Gryphon Strength Youth Team Recap: 2025 New York State Weightlifting Championships

The 2025 New York State Weightlifting Championships were nothing short of electric for our Gryphon Strength Barbell youth athletes. From first-time competitors to seasoned lifters chasing national qualifications, our team brought grit, energy, and personal records to the platform. Here’s the full recap of how our lifters performed.

Emily Arnold – The Life of the Meet

Emily went 5 for 6 and lit up the room with her trademark energy.

Eight-year-old Emily Arnold demonstrates impressive technique in the Clean & Jerk at 2025 New York State Championships.

In the snatch, after missing her opener at 7kgs, she came back strong with successful lifts at 7kgs and a competition PR at 9kgs. Her clean & jerk performance was equally impressive; she went a perfect 3 for 3, hitting 10kgs, 12kgs, and finishing with a meet PR at 14kgs. This brought her total to 23kgs (PR), earning her 2nd place in her group.

Aurora Garland – Dominant and Consistent

Aurora continued her winning ways with an outstanding 5 for 6 performance.

Aurora celebrates her victory on the podium after winning Gold at the 2025 New York State Championships.

In the snatch, she lifted 32kgs and 34kgs, setting a competition PR, but narrowly missed her all-time PR at 36kgs. On the clean & jerk, she was flawless, lifting 38kgs, 40kgs, and then hitting another competition PR at 41kgs. Her total weight lifted was 75kgs (PR), securing her 1st place in her group and qualifying her for the Virus Weightlifting Finals.

Savannah Hawkes – Rising Fast

In only her second meet ever, Savannah went 5 for 6.

Savannah proudly displays her bronze medal at the 2025 New York State Weightlifting Championships.

She performed exceptionally well in the snatch, hitting 17kgs and 20kgs for another competition PR, just missing out at 23kgs. During the clean & jerk section, she dominated, successfully lifting 29kgs, 33kgs, and an impressive 36kgs PR. Her total was 56kgs (PR), qualifying her for Youth Nationals and earning her 3rd place in her group.

Kaya Burns – Grit and Determination

Kaya took a bold shot at a qualifying total for the Virus Finals.

Kaya triumphantly celebrates after a successful clean and jerk at the Marble Competition.

Although she didn’t register a total, she still achieved a competition PR snatch at 39kgs. Months of training and her relentless drive are evident in her performance, showcasing her grit and determination which prepares her for even bigger goals ahead.

Aubrey Gibbs – Best Overall Youth Lifter

Aubrey delivered a statement performance, going 4 for 6.

Aubrey beams with pride as she holds her Best Overall Youth Lifter Award at the 2025 New York State Championships, flanked by her supportive coaches.

In the snatch, she hit a monumental PR at 46kgs despite a challenging session. On the clean & jerk, she was perfect, successfully lifting 59kgs, 61kgs, and 63kgs, resulting in another competition PR. With a total of 109kgs (PR), she finished 1st place in her group, earned the title of Best Overall Youth Lifter, and qualified for the Virus Finals.

Reagan Frommer – Flawless and Fierce

Reagan went 6 for 6 with a dominant showing.

A young athlete demonstrating strength and focus as she performs a Clean & Jerk at the Youth Nationals.

She opened her snatch with 43kgs, followed by 45kgs, and capped it off with a personal record at 47kgs. Her clean & jerk journey was equally compelling as she lifted 57kgs, followed by 60kgs, and concluded with another PR at 63kgs. Her total weight lifted was 110kgs (PR), granting her 1st place in her group and qualification for the Virus Finals.

Oliver Garland – Confidence on the Platform

Oliver matched his confidence with execution, achieving a 6 for 6 performance.

Olee proudly celebrates his Silver Medal victory at the 2025 New York State Championships with a triumphant pose on the podium.

He started his snatch with 17kgs, then successfully lifted 19kgs and scored a PR at 21kgs. His clean & jerk lifts were just as commendable, beginning at 24kgs, then hitting 27kgs, and finishing with a PR at 29kgs. Overall, his impressive total was 50kgs (PR), placing him in 2nd in his group.

Ashton Gibbs – Big Lifts, Big Wins

Ashton also maintained the momentum, achieving a flawless 6 for 6 with standout performances.

Ashton celebrates his first place victory at the 2025 New York State Championships with his supportive coaches by his side.

In the snatch, he started with 27kgs, then lifted 30kgs, and achieved a PR at 33kgs. On his clean & jerk attempts, he hit 47kgs, followed by 51kgs, and capped off his success with a substantial PR at 55kgs. His total of 88kgs (PR) earned him 1st place in his group.

Mateo Zikoyanis – A Massive Total

Mateo was another star of the meet, showcasing one of the highest totals of the day with a remarkable 6 for 6 performance.

Mateo patiently waits for his next lift.

He began with lifts of 54kgs in the snatch, moving on to 57kgs, and ultimately hitting a personal record at 60kgs. His clean & jerk efforts were equally impressive, hitting 64kgs, moving up to 68kgs, and achieving a PR at 72kgs. His total marked an incredible achievement at 132kgs (PR), earning him 2nd place in his group.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 New York State Weightlifting Championships proved that our Gryphon Strength Barbell youth team is radiating potential. With multiple competition PRs and national qualifications kept in mind, our lifters demonstrated that the future of weightlifting in New York is indeed bright.

We’re proud of every athlete who stepped onto the platform. Whether it was a first meet, a qualifying total, or an impressive best lifter award, each performance added to the legacy we’re building together.

Stay tuned as our youth lifters prepare for Youth Nationals and the Virus Weightlifting Finals— the journey has only just begun.

The dedication and camaraderie among our Gryphon Strength Barbell youth athletes make every competition memorable, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!