What a proud moment for Andrew and his gym coach Nathan Lawrence when Andrew broke his own personal powerlifting record of 185lbs. This inspirational journey started about an year ago when Andrew went to train with Nathan so that he could compete in powerlifting at the Olympics. He is an eighteen year old young man with Down syndrome who has already competed in the Special Olympics in the Skiing and Track events. With Andrew’s hard work and excellent coaching, today he is on the right track. Other than spending time in gym Andrew is passionate about music and wants to be part of a musical band. He also works at Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire. We want to congratulate Andrew for all his achievements and also thank coach Nathan for coordinating this interview and helping Andrew to reach for his aspiring goal.

What kind of training are you doing for participating in competitive power lifting? What do you like about your training?A: I train for bench press, deadlift, and squat. We do a lot of physical training in the gym we go to. We work on lifting with good form and posture. I feel like I am getting stronger, faster, and better, and smarter. I love training because my coach Nathan Lawrence is a lifter and he teaches me a lot about the sport and I love lifting with him.

How has your gym coach Nathan Lawrence helped you to work towards your goal? What is your favorite exercise?A: About Nathan Lawrence, he has helped me with my ability in the gym. He has showed me the right form to all the exercises and the muscles we train. He adds weight to the bar and pushes me to get stronger. I feel like I have gotten stronger. My favorite exercise is legs but I am best at deadlifting.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?A: I love going to see my grandparents, my aunt, and my cousins. I like to entertain my family and friends with my jokes. I like to invite my family and friends to places such as, movies, concerts, arcades, beach, amusement parks, and ice cream.

What are your other hobbies?A: I love music. I have a passion for it and hope to be a musician in a band. I want a job that involves music. I also participate and compete in martial arts, baseball, wrestling, powerlifting, skiing, I take guitar lessons, and I love eating. I am also a member of the Best Buddies program and I work at Canobie Lake Park in Salem New Hampshire.

What is your favorite place to visit?A: My favorite place to visit is Disney World in Orlando Florida. I also love visiting Canobie Lake Park when I am not working.

Any special message for our community?A: The message I want to tell the world is to never give up on your dreams and if you ever lose track or get in trouble I will always be there with all my loving. If you want to do something don’t say “I’ll try.” Go out and do it. My karate sensei told me that. You can do anything you want, just don’t be shy. I love you.