Exercise Science Major Breaks World Powerlifting Record April 29, 2013

Preston Turner currently is one of the best powerlifters in the world. He’s also a University of Texas at Austin student who’s in his third year of study in the College of Education.

On March 3 of this year Turner broke the previous Open World Record in the 120- kilogram weight class by benching 331 kilograms (that’s 729.5 pounds!) at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio.

Although he’s only 20 years old, Turner has held several Junior World Records in the sport, competed in three World Championships, and is a two-time Collegiate National Champion.

So what is it like to be training as an elite athlete while you’re also studying for midterms and rushing to get to class on time? Here’s what Turner has to say about being just a little bit different from the “average” Longhorn:

Q: What’s the best aspect of competing and winning in these tough competitions?

TURNER: My favorite part of winning is hearing the national anthem when I’m up on the podium and knowing that I’m representing my country.

Q: How did you get started in power lifting and how are you involved in it here at the university?

TURNER: After discovering during my freshman year of high school that I had some talent for the sport, I progressed pretty quickly as a member of my high school’s weight-lifting team. Right now, I’m balancing my training as recruitment chair of the Longhorn powerlifting team with my studies as an exercise science major in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education. And I also work at the College of Education’s Fitness Institute of Texas.

Q: Does it sometimes feel like sports training is just a little too much to squeeze into the schedule?

TURNER: Not really. Working out is something I always wanted to do, something that’s always interested me. People say go into something you love, and it’s one thing I certainly love to do.”

Q: So how do you find time for everything?

TURNER: Making time for so many activities can be difficult, but I have to say that I get the motivation to strive for success in powerlifting through dedication to my schoolwork. Even though I participate in three-hour long training sessions three times per week, my coursework always is the top priority. School always comes first. If I have a test on Monday, that’s what’s important to me.

Q: Academically, what does the near future look like for you? And what are your career plans?

TURNER: Graduation’s only a year away – I’ll graduate with a bachelor’s degree in spring of 2014. As far as what I’ll do after graduation, I’m not exactly sure yet. I know that powerlifting will always be a part of my life, whatever else I choose. I’ve thought about applying to graduate school or maybe teaching or pursuing entrepreneurship and starting my own business. There are many different ways you can go with a degree in exercise science.

Q: What’s next as far as powerlifting competitions and goals?

TURNER: I’m looking forward to the upcoming Collegiate National Powerlifting competition, which is being held in Killeen this year. I’ll be competing in the bench press, dead lift and squat events.

Turner is currently looking forward to the upcoming Collegiate National Powerlifting competition, which will be held in Killeen, Texas this year. He will be competing in the bench press, deadlift, and squat events. If I’m successful there, I’ll qualify for the Junior World Championship, which also will be held in Killeen.

Q: You’ve won that title twice before – once in the Czech Republic and once in Poland – are you happy that it’s being held closer to home this time?

TURNER: Yes, the World Championship usually is so far away and my family hasn’t really gotten to see me lift. It will be so great to have all of them there for this one.

—Christine Benson, College of Education Communications Assistant