Shepherdstown Middle School eighth grader Brynlie Austin deadlifts during a competition. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Brynlie Austin, an eighth-grade student from Shepherdstown Middle School, helped raise $1,100 for the Special Olympic of Virginia through powerlifting.

With the help of donations from her family, friends and teachers and pledges during the event, Austin was able to present the money on September 23.

Austin first started powerlifting after participating in cheer. After putting a lot of work into her team’s routine for a competition, she was frustrated when some of her teammates made a mistake during their performance. Austin decided she wanted to try something that completely relies on her own hard work and decided to try powerlifting. She has been competing in powerlifting for four years and is now one of the top female powerlifters in her age group.

“I love the big crowds and how everyone supports everyone,” Austin said.

“Everyone is very accepting,” added Mason Austin, Brynlie’s father and gym partner. “If you’re a good person, they will treat you right, and if not, they will straighten you out. They’ve become like a second family for us.”

Pictured, from left, are Mason Austin; Marcus Leggett, Virginia Beach Special Olympics president of logistics and events; and Brynlie Austin. Brynlie presented $1,100 to Leggett for the Special Olympics of Virginia. Courtesy photo

In 2022, Austin decided that she wanted to use her abilities to help others. She started a fundraiser with Lifting for Loved Ones, an organization started by her mother, Nicole Austin. People could pledge a certain amount of money per pound or make a one-time donation. She raised $700 for the American Cancer Society.

This year, Austin wanted to continue raising money for others. During a competition in Virginia, Austin caught the eye of Armor of God (AOG) Wellness, an organization that promotes mental, physical and emotional health.

Austin became AOG Wellness’ youngest sponsored athlete and learned more about AOG Wellness’ partnership with the Special Olympics of Virginia to help support others. As she competed in the Iron Maiden II, a female powerlifting competition, Austin raised $1,100.

“I think it’s important to give back to others, because some people go through hard times, and they may need the money,” Austin said.

Austin hopes to do more fundraisers in the future. She wants to help raise awareness for other organizations as she continues to grow in her career. Her parents are excited to see her continue to grow and help others in the community.

“Every powerlifter’s dream or gym rat’s dream is to have one of their kids do what they do and love,” Mason Austin said. “And to be able to spend an hour a day, two hours a day, just me and her in the gym laughing, talking, having coach and athlete moments and dad and daughter moments is an amazing experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”