Clifton High School Freshman Breaks RPS World Deadlifting Record

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Henri Skiba (left) and Erio Spear. Photo Credit: Evolution-PR

Clifton High School freshman and baseball athlete, 14 year-old Erio Spear, competed at the Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS) Jersey Rumble this past weekend in Newark, NJ, in his 198 lb weight class for Teens 14-15 Raw Classic.

Spear set an American Record for the syndicate of 475 pounds on his second attempt in the deadlift category, shattering the previous standing record by 20 pounds. In his third and final lift, he then went on to break the organization’s world record in his age/weight class with a 500-pound deadlift.

Erio, who resides in Clifton and Union, NJ, began weight training at the age of 12 and powerlifting training when he was just 13, initially under the guidance of his father David Spear, a former fitness model and competitive arm wrestler. In the past year, he has focused his training on powerlifting under the tutelage of Henri Skiba, owner of Skiba’s Gym in Carteret, NJ, the only Certified Westside Barbell Gym in New Jersey.

Skiba has been powerlifting for 45 years. He has won three World Championships in his age/weight category. Skiba worked as a Special Education teacher for the Carteret Board of Education for 34 years and retired to focus on his gym.

“This was Erio’s first powerlifting competition,” noted Skiba. “He already has his eye on exceeding his record this fall, as he will still be competing in the same age category. I knew from the first time Erio expressed interest in powerlifting, he had natural strength that could be refined for competition. I believe this sport provides great discipline, focus and confidence particularly for teens, boys and girls alike, especially at a time of mental and physical growth and uncertainty.”

Erio expressed, “You don’t see anything else when you’re on the platform lifting. I was zoned in on doing everything I was training for and didn’t think about anything else. It felt amazing to break the RPS world record, especially at my first meet and also tying my dad’s personal best in deadlifting. My dad has been weight training most of his life and emphasizes healthy living.”

To watch Erio's winning lift click here.

Erio is also an up-and-coming singer, who recently released his first single and music video here.

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Submitted via press release by Evelyn Weiss Francisco of Ev-olution PR

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