At the back of the Lansing Center, chalk floated in the air as lifters paced with headphones on, eyes locked on invisible targets. Out front, the crowd buzzed with anticipation, waiting for the iron to bend.
This was the 2025 USA Powerlifting Michigan State Championships, and this year it stepped beyond the average state meet. On Nov. 22-23, 180 of Michigan’s strongest athletes converged for a national-level qualifier experience – right in the heart of Lansing.
“This is the first time we’ve brought the state meet to a full convention center like this,” said Chloe Darnell, director and co-owner of Powerbelly Barbell. “Because this is a qualifying meet for nationals, I wanted it to feel like a national-level event. National meets are held in conference centers, banquet halls and similar venues. Lansing is centrally located, so lifters from all corners of Michigan could make it without a long drive. I wanted it to be accessible for families and friends too, and there are hotels right here, so everyone can be close to the action.”
Planning a meet of this scale required months of coordination. Darnell and Dane Roach, the state chair and co-director, began conversations in April, secured the Lansing Center in late May, and opened registration on June 1, which filled in just three days…