Video: A Monroe County Powerlifter Inspires Others

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AMORY, Miss. (WCBI)-Getting in shape can be a difficult, but one Amory resident is using his workouts to inspire others.

Power lifting makes you strong. It also burns calories, improves balance and increases self confidence. 18 Year old Drake West has had to overcome more obstacles than a typical lifter.

“When I was born I had a bleed in my brain and it was on my left side. Therefore, it affects my right side. So I haven’t been able to walk my whole life,” says Drake West.

A chance encounter a local retailer led Drake down the path of power lifting.

“I was in Amory Wal-Mart one day and I saw this big guy. I want to get to know this guy,” says West.

And that’s exactly what he did. It wasn’t long before Drake’s new friend and trainer, entered him in competitions.

“I treat Drake just like I treat everybody else and that’s one of the respects I really have for him is that he doesn’t want to be treated any differently,” says Joe Morrow.

Joe Morrow says Drakes dedication helps him find the strength to push through his own workouts.

“To say that he has been an inspiration to me as well is an understatement because here is a kid that has every reason to quit to give up to throw in the towel. It motivates me and my own training to do a whole lot better and myself because I can easily end a set at a certain amount of reps but if I feel like I have another. Hey, what would Drake do? I can push out another one,” says Morrow.

“The hunger that I have for the sport of power lifting it will only get worse. I want to be the best I can be at the sport,” says West.

“If it is God’s will for my life. I am what I am by the grace of God. I can only pray to God and him give me the strength to do what I do,” says West.

And it looks like it’s paying off because he set a new personal best bench pressing with a 35 pound dumbbell with two reps.

Drake holds the current national and state record holder for the American Power lifting Association for paraplegic in the 114 pound division.