HILL AIR FORCE BASE – Terry Baldwin, an Ogden Defense Logistics Agency retail accountable officer set four state, national and world deadlift records May 12-13 at the Mountain America Expo Center during FitCon Utah 2023, on his way to being named “Best Lifter” in his class.
Baldwin, a retired Marine, accomplished all this in the Master’s 5 Class, reserved for 60-64 year-old participants. His weight class is 242 pounds and his final pull for the tournament was 644.8 pounds.
His inspiration to join this sport came more than three decades ago while serving active duty on Okinawa, Japan.
“After I saw some other Marines powerlifting I knew that was what I wanted to do,” Baldwin said. “My first powerlifting contest was in 1989. I was last in my class at weighing only 154 pounds.”
Finishing last didn’t discourage Baldwin. He kept training, competing and ultimately learned life-lessons doing what he enjoys.
“Powerlifting is you against the bar,” he said. “When you beat the weight on the bar, you increase your capability. It’s very challenging but your efforts, discipline and drive to succeed can also be applied in daily life to overcome challenging obstacles.”
Baldwin, who has had more than 40 years in government service, applies these concepts in the DLA where he works with inventory and the Care of Supplies in Stock team to be sure there are assets in good condition and quality to support the warfighter.
“Being a warfighter myself I enjoy giving back to my brothers and sisters in arms to support their efforts in the best way possible,” he said.”
Baldwin competes annually in the American Powerlifting Federation, the World Powerlifting Congress, the United States Powerlifting Association and the International Powerlifting League where he’s won various titles in full power, bench only, deadlift only and push pull.
Baldwin attributes his success and longevity in this sport to preparation and good coaching.
“Find a coach and gym that supports powerlifting and begin your journey. It’s never too late,” he said. “I want to thank my fellow Marine friend, and owner of Lion’s Pride Gym in Layton, Doug Van Tassell, for his continued support and belief in me.”
Baldwin said he has no intention to quit competing any time soon.
“I will continue until I expire if my body and mind allow it,” he said. “Age is just a number, and we are not done yet as we are just getting started. I want to leave a legacy for my family and friends to remember that I accomplished my dreams and that they can too. Semper Fi…”