Special Olympic medalist 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 4 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," said Phillips.

Phillips says his squat is 410lbs, bench press is 300lbs, and 500lbs in deadlifting. 

The event will take place on March 8th 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.