Pictured from left to right are Steel Valley Metal Milita Chapter President Matthew “Giganto” Hodge, Alex Shaw, Buster Godden and Krystle Ransom. Submitted Photo

Alex Shaw takes the Male Best Overall Lifter award, while Krystle Ranson and Buster Godden were both first place finishers at the 2023 Metal Militia World Championships. The three, who train at the S&C Powerplant in Warren, PA, made the trip to Queensbury, NY for the event.

Godden put up 360 pounds in the Bench Only event, winning his division. Ranson took on the Push/Pull event, putting up 215 pounds on bench, which a was personal record, and pulled 315 pounds on deadlift to finish on top.

Shaw went for it all, competing in the Full Power event, consisting of squat, bench press, and deadlift. The Steel Valley Metal Militia Chapter Member credits his teammates for helping him overcome some early unsuccessful attempts and finish with an 805-pound squat, 775-pound bench press, and 650-pound dead lift, totaling 2,230 pounds. In addition to Best Male Overall, Shaw took first place in his division, and achieved all new personal bests in each of his lifts.