Iowa's Strongest Man making waves in competitive lifting

Shane Maier, from Storm Lake, puts on a powerlifting demonstration at Chicago's Federal Plaza in the effort to draw the Olympics back to the U.S. in 2016. Although that plan failed, Maier hasn't, making incredible training lifts of up to 617 pounds. / Photo courtesy Chicago 2016

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A two-pound broomstick.

Growing up in Storm Lake, Shane's father, Dan, a local state patrol officer who has been an amateur competitive powerlifter in his own right, insisted that Shane learn the proper technique before he ever loaded up a bar with iron plates. And that exacting form learned with a humble broomstick has made all the difference.

The lessons he achieved early served him well as he grew. Shane played football at Storm Lake High School and won two State titles and two Drake Relays championships in shot put. He went on the University of Iowa, where he captained the track team, won a Big 10 indoor shot title in 2007 and equaled the school record by qualifying six times for NCAA Regional Championships, all while also earning All-Big 10 honors in academics and sportsmanship.

In his senior year, Shane struggled with injuries and fought against pain.

Read more of this story in the August 31 Pilot Tribune.

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