Encouraged, the pair went home and began to research powerlifting records. Turns out, they had unofficially and unknowingly surpassed such bench-pressing marks. Since then, the Tawzers — including mother and wife, Mary — have taken weightlifting to massive heights, participating in the World Powerlifting & Bench Press World Championships several times, most recently Nov. 14-15 in Las Vegas.
With 425 participants on hand, Clay placed second in his class (ages 24 to 38), despite benching a cool 529 pounds and dead-lifting 550; only an Icelander handled more. Clay’s parents, meanwhile, each won gold medals their respective classes: Mary, a cancer survivor, captured the bench-press event with 170 and the dead-lift with 308; Ken earned bench honors by raising 407.
The Tawzers have participated in dozens of World Championships worldwide, including three within California — Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento. There’s no rest for the muscular. One year, the family attended no fewer than 15 contests, including four within two months. When competing, the family is sponsored by Gold’s Gym and Cornerstone Real Estate, among other businesses, in Santa Maria.
“We’re allowed to work out for free, but we cover our own traveling expenses,” says Clay, who played one year of junior-varsity football before turning his attention strictly to weights. He also has a keen interest in professional wrestling. “Since I was little, I wanted to be one of those wrestlers on TV,” he says.
It was two years ago that Clay tore his gluteus maximus, which took nearly a half-year to heal —and may have impacted his effort in Vegas. “If not for that injury, I may have reached 600 to 700 pounds,” he says.Lifting such considerable mass remains his goal; hence a diet of no alcohol or sugar up to three weeks before a competition. Clay and his parents are essentially self-trained, meaning perfection isn’t often achieved. “There’s a lot of trial and error,” he explains with a smile. On workdays, the Tawzers usually reach the gym around 5 p.m. and pump iron for at least two hours on their own, without other spotters. (“I don’t trust anybody but my parents,” Clays says.) Clay, who wants to compete for years to come, said his motivation is simple.
“It’s something to do — it keeps me going,” he says. His father plans to keep going until he’s at least 80 years old. “He enjoys making fun of the younger guys,” adds Clay.
jluksic@syvjournal.com