Florida Athletes Power U.S. Team to Win in Iceland

Delanie Ross / Special Olympics Florida

Two Special Olympics Florida athletes recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Iceland to compete in the 2024 World Open Powerlifting Championships. Congratulations to John David Haywood and C.J. Panatieri, who won individual medals and helped lead the United States Team to a first-place victory!

The event was hosted by the International Powerlifting Federation and brought together 238 of the world’s top lifters -- 19 of which were Special Olympics athletes. John and C.J. represented Special Olympics Florida with remarkable strength and determination.

John David Haywood (Orange County) captured the overall silver medal in the 83kg division and collected three silver medals for his individual lifts including: squat: 92.5kg, bench: 50kg, and deadlift: 115kg.

C.J. Panatieri (Orange County) brought home the overall silver in the 66kg division, with gold in bench press and 2 individual silver medals in squat and deadlift: squat: 75kg, bench: 82.5kg, and deadlift: 132.5kg

The United States Team secured first place overall, ahead of Iceland, Great Britain, Canada, and India. As a special memento of the event, each athlete received a unique piece of volcanic rock from Iceland’s recent volcanic eruption.

But the excitement didn’t end there. John and C.J. also had the chance to explore Iceland's rugged, beautiful landscapes. They saw the Northern Lights, soaked in the Blue Lagoon – a world-famous geothermal spa – and enjoyed the culture of Iceland.

If you would like to check out the action, this event was live streamed on the Olympics YouTube channel and linked here: Powerlifting | Special Olympics All Categories | World Open Equipped Championships

Congratulations again to John and C.J. for their impressive accomplishments!