Special Olympics medalist Phillips prepares for next event

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Local Special Olympics athlete Charlie Phillips has his eyes set on a new competition.

Phillips is a powerlifter from Savannah, Missouri, and in 2023, Phillips won four medals in the Berlin Special Olympics.

Phillips has now received an invitation to the Arnold Sports Festival Empower ID invitational. 

"I will be doing squat, bench, and deadlift and then my goals are to do higher numbers than I do now," Phillips said.

Phillips said he's currently able to squat 410 pounds, bench press 300 pounds and hit 500 pounds in deadlifting. 

The event will take place on March 8 in Columbus, Ohio, and feature many other competitions like bodybuilding and the strongman event.

To prepare for the event, Phillips will be working with his coach, JP Price, to get ready for the competition.