Thank you for reaching out. Your contact form has been successfully submitted. We'll be in touch soon!

U.S. Army Veterans to Compete in Powerlifting at 2017 Rocky Mountain State Games

Posted July 27, 2017  Powerlifting

The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) is sending three powerlifters to compete in the 16th Annual Rocky Mountain State Games; Charles King (Philadelphia, Penn.), local athlete, Thomas Monroe (Pueblo, Colo.) and Tony Taliani (Columbus, Ohio).

King, a post-Vietnam war veteran who was honorably discharged from the Army for health reasons has overcome depression, homelessness and cancer since losing his sight to hereditary acute glaucoma. King competed in his first powerlifting competition at 60 years old in 2010 and has competed in multiple international competitions since, including the 2015 International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) World Games in Seoul where he finished 4th overall in the Mall 100 kg division.

Monroe served in the Medical Service Corps with the U.S. Army, active duty, from 1972 to 1975 and on reserve from 1975 to 1981. He experienced vision loss as a result of detached retinas and cataracts, and has competed for USABA since 2009. This weekend, Monroe returns to Colorado Springs where he set several age-group records at last year’s State Games.

Newcomer, Taliani holds personal record lifts of 413 pounds in squat, 264 pounds in bench press and 507 pounds in deadlift.

“We’re very proud to partner with Colorado Springs Sports Corp on the Rocky Mountain State Games each year,” said USABA Executive Director, Mark Lucas. “The event gives our athletes an opportunity to compete against peers and challenge their level of skill.”

Powerlifting events will take place at the National Strength & Conditioning Association (1885 Bob Johnson Dr.) on Sunday, July 23, beginning at 9:00am.


<