Big Cedar employee breaks world record

A longtime Big Cedar Lodge employee has set a world record.

John Bennett, 83, set a deadlift record of 325 pounds for athletes ages 80-84, according to a news release. The previous record of 270 pounds was made in 2021.

Bennett's record came on May 6 during the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters’ American World Cup Bench Press and Deadlift Championships in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

"Accomplishing a goal that centers on personal passion has given me the drive to keep pressing forward," Bennett said in the release. "I can only hope this encourages others to pursue their own goals and passions as well.”

Bennett is a more than 30-year employee of Big Cedar Lodge who currently oversees the resort’s fitness center and pools. His LinkedIn profile indicates he works as quality control manager.

At the competition this month, he first cleared 280 pounds to break the former record. He then broke his own record three more times to land at 325 pounds.