Pierce Northcott may be just 17 years old, but he’s already lifting well beyond his years.
Northcott, of Mackenzie, broke the world record in the deadlift for the 16–17 age class at the Special Olympics powerlifting event held Friday at CN Centre, according to master of ceremonies Chris Ball.
During his final deadlift attempt, Northcott pulled 205 kilograms (451 pounds) — a lift that appears to surpass the previous record of 423 pounds, based on research by The Citizen.
Looking confident on the platform, Northcott handled the weight with apparent ease.
“His personal best in training had been 440 pounds going into this meet,” said his coach, Bryce Surgenor. “This is Pierce’s biggest competition yet, and being at this calibre of event doesn’t seem to faze him.”
“He’s completely unbothered. This morning he was picking on me, telling me my moustache looked stupid,” Surgenor added with a laugh.
“He is the most trainable athlete. He does everything I tell him to do — and he did great.”
Northcott said he felt strong going into the competition, a feeling that didn’t change over the course of the five-hour event, which featured squat, bench press and deadlift.
He chose to compete in the bench press and deadlift.
“I’ve been lifting a lot these last few weeks, and nothing’s new — just working hard, finishing strong, having a healthy diet and losing weight. That’s all,” he said.
Northcott has become something of a local hero in Mackenzie, inspiring others through his dedication, said Judy Close, a board member with the Mackenzie Special Olympics committee.
“We’re all so proud of Pierce,” Close said. “Because of COVID, Special Olympics in Mackenzie crumbled away. Margie was the one who got things up and running again, and then a few of us joined. I think there were five or six of us on the board — and Pierce was our only athlete. He’s done fantastic. It’s been amazing getting to know him because he’s just so dedicated and so focused.”
Close said Northcott’s journey has inspired other athletes in the community. Mackenzie now has several swimmers and another weightlifter on its Special Olympics team.
“There was one young man who came to me and said he wants to do what Pierce does,” said Margaret Northcott, Pierce’s mother, smiling with pride.
She said powerlifting has been transformative for her son.
“When he was very young, he would hide away because he was very shy,” she said. “He wouldn’t go out in public and didn’t have many friends.”
That began to change when Pierce started walking and asked for a nutritionist. Then he asked for a gym pass.
Coach Surgenor, who frequently saw Pierce training on his own, approached the Special Olympics committee and offered to coach him.
“They’ve been training for two years now. Ever since, Pierce goes to Bryce when he has a problem,” Margaret said. “Bryce taught him how to read nutrition labels. Now Pierce makes his own food, won’t eat processed foods, and only allows himself one cheat meal a week.”
In addition to regular gym workouts, Pierce walks long distances with a weighted vest and flips tires for conditioning.
“And I work at a daycare — Pierce comes in to volunteer. He plays with the children and does push-ups with the kids on his back,” Margaret said.
Reflecting on how far her son has come brought tears to her eyes.
“He broke a world record. I am so proud of him.”
Conor McLaughlin, a Special Olympics powerlifting coach from Prince George, stood beside Pierce after the win. Coach Surgenor had been called away before the event ended.
“You just lifted 451 pounds,” McLaughlin said, patting Pierce on the shoulder. “He’s 17 years old, and I think that’s just phenomenal. He’s got a lot more in him.”
“I need Bryce to tell them I want to lift 500,” Pierce said, eyes full of determination.
“That’s the next goal for Pierce,” McLaughlin said. “He’ll only get stronger as he gets older, and a 13-kilo improvement on his personal best is something I’m really impressed by.”
“Yeah, I’m happy about that,” Pierce said with a smile.
