A World Record at 8: Michael McCourt Headlines Warwick Barbell Bash II

Michael McCourt, 8, pulled a world record 95 kg deadlift highlighting the meet that also saw Oluwatosin Gbotosho and Adam Carter post the top totals of the day.

Michael McCourt breaks deadlift world record at the 2026 Warwick Barbell Bash II — Michael McCourt, 8, breaks deadlift world record at the 2026 Warwick Barbell Bash II

The 2026 USAPL Warwick Barbell Bash II brought together first-time lifters, seasoned competitors, teenagers, and masters athletes under one roof at Intrepid Strength & Conditioning Center in Warwick, N.Y. By the end of the day, one of the biggest stories belonged to the youngest athlete in the building.

Michael McCourt, 8, competing in the Youth 1 division at 52 kg, made his powerlifting debut and left with a world record deadlift.

McCourt opened the day with a successful 50 kg squat after missing his first attempt. He followed with a 37.5 kg bench press, then stepped onto the platform for deadlifts. After making 92.5 kg and 95 kg, he loaded 100 kg for his final attempt. The lift did not pass, but the 95 kg deadlift was enough to set a world record in his age class. McCourt finished with a 182.5 kg total and first place in the division.

While McCourt’s record drew attention throughout the meet, the Open Men’s division produced the day’s heaviest lifting.

Oluwatosin Gbotosho delivered one of the top performances of the competition in the 90 kg class. He went 245 kg in the squat, 160 kg in the bench press, and 325 kg in the deadlift to finish with a 730 kg total and a meet-leading 479.90 DOTS score. His 325 kg deadlift was the heaviest successful pull of the day.

Adam Carter squats 245 kg at the 2026 Warwick Barbell Bash II

Adam Carter matched the highest total of the meet in the 100 kg class. Carter opened with a 252.5 kg squat and worked up to 275 kg on his third attempt. He added a 150 kg bench press and a 305 kg deadlift for a 730 kg total, securing first place in his class with a 453.64 DOTS score.

The meet showcased exactly what has made local USA Powerlifting events popular: newcomers sharing the platform with experienced competitors, teenagers lifting alongside masters athletes, and records falling in front of a packed crowd. On a day filled with strong performances, the image that stayed with many spectators was McCourt walking away from the platform with a world-record deadlift in his first competition.