Alert the media! Kansas City has a national champion in our midst—and she’s only 15 years old. Introducing Haylie Knapp, the new USA Powerlifting National Champion in Teen 1 (14-15) for the 57kg weight class.
How strong is the Kansas City, Kansas, native? During her competition last month she squatted nearly 270 pounds. Knapp also benched 115.5 pounds and deadlifted a jaw-dropping 258.5 pounds. (Yep—re-read those. They’re legit!) We caught up with the titanium teen to find out five things you don’t know about the powerful powerlifter who trains at Kansas City Barbell.
5. “My inspiration to powerlift came from my older brother Lucas, who was a state high school powerlifter. I remember watching him at high school meets wishing I was right alongside of him pulling that kind of weight. It was at that moment when I realized I’m going to reach for the stars and make this dream a reality and be just like him.”
4. “I have a strong love/addiction to coffee. To be specific, my go-to drink is venti iced caramel macchiato with coconut milk—and light on the ice. I know what you may be thinking: That’s not real coffee.”
3. “I had a love and passion for riding and showing horses. In the past, I’ve been in many horse shows within the metro area—including the American Royal.”
2. “The end of my freshman year of high school I decided to go out on a limb and try out for cheer. (Mind you, I’ve never cheered a day in my life—let alone could bust out a dance move.) I’m happy to announce that I made the team and I’m an official high school cheerleader for Bonner Spring High School and loving every minute of it.”
1. “The middle of my 8th grade I was diagnosed with a form of juvenile Spondylarthritis. This disease affected all four of my limbs which resulted in me being in and out of a wheelchair for several months and struggling to even perform my daily activities. After ongoing medical treatment and physical therapy over the last several years, I’ve been able to put the disease in remission. Although there are days I struggle with aches and pains, my love and passion for lifting keeps me going.”