Florida Teen Breaks 30-Year Weightlifting Record for Grandma
High school senior Abraham Clemetson lifted 325 pounds to shatter his school's decades-old weightlifting record, dedicating the achievement to his grandmother who passed away during last year's competition. Despite being on the autism spectrum, the determined athlete now sets his sights on the 2028 Olympics. ##
When Abraham Clemetson lifted 325 pounds at a late March meet, he wasn't just breaking a 30-year-old school record. He was keeping a promise to his grandmother.
The Central High School senior from Brooksville, Florida, shattered the Bears' second-place weightlifting record on March 25 at Weeki Wachee High School. The previous mark of 320 pounds had stood since 1994.
But the achievement carries deep emotional weight. Last year during his district meet, Abraham learned his grandmother had passed away while he was competing.
"Since I knew that I couldn't get a gold medal because everyone in the county is just so strong in my weight class, I just thought about breaking my school record for her," Abraham explained. "My entire weightlifting season was for her."
His mother Demetria had just left the hospital where her own mother died, yet she put on a brave face to support her son at regionals. "I had to be strong," she said.
Abraham has been weightlifting for two years, training relentlessly to reach this moment. At 5:15 p.m. that March afternoon, all that hard work paid off in a single lift.
Why This Inspires
Abraham is on the autism spectrum, but his mother says most people would never know it. "Being with him and around him, you wouldn't know it," Demetria shared proudly.
The senior athlete has transformed personal grief into fuel for achievement. While navigating loss and his own challenges, he found strength in honoring someone he loved.
His goals stretch from practical to aspirational. He wants to join an affordable weightlifting club to compete for the love of the sport, but he's also eyeing the Olympic trials for Los Angeles 2028.
After graduation, Abraham plans to attend community college before transferring to FAMU, SEU, or the University of Florida. His interests span cybersecurity, law enforcement, and farming.
"He is a good kid," his mother said. "He has gone above and beyond."
The Bears' top weightlifting record of 445 pounds still belongs to Bryan Goolsby from 1996, but Abraham has already proven that records are meant to be broken by those determined enough to chase them.
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This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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