For a lot of powerlifters, that may not seem like much, but for Taylor, it marked a monumental win. Thats because Taylor, who is relatively new to the competitive lifting scene, also lives with cerebral palsy. But that didnt stop him from trying for-and obliterating-that 200-pound mark.
200lb deadlift at 99lb!! More than double my bodyweight!!! HECK YEAH!, Taylor shared on Instagram from the pairs gym, .
I was so excited to finally hit 200 pounds because its been a goal of mine since I started training, Taylor says.
View this post on Instagram 200lb deadlift at 99lb!! More than double me bodyweight!!! HECK YEAH! A huge thank you to my coach @uncle.nic for alway being by my side and teaching how to hitch!! And thank you to my @neversate fam for always cheering me on! You guys a the greatest! #grateful #strongman #neversate #theloyalbrand #cerebralpalsy #deadlift #workout A post shared by Smiles Taylor (@smiles_taylor) on Feb 7, 2019 at 7:37am PST
While the video of Taylor's deadlift is compelling on its own, however, the story behind it is even better. Weve been friends since middle school, his trainer Nicolai Myers, a Strongman competitor and Army veteran, told Men's Health. Hes not just a client. Hes been a friend of mine for quite some time.
View this post on Instagram Love my coach @uncle.nic Always teaching me new things like how to toss a tire over my head! Just gotta keep at it and eventually I will it!! #grateful #neversate #theloyalbrand #cerebralpalsy #strongman #powerlifting #workout #gym A post shared by Smiles Taylor (@smiles_taylor) on Feb 6, 2019 at 7:31am PST
One year ago, Myers explains, Taylor walked into the gym to do a little photography and graphic design work. He spotted Myers and a few athletes lifting Atlas stones as part of their training regime. Immediately, Taylor knew he wanted in. And that was just fine with Myers.
Hes always been into sports, so I said, Hey, lets give this a shot, Myers said.
The pair began to work out together, and almost immediately Taylor took to it like a fish to water. Taylor started coming in to work with his trainer on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays, working on the four main lifts: , , , and .
Of course, they have to modify certain moves for Taylors training. According to Myers, that typically includes more stability training than your average lifting session.
He can't get a perfectly straight back, Myers explained, So its basically teaching him to brace properly. What may take you or me a week to learn may take Taylor a month.
And thats OK with both of them. So far, his progress has been steady: Taylor already competed in his first powerlifting competition, and is looking at his second this spring.
View this post on Instagram What a day!! My first competition was amazing, but even more amazing is the fact that I my @neversate family, my coach @uncle.nic and a bunch of new friends in whom I just met by my side cheering on everyone! Because of them I went 9 for 9 on my lifts and hit a deadlift PR! Thank you! #neversate #grateful #cerebralpalsy #powerlifting #family A post shared by Smiles Taylor (@smiles_taylor) on Oct 27, 2018 at 2:34pm PDT
Two-times bodyweight is an intermediate lift, Myers says, indicating why the now viral clip of Taylors lift is so impressive. Its really awesome for someone to do within their first year. As for whats next? What might be the limit now, hell fly through next week, Myers says. Hes only getting stronger.
View this post on Instagram 185lb deadlift!!!! 30lb PR!!! Heck yeah!! I coming for you, 200lb!! Thanks you to my coach @uncle.nic and my @neversate family for always encouraging me! Yall mean the world to me! #grateful #neversate #cerebralpalsy #deadlift #powerlifting #strongman A post shared by Smiles Taylor (@smiles_taylor) on Dec 18, 2018 at 8:18am PST
Taylor, meanwhile, is relatively unfazed by how quickly he's progressed: His latest feat is merely a reflection of his work ethic in the gym. All the hard work I put in paid off at that moment, Taylor said. It was never a matter of if I could do it. It was a matter of when I could do it.