History made: Kona middle schoolers break world records on Oahu

KAILUA-KONA — It’s not often that history is made, especially at the intermediate age. But for Konawaena middle schoolers Teisa Manofetoua-Grace and Kamuela Grace, making history is just another challenge to conquer.

The powerlifting pair, both 14, broke state and world records in their respective weight classes this past weekend at the 23rd annual Sonny’s Bench Press and Deadlift Competition at Kapiolani Bandstand in Honolulu. The event pays homage to the late Sonny Renolo, a Hawaii powerlifting legend.

Manufetoa-Grace benched 143.2 pounds and deadlifted 319.5 pounds — both state and world records in the 14-15 division, according to the World association of Benchers and Deadlifters (WABDL).

Grace broke a state record in his class’s bench press, lifting 225.7 pounds.

In the deadlift, he then broke a state and world record with a 468.2-pound heave.

Both lifters train at Imua Iron in Kailua-Kona.