2025 New York Top Athlete Rankings Celebrating Gryphon Strength Barbell's Unmatched Legacy

The 2025 New York Top Athlete Ranking reveals more than just numbers and placements. It highlights the dedication, skill, and spirit of Gryphon Strength Barbell’s community. At the New York State Weightlifting Championships in Binghamton, Gryphon athletes secured first-place team awards for both men and women, marking a remarkable back-to-back achievement. Sixteen lifters from Gryphon earned spots on the top athlete rankings across various age groups and weight classes. This year’s results showcase a powerful legacy built on hard work and unity.

Gryphon Strength Barbell’s Historic Year in Numbers

The 2025 rankings reflect the strength of Gryphon’s program across all levels:

• 16 athletes ranked among New York’s top lifters

• 1st place team awards for both men and women at the state championships

• Representation in every age group from Under 11 to Masters 45+

• Success across all weight classes

  
  

This breadth of achievement shows how Gryphon develops talent from youth to seasoned masters, creating a pipeline of champions.

Standout Athletes Who Defined 2025

Several athletes stood out by earning top rankings in multiple categories. Their performances not only earned medals but also inspired the entire Gryphon community.

• Claire Weche dominated the Open Women and Masters Women 35-39 in the 53kg class.

• Emily Arnold excelled in the Women’s U11 and U13 30kg class, showing early promise.

• Savannah Hawkes led the Women’s Under 11 53kg category with impressive lifts.

• Aurora Garland ranked in two weight classes (44kg and 48kg) for Women’s Under 13.

• Aubrey Gibbs and Reagan Frommer took top spots in the Women’s 14-15 69kg and 69kg+ classes.

• Kaya Burns showed strength in both Women’s 16-17 and Junior 53kg classes.

• Lucille Murphy and Alexandria Zikoyanis represented the Masters Women 40-44 and 45-49 categories.

• On the men’s side, Marc Marquez, Christian Tsakanikas, and Samuel Anderson led the Open Men’s 71kg, 88kg, and 110kg+ classes.

• Youth lifters like Oliver Garland, Ashton Gibbs, and Mateo Zikoyanis made their mark in the Under 11, Under 13, and 14-15 age groups.

• Bryan Jow stood out in the Masters Men 35-39 79kg class.

  
  

These athletes combined technical skill with mental toughness, pushing themselves to new personal bests and setting a high standard for their peers.

What Sets Gryphon’s Rankings Apart

Gryphon Strength Barbell’s approach to training and competition creates a unique environment that fosters success. The 2025 rankings reflect more than just physical strength:

• Holistic development

  Athletes focus on mastering technique, building mental resilience, and supporting each other. This balance leads to consistent performance improvements.

• Age-diverse excellence

  From the youngest lifters under 11 to masters over 45, every athlete receives tailored coaching that fits their stage of development.

• Community-first culture

  Success is shared and celebrated. Teammates cheer each other on, creating a positive atmosphere that motivates everyone to improve.

This culture helps athletes stay committed and enjoy the journey, not just the results.

Behind the Rankings: Culture, Coaching, and Camaraderie

The strength of Gryphon’s program comes from more than just individual talent. It’s the culture, coaching, and camaraderie that build champions.

• Expert coaching

  Coaches at Gryphon emphasize proper form, injury prevention, and mental preparation. They design training plans that adapt as athletes grow stronger and more confident.

• Supportive community

  Lifters encourage one another during tough workouts and celebrate milestones together. This support reduces burnout and builds lasting friendships.

• Focus on progress

  Every lift, no matter how small, is a step forward. Athletes learn to set realistic goals and track their improvements over time.

This environment creates a cycle of motivation and achievement that fuels Gryphon’s ongoing success.

Building Momentum for the Future

The 2025 rankings are not just a reflection of past achievements but a foundation for future growth. Gryphon Strength Barbell continues to:

• Identify and nurture young talent early.

• Provide advanced training for competitive lifters.

• Foster a welcoming space for all ages and skill levels.

  
  

With this approach, Gryphon is positioned to maintain its leadership in New York weightlifting for years to come.

What This Means for Athletes and Fans

For athletes, the 2025 rankings offer clear proof that hard work pays off. They show that consistent training, strong technique, and a supportive team environment lead to success.

For fans and the community, these results highlight the impact of Gryphon Strength Barbell beyond competition. The club builds confidence, discipline, and friendships that last a lifetime.