Gladiator Family: Chicago Police Officer and Sons Triumph at Las Vegas Weightlifting Competition
A Family Affair: Weightlifting and Community Building
Oak Lawn, Illinois – Weightlifting continues to be a way of life for one veteran Chicago police officer, Tommy Harrison, and his sons, Tommy Jr. (Tre) and Timothy. The father-son trio has been dedicated to the sport, and their hard work has paid off in a big way. They recently won the 2024 World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters (WABDL) championship in Las Vegas, with Tommy Jr. setting a new world record in the bench press.
A Love for Weightlifting
Tommy Harrison, a 51-year-old CPD veteran, introduced his sons to weightlifting in their early elementary school years. He wanted to spend quality time with them and teach them the importance of physical strength and mental toughness. “Weight training, it does a lot – mentally, physically, and emotionally – if you are stronger, you are more confident,” Harrison said.
A Record-Breaking Performance
At the WABDL competition, the Harrisons were an unstoppable force. Tre deadlifted 314 pounds to set a new world record in the Special Olympian category. Timothy deadlifted 407 pounds and bench-pressed 275 pounds, also setting new world records. Tommy Jr. set a new all-time bench press record of 925.9 pounds.
More Than Just a Sport
The Harrisons believe that weightlifting is more than just a sport – it’s a way to build character, discipline, and confidence. “When you’re down on your knees, you got to get up,” Timothy said. “A true failure stays on their knees. They don’t just get up. So, if you’re a winner, you get back up on your feet and you keep pushing.”
The Gladiators’ Mission
Tommy and like-minded dads formed a weightlifting club called the Gladiators, which aims to involve kids and help them stay on the right track. “We have all these kids, junior Gladiators, and we have meets throughout the year in the city of Chicago,” Harrison said. “This gives kids something to aim for. To start at this level, and then when they see consistency, it’s just like with anything in life – as long as you’re consistent and you follow the program, whatever it is that you are trying to do is going to happen.”
Post-Victory Celebrations
The Harrisons are currently enjoying a well-deserved victory lap, but they haven’t ruled out the possibility of defending their titles in 2025. For now, they are focusing on their community outreach efforts and planning future weightlifting competitions.
Conclusion
The Harrisons’ story is a testament to the power of family, hard work, and dedication. Their love for weightlifting has brought them closer together and provided a sense of purpose and fulfillment. As they continue to inspire and motivate others, they are proof that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.
FAQs
* What is the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters (WABDL)?
+ The WABDL is an international organization that promotes and governs the sport of weightlifting.
* What is the Gladiators’ mission?
+ The Gladiators is a weightlifting club that aims to involve kids and help them stay on the right track, teaching them the importance of physical strength, mental toughness, and discipline.
* What is the future plan for the Harrisons?
+ The Harrisons are currently enjoying a well-deserved victory lap, but they haven’t ruled out the possibility of defending their titles in 2025. They are focusing on their community outreach efforts and planning future weightlifting competitions.
