthen pathways for participation, development, and leadership within the sport.
By expanding access to quality training, coaching, and competition experiences, powerlifting programs help athletes develop skills that extend far beyond the gym. Partnering and working alongside Powerlifting America, the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF)-recognized sport federation for the United States, helps ensure consistency in these areas, so that U.S. Programs follow the same guidance provided to Special Olympics Programs globally.
On the Platform in Minneapolis
Powerlifting America was on site for all four days of competition. Miryam Elm officiated as a meet referee, and Powerlifting America President Robert Keller attended.
“The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games was one of the most well-organized events I have had the pleasure to attend. My congratulations to all the organizers, coaches, referees, volunteers, and most importantly the athletes. Well done!”
Robert Keller, Powerlifting America President
The Division at Home
The USA Games are Special Olympics’ own championship. On Powerlifting America’s calendar, Special Olympics athletes contest the Special Olympics division at the national championships, by weight class, under the same rules and on the same platform as every other division.
Special Olympics athletes next lift on a Powerlifting America platform at Bench Press Nationals, January 22 to 24, 2027, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and at Age Division Nationals, April 27 to May 2, 2027, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Internationally, the next Special Olympics World Summer Games run October 16 to 24, 2027, in Santiago, Chile, the first World Games held in the Southern Hemisphere.
Full results from the powerlifting competition in Minneapolis are available through the official Special Olympics results portal.