New Brighton resident and powerlifter sets six more world records at national meets

It was a record-breaking summer for New Brighton resident Tom Proya who set six world records at a pair of national meets in June and July. 

Proya lifted at the WPC National Championships in Detroit, MI, and USPA Nationals in Pittsburgh, Pa. in the master raw bench press 70-to-74 age group and 165 lb. weight class. 

Setting three national records at both meets, Proya pressed 331 and 336 lbs., winning first place and outstanding master raw bench press awards. 

Prior to the two meets, Proya set his 42nd world record in Chicago, IL, on the bench press at the WPC World Powerlifting Championships in November 2024. He also won the WPC World Championships back in 2014 and competed at the APF Ohio State meet in 2011. 

The 70-year-old powerlifter will set his sights to compete at the 2025 IPL Olympia Pro Powerlifting meet in Las Vegas, NV, in October 2025. 

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: New Brighton resident Tom Proya sets six world powerlifting records