Senior D’Lathian Young stepped onto the platform, focused and ready. Competing in the 308-pound weight class, he had just made history by setting a new state record in the squat. But what should have been a triumphant day took an unexpected turn.
“It didn’t end the way I wanted,” Young said. “But I’m proud of what I accomplished. It just sucks not getting the result you want after giving it your all.”
During his final deadlift attempt, Young pulled the weight successfully, but as he lowered it, the bar slipped from his grip. It hit the ground too soon. A red light from the judges. Disqualified. No placement, but his record still stood.
“It was never really just wanting to break records,” Young said. “It really was about proving to myself that I’m more than what I was left with.”
Young’s journey to that moment wasn’t just about numbers on a leaderboard—it was about proving something. Not to the judges, not to his competitors, but to himself and the parents who had left him behind.
“I think about how my parents didn’t want me,” Young said. “I push myself every day to show them exactly what they walked away from.”
Adopted at a young age, D’Lathian said he has carried that weight with him every day. But even in the toughest moments, he finds strength in those who have stood by him.
“I thank my family and Coach Maines,” Young said. “Being adopted, there were times I felt like I was on my own, but they’ve always been there for me when I needed them most. They’ve helped me push through more than just lifting.”
Fellow lifter and teammate Case Moore trained alongside Young throughout the season and saw his impact firsthand.
“He pushes everyone around him to be better,” Moore said. “Even when things go wrong, he’s the kind of guy who makes you believe you can still push through.”
Coach Bo Maines, who has guided Young throughout all four seasons, echoed that sentiment.
“I have seen tremendous growth in him as a lifter and more importantly as a young man,” Maines said. “Extremely proud of him and his efforts as a powerlifter over the last four seasons.”
Young says their support, along with his relentless work ethic, keeps him going. His routine is simple.
“I start my day with water and a banana,” Young said. “And I have meals throughout the day to fuel my body.”
Even though the disqualification kept him off the podium, Young said he doesn’t see it as a loss.
“I don’t need a medal or a place to prove anything,” Young said. “I already won with the people around me and the life God has given me.”