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Gryphon Strength Barbell Brought the Fire Power at the Virus Weightlifting Finals & UMWF World Championships 2025

Daytona Beach, Florida became the proving ground where Gryphon Strength Barbell at the Virus Weightlifting Finals & UMWF World Championships showed exactly what disciplined training, technical mastery, and unshakable grit look like on the platform. Across youth, masters, and open divisions, our athletes delivered a weekend packed with PRs, medals, and breakthrough performances.


With the men’s team finishing 14th overall out of 150 teams and the squad posting 31 made lifts out of 54 attempts (57%), Gryphon Strength Barbell left a powerful mark on both the Virus Weightlifting Finals and the UMWF World Championships.


In total, the team brought home:

  • 6 Gold

  • 7 Silver

  • 2 Bronze

= 15 Medals


Below is the full recap of the firepower our athletes unleashed.


Marc Marquez — Podium Precision in the Open Division


Marc went 3/6, hitting a Comp PR Total of 286kg at 71kg bodyweight.

  • Snatch: 125kg (3rd)

  • Clean & Jerk: 161kg (2nd)

  • Overall: 3rd in the Virus Weightlifting Finals


A massive performance that anchored Gryphon Strength Barbell at the Virus Weightlifting Finals with elite-level consistency.


Weightlifter in a blue suit, wrist wraps on, applies chalk from a barrel. Dimly lit stage with blurred text in the background. Focused mood.
Marc Marquez preps with chalk and smelling salts, focusing intensely before attempting a major lift.

Alexandra Zikoyanis — Masters Strength on Display


Competing in the UMWF World Championships (45-49, 58kg), Alexandra went 4/6 with:

  • 46kg Snatch

  • 60kg Clean & Jerk

  • 106kg Total

  • 8th Overall


A strong showing that demonstrated technical discipline and championship composure.


Woman with taped hands sits on a chair, flexing her arms and appearing determined. Tattoos visible on arms; background shows blurred crowd.
Alex Zikoyanis showcasing determination and strength backstage before stepping into the spotlight.

Aubrey Gibbs — Youth Nationals Qualification Secured


Aubrey placed 8th overall in the under-15, 69kg category at the Virus Finals, going 3/6 with:

  • 45kg Snatch

  • 67kg Clean & Jerk (Comp PR)

  • 112kg Total (PR)


Her performance officially qualified her for Youth Nationals, marking a major milestone for her development.


Woman in a navy tank top sits with hands on hips, looking focused. In the background, people at tables and a screen are visible.
Aubrey Gibbs, focused and determined, prepares to take the stage, showcasing her readiness and resolve.

Lucille Murphy — World Champion


Lucille dominated the UMWF Worlds in the 77kg, 40-44 age group, going 4/6 with:

  • 73kg Snatch

  • 92kg Clean & Jerk

  • 165kg Total


A world title earned with precision and power.


Woman in black workout attire applies chalk to hands in a gym with weightlifting equipment. Number 04 visible on shorts. Dimly lit setting.
Lucille Murphy prepares for a lift, applying chalk with focus and determination on the competition stage.

Aurora Garland — Silver Across the Board


In the under-13, 48kg category at the Virus Finals, Aurora went 3/6 and claimed silver in all lifts:

  • 35kg Snatch (Comp PR)

  • 42kg Clean & Jerk (Comp PR)

  • 77kg Total (PR)


A breakout performance for one of our youngest rising athletes.


A weightlifter in mixed striped socks gives a thumbs-up on a platform. Barbells and spectators in the background, focused and lively ambiance.
Aurora Garland gives a triumphant double thumbs-up after successfully completing a 35kg snatch on stage, showcasing her strength and confidence.

Ashton Gibbs — Golden Sweep


Ashton took gold across the board in the under-13, 65kg division, going 4/6 with:

  • 40kg Snatch (PR)

  • 54kg Clean & Jerk (Comp PR)

  • 94kg Total (PR)


A dominant showing that reflects the future of Gryphon Strength Barbell at the Virus Weightlifting Finals.


Boy in a gray T-shirt with three medals around his neck, smiling in a spacious hallway. Red lanyard reads “Daytona Beach, FL.”
Young champion Ashton Gibbs proudly displays his three gold medals after a victorious performance in the 65kg Youth Division.

Amiee Lazar — Dual-Event Competitor


Competing in both the UMWF Worlds and Virus Finals, Amiee went 3/6 with:

  • 70kg Snatch

  • 77kg Clean & Jerk

  • 147kg Total

  • 9th place overall


Her grit shined through in a performance across two major stages.


Weightlifter in black gear performs a snatch with 70 kg at a competition. Background shows scoreboards and "United Masters" banners.
Coach Amiee Lazar confidently lifts 70kg in an impressive snatch on stage at the United Masters Weightlifting competition.

Christian Tsakanikas — Big Lifts, Big PRs


Christian placed 11th in the 88kg category at the Virus Finals, going 3/6 with:

  • 127kg Snatch

  • 169kg Clean & Jerk (Comp PR)

  • 296kg Total (PR)


A massive total that signals his upward trajectory.


Athlete with number 07 chalks hands beside a large screen displaying scores in a gym setting. Two seated individuals and weights are in the background.
Christian Tsakanikas prepares with chalk before attempting a 169kg Clean & Jerk lift at the competition.

Bryan Jow — Double Podium & C&J Gold


Bryan delivered one of the weekend’s most complete performances, taking 2nd Overall at both the Virus Finals and UMWF Worlds. He went 4/6 with:

  • 114kg Snatch

  • 143kg Clean & Jerk (Gold)

  • 257kg Total


A championship-caliber showing from start to finish.


Athlete preparing to lift weights, applying chalk in front of a background with "Weight Lifting" text. Focused expression, indoor setup.
A focused Bryan Jow prepares for a big lift, chalking his hands in anticipation on the weightlifting stage.

Celebrating Community and Achievement


Gryphon Strength Barbell at the Virus Weightlifting Finals proved once again that our community is built on more than big lifts - it’s built on people who show up for each other.


A huge thank-you goes to Emma, who made the trip even though she wasn’t competing. She jumped into the back room, supported the lifters, and kept the energy high all weekend. That kind of commitment is the heartbeat of this team.


We also want to thank Alex, Lucille, Marc, and Christian for stepping up when they weren’t on the platform - filming lifts, loading warm-up bars, coaching each other through attempts, and keeping the atmosphere electric for every Gryphon athlete who took the stage. Their presence elevated the entire squad.


Two people smiling and preparing for a weightlifting event. One wears a blue suit; the other a black hat. A display shows "175 kg."
Coach Bryant congratulates Athlete Marc with a handshake and smiles after his podium performance.

In closing, Daytona Beach felt the fire because our athletes didn’t stand alone - they stood with a tribe behind them. And this momentum is only growing.


Embracing the Future Together


The performances at the 2025 Virus Weightlifting Finals and UMWF World Championships are testaments to the hard work, dedication, and passion of Gryphon Strength Barbell. As we look towards upcoming competitions, we carry with us not just the medals and the records, but the spirit of camaraderie that binds our community together. The journey has just begun, and we are excited to continue supporting each other as we strive for greatness on and off the platform.


Let this championship weekend serve as a beacon for all who aspire to lift not just weights, but themselves and their teammates higher. Together, we will rise stronger and more determined than ever.

 
 
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