Martin High School Junior Sergio Martinez Wins State Powerlifting Championship

Martinez dominates the super heavyweight unequipped division with a record-breaking total lift.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:54pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movements and raw power of a super heavyweight powerlifter in action.Sergio Martinez's state championship-winning powerlifting performance showcases the explosive strength and raw energy of Laredo's elite high school athletes.Laredo Today

Sergio Martinez, a junior at Martin High School in Laredo, Texas, won the state powerlifting championship in the super heavyweight unequipped division. Martinez totaled 1,570 pounds with a 620-pound squat, 385-pound bench press, and 565-pound deadlift, finishing 40 pounds ahead of any other competitor.

Why it matters

Martinez's state championship victory continues Laredo's strong tradition of producing elite high school powerlifters, following in the footsteps of recent state champions from United South and Nixon High Schools. His success in the weight room has also translated to the football field, where he earned second-team All-District honors as an offensive tackle.

The details

Competing at the Abilene Expo Center on March 27, Martinez won the state title in the super heavyweight unequipped division. Unequipped powerlifting limits competitors to wearing only knee sleeves, wrist wraps, a belt, and a spandex singlet, making the victory even more impressive. Martinez's total lift of 1,570 pounds was 40 pounds more than any other powerlifter in the division.

  • On March 27, 2026, Sergio Martinez competed at the state powerlifting championship in Abilene, Texas.
  • A few weeks prior, Martinez won the Region 5 championship in the super heavyweight unequipped division with a 1,550-pound total.

The players

Sergio Martinez

A junior at Martin High School in Laredo, Texas, who won the state powerlifting championship in the super heavyweight unequipped division.

Mark Duron

The head coach of the Martin High School powerlifting team, who has guided Martinez to his state title.

Jonathan Pena

A recent Laredo powerlifting state champion from United South High School, who won back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015.

Rudy Flores

A recent Laredo powerlifting state champion from United South High School, who won back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015 and holds the state record of 2,175 pounds.

Marco Banda

A recent Laredo powerlifting state champion from Nixon High School, who won the title in 2015.

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What’s next

Martinez will look to defend his state title and potentially break the overall state record of 2,175 pounds held by Rudy Flores when he returns to the state powerlifting championship next year as a senior.

The takeaway

Sergio Martinez's state championship victory continues Laredo's reputation as a hotbed for elite high school powerlifting talent, with several recent state champions hailing from the city's high schools. Martinez's success in the weight room has also translated to the football field, where he has emerged as a standout offensive lineman for the Martin High School Tigers.