It started out as just a hobby and it turned out to be a competitive- type sport for Waimea’s Bryson Allianic-Brun, who recently swooped up the top spot in the 132 lbs. weight class for bench pressing (18-19 year old
It started out as just a hobby and it turned out to be a competitive- type sport for Waimea’s Bryson Allianic-Brun, who recently swooped up the top spot in the 132 lbs. weight class for bench pressing (18-19 year old division) at the American Open in Philadelphia.
Allianic-Brun competed alongside 10 individuals from across the country, who were vying for the prestigious honor.
“I was physically and mentally ready but I wasn’t equipment ready. They had top of the line equipment. Ever since I went there and I won, some guys donated things to me like knee wraps, squat suits and such. They wanted me to bring back a good name for powerlifting in Hawai‘i,” Allianic-Brun said.
The 2004 Waimea graduate attends Western New Mexico University with hopes of transferring to New Mexico St. to continue his study in mechanical engineering.
However, Allianic-Brun wants to continue to powerlift even if he transfers.
“It’s an individual sport so if you fail, it’s all on you. You only have yourself blame and that’s why I like it,” Allianic-Brun noted.
So how’d he get started with powerlifting? “I was just lifting weights and the owner of the gym (Diamonds Gym) told me to do powerlifting.
He said I might have a good chance, so I did it and now I’ve got state records in Hawai‘i and New Mexico,” Allianc-Brun said.
Because of still being a resident of Hawai‘i during his first year, he was allowed to have a state record in the 50th state.
Despite his growing love for the sport, he still considers it as a hobby and said that school remains as his first priority.
“This thing (powerlifting) is not a money making deal, but it’s keeping me really healthy and in shape,” Allianic-Brun said.
After all the lifting and studying, don’t be surprised if you see him at a local gym as a trainer by night and a mechanical engineer by day.
“I just got a job as a weight lifting and conditioning trainer,” Allianic-Brun said.
The former Menehune standout athlete has remained the same, while accomplishing many of his short-term goals, but there’s more to conquer for Allianic-Brun, as he continues to realize his dreams.
Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
